Want to up your communication game? Let's start from your text messages.

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Have you ever received a gift with your name on it? Like a cake with “Mary” written on it or a letter to “Adam”.

How did it make you feel? Special, am I correct?

Well, there are several ways to spark the same feeling when speaking and writing to people. It begins when you personalise your messages.

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When conversing with my clients and potential consumers, whether online or offline, I begin the conversation by either addressing them by their names or titles.

For example:

a.	Hi, Barr. Etiido!
b.	Hi, Mr. Daniel!
c.	Greetings, ma'am!
d.	Good morning, students!
e.	Hello, Colonel!

I do this not only to sound polite, but also to keep my messages personal. And guess what? It feels good when other people do the same to me.

What does it mean to personalise your messages?

Personalising messages involves tailoring your written and spoken communication to match the needs of the recipient. Salespersons, writers and others generally use this technique to build stronger connections with their readers, listeners or potential clients.

For instance, they address them by their names, make reference to things likes, etc.

Most Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscientists believe that the brain activity that improves perception sparks up when we hear our names or things we like.

Does it work?

Recently, I decided to pay close attention to those emails and messages that resonate with me the most. I observe that most of them began by addressing me by my name.

This adds some form of personal touch which motivates me to either read or complete the call to action.

Compare these two:

Sample A sounds like that the sender created the message specifically for me. On the other hand, sample B sounds like some random, generic, broadcast message for "one of the customers on your email list".

Gross!

If you desire to up your communication game, then it's time to pay attention to these teeny-weeny details.

Start by,
a. Using your recipient's name when addressing them in messages.
b. Consider things they prefer. A reference to sport could make your interaction more meaningful if you are chatting with a sports lover.
c. Adjust your message to match the situation or platform.
d. Be authentic. Try to sound as sincere and unique as possible.

So, tell me. Which of these do you prefer?

Message A

Hi, Ukpono.
I've got a hectic day at work today.
Please let's shift the meeting to tomorrow by 7 PM.

Message B

Hi,
I've got a hectic day at work today.
Please let's shift the meeting to tomorrow by 7 PM.

Message C

Good morning, everyone.
We've got new arrivals at the store!
Come select your wears.
You'd enjoy 16% discount on every transaction you make between today and Thursday. Don't miss out! 🥳🥳🥳

Message D

Good morning, Ukpono.
We've got new arrivals at the store!
Come select your wears.
You'd enjoy 16% discount on every transaction you make between today and Thursday. Don't miss out! 🥳🥳🥳

Tell me your thoughts in the comment section and which you prefer which?

I am Ukpono, an English graduate who is committed to helping you improve your verbal and written communication skills. Let's connect. Vote, comment and resteem this post if you find it helpful so others can benefit as well.

_{Published by @ukpono on 21 June 2025}