What to Do If You Mispronounce a Client’s Name (Again)
You’re in a high-stakes client meeting, introductions are flying, and before you can stop yourself—
“It’s great to see you again, Shuh-REE-tuh!”
Your client smiles politely.
“It’s actually Sha-REY-ta.”
You freeze. You’ve met her before. You’ve heard her name. You thought you had it right. But this is the second or maybe third time you’ve fumbled it.
If you’re someone who prides yourself on relationship-building, this moment stings. You might feel flustered, embarrassed, even ashamed.
But here’s the truth: how you recover matters more than the mistake itself. The ARC Method® can help you do it with grace, humility, and professionalism.
Step 1: Ask – Pause and Invite Correction with Curiosity
Don’t pretend it didn’t happen. Don’t barrel through. Pause, and check in:
“Thank you for correcting me—can you say it again for me, and I’ll make sure I get it right?”
Or:
“I appreciate your patience—can you help me hear it the right way?”
You’re inviting clarification in a way that centers their identity, not your ego.
This also gives your client a moment to be seen. Names matter. Getting them right matters. And asking signals that you’re willing to learn.
Step 2: Respect – Listen and Acknowledge Without Excuses
This isn’t the time to explain why you messed up. It’s time to be quiet, listen, and receive.
Respect in this step might mean saying very little—just:
“Got it. Thank you.”
Or:
“I’m sorry I’ve mispronounced it before. I’ll get it right from here.”
No over-apologizing. No excuses. Just presence and accountability. You’re showing that you value your client’s identity—and you’re not centering your own discomfort.
Step 3: Connect – Rebuild Credibility Through Action
After the moment passes, use it to strengthen the relationship.
You can follow up in an email:
“Thanks again for your grace earlier—I’ve made a note on your pronunciation and appreciate the reminder.”
Better yet: Use their name correctly and confidently the next time you speak. Nothing builds trust faster than showing you’ve learned from the moment.
If the relationship is strong and the vibe is right, you might even circle back with:
“I’ve been practicing your name. Please keep me honest—I want to get it right.”
That little moment of accountability becomes a bridge.
What This Looks Like in Practice
You say: “Thanks for joining us, DEE-yuh.”
She says: “It’s DYE-yuh, actually.”
You pause:
“Thanks for the correction. I appreciate your patience. Dye-yuh—got it.”
Later in the meeting:
“Dye-yuh, would you like to weigh in before we move forward?”
And boom—you’ve just demonstrated respect, adaptability, and professionalism. All without drama.
Why This Matters
Names are personal. They carry heritage, family, culture, identity. When you get them wrong repeatedly, it sends a message—whether you mean it or not—that the relationship is not a priority.
But when you take the time to ask, listen, and connect, you do more than repair. You deepen trust. You show your client that they matter.
And that’s what lasting relationships are built on.
Try This
Practice names before the meeting using LinkedIn audio or client voicemail intros.
Keep a pronunciation guide in your CRM notes—this is about care, not memory.
Normalize this in team culture: “We double-check names, always.”
You’re not aiming for perfection—you’re aiming for presence. And that’s what makes you stand out.