Whenever it is necessary to speak to a business on the telephone, the first thing they will say is ‘what is your good name’.

This took me by surprise the first time I was asked, as I was previously unaware that my name was good, bad or indifferent.

I reply giving my first and last names.  Although both names will be recorded, it is the forename which will be used during the conversation.

In the UK, frequently call centre staff will ask your name, and then as they have been taught to say by their PR people ‘do you mind if I call you Ian’. Presumably this is intended to establish a more personal rapport. I never like it much but never decline.

Here in Qatar, they will prefix you forename with Mr… so I will be referred to as Mr Ian. I find it much more friendly… so it’s Mr Ian signing off another blog post.