Richard or Ricardo? How your name impacts your media job prospects
SBS World News presenter, finance editor and Small Business Secrets presenter Ricardo Goncalves explains why he used to be known as Richard.
I was born in Wollongong on the NSW South Coast into a very traditional Portuguese family that migrated to Australia in the late 1970s.
I was given a common Portuguese name, Ricardo Jorge Goncalves (Pronounced: George Gon-salvsh) and Portuguese was my first language. But when I started primary school, the teachers started calling me ‘Richard’.
It stuck for more than 20 years, including the beginning professional career.
Great article!
Teachers used to correct the spelling of my name Georgia to Georgina all-the-time; as though I had inadvertently spelt it wrong. 35 years ago it made a little girl from a Greek background feel just like that – displaced and standing out like a sore thumb.
Lovely. Thx.
The correct pronunciation of a name is critical to scoring points with that person. Take the time to remember their name and pronounce it correctly. It will pay dividends. Here’s another take on the importance of a person’s name. Enjoy. https://yourvoiceprofessor.com/name/