Mispronouncing someone's name upon first meeting the individual is never a good initial impression—it's even worse the second or third time. To avoid such situations, LinkedIn now enables users to add an audio recording of their name to their profile. For those who activate the feature, a speaker icon will appear on their profile. Visitors can click the icon to hear the recording.
This feature offers multiple benefits for professional interactions, says Joseph Akoni, product manager at LinkedIn. "Correct pronunciation is not just a common courtesy—it's an important part of making a good first impression and creating an inclusive workplace."
Next time you are preparing to meet someone—whether for the first time or the third—check their LinkedIn profile for this activated feature. If it isn't available and you are unsure how to pronounce the individual's name, the best course of action is to simply ask the person.
