In defense of name tags

Our dad, Loren, was a huge fan of name tags. He loved them. He’d insist we wear them at school events and church on Sunday. I don’t remember the presence of nametags at Dad’s Weekends at Indiana University, but I’m positive his vote would have been a resounding yes.

His enthusiasm for nametags was much to our embarrassment during our teenage and young adult years. But looking back, we admit he was probably right all along. Here are three reasons we’re now Team Nametags.

They say welcome

Attending an event where you don’t know anyone can be terrifying. Having nametags waiting for guests says, “We’re so glad you’re here.” It communicates that you’ve put thought and planning into a gathering. Nametags don’t have to be an investment. Truthfully, I despise the plastic holder with lanyard kind. Sharpies with adhesive nametags from the Dollar Store work just fine. My niece always makes place cards for family holiday dinners with markers and construction paper. But whatever you do, have them!

A visual aid

I worked for ten years as an elementary school librarian, and people were always astounded that I would commit every kid’s name to memory. Did I have some kind of super skill? Heck no. I benefited from seeing every student’s name on a computer screen for checkout. I learned names much faster because I could see them spelled out.

An opportunity to learn more

Name tags provide an easy conversation starter. In social settings or at business events, knowing someone's name can break the initial awkwardness and pave the way for meaningful interactions. Names tell stories. A name tag can be an opportunity to learn more about someone’s background. Maybe they speak more than one language or have lived in a different part of the world.

At Orangily we believe in the art of entertaining. Andee and I believe that nametags are one way we can all strive to be a better host.

Kristin Patrick, Co-Founder

Orangily