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Tips on Using Name Badges to Boost Relationships

  • By Judith Bowman
  • |
  • February 13, 2018

The simple act of saying another person’s name may seem trite. However, it’s often unexpected and almost always delightfully received.  You will endear yourself to others, turn a few heads and get positively noticed just by saying their name!

This seemingly inconsequential gesture is extremely potent as it holds the power to alter relationships – and name badges, correctly placed, will ensure seamless introductions, conversations and connections while instantly setting you apart in all the best ways.

Events where guests do not wear name badges force individuals to know, use and remember names. In such cases, business card use is rampant as this greatly assists in the almost always arduous name-game challenge.

Because most of us are challenged even remembering names, wearing a name badge at networking events should be required. Providing easy visual access to the seemingly innocuous name badge is key.

Tips for Wearing Name Badges

Wear your name badge so others may view, learn, remember and use your name. Knowing where to place your name badge shows you as aware, thoughtful, in the know, and one in-touch with important detail.

When you take the time and effort to consider this seemingly small detail, the perception is you take similar time and effort with attention to detail in other business matters.

Name badges belong on the right side and should be worn as high as possible on your right shoulder for others to see!  Because, as you extend your arm to shake hands the line of sight is to the other person’s right. As you shake you need only lower your gaze, rather than overtly exchange your glance from their right to their left side in order to see their name badge.  In doing so, you convey you have forgotten their name.

It is not necessary to wear a name badge when you are the speaker, as everyone knows who you are. One exception: When speaking at a large conference where every attendee may not know you, it is appropriate, even considerate, for the speaker to wear a name badge to eliminate confusion or embarrassment.

Types of Name Badges

However “tacky” name badges are, they’re a necessary evil. Hence the reason many organizations go to considerable lengths to provide tasteful, elegant name badges.

For example, the pewter-like magnetized badges are very professional and rich-looking while still being very affordable. Be careful of the pin badges which can damage fine fabrics.

Name badges worn around the neck, often seen at conventions, are utilitarian because one can also tuck keys and business cards in the same pouch.

Another form of name badge which has evolved, those that drop into the gentleman’s left breast pocket, is actually not correct when it comes to protocol. Women’s jackets typically do not have left breast pockets. When this name badge debuted, it confused everyone.

A bonus pearl of wisdom:

Gentlemen, please think twice before clipping badges onto your belt buckle or pants pocket. …awkward!

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Author Bio

Judith Bowman founded Protocol Consultants International in 1993 and has prospered to become an established Business Protocol expert, educator, corporate speaker, and renowned authority in the field of Professional Presence, Dining Savvy, International Protocol Awareness, and personal and professional development. Ms. Bowman also provides Protocol Certification. She is a graduate of Boston College and has pursued studies in Effective Business Communication at Harvard University. Ms. Bowman speaks to critical interpersonal communication skills and shares specific nuances advantageous to exemplary conduct in today’s fast-paced and highly competitive global work environment. She showcases everyday business situations and shows professionals how to leverage these as opportunities to demonstrate respect while earning respect - while showing you know “the difference” while making a difference to stand apart and outclass the competition! Ms. Bowman has authored two business protocol books: “Don’t Take the Last Donut…” (Career Press) presently sold in 16 countries, translated in 14 languages, and her new book, “How to Stand Apart @ Work …” She has authored a weekly Everyday Etiquette column syndicated throughout New England for ten years by the Pulitzer Prize winning Eagle Tribune Publishing Company. Internationally, she authored a Business Protocol column for the prestigious Noblesse Magazine, China. She presently writes a weekly Business Protocol column for Boston Herald newspapers and has a coordinating weekly radio segment, “A Protocol Moment” on Herald Radio. She also writes a monthly Fabulous Woman series which features truly fabulous women who have shattered the glass ceiling and has been featured in Leader to Leader, March, 2015. Bowman has produced a series of support products which include: Executive Etiquette/First Impressions DVD, DINING 101 DVD and Protocol Training DVD – from her on-line How to Stand Apart series.

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