Pronouncing Names at Convocation

Quick Guide to Phonetic Spelling: 

To ensure your name is read correctly as you cross the stage at Convocation, you must provide the pronunciation. Most of the ceremony name announcers speak English as their first language; if you think the announcer will mispronounce your name, please write your entire name phonetically in the Application to Graduate. The spelling you provide will be printed on the name card handed to the announcer as you cross the stage.

To spell your name phonetically, break the parts of your names into syllables, capitalizing the letters of the syllable that should be emphasized. Use hyphens where needed. Include all sounds that might help a person say your name, even if those sounds are not in the actual spelling of your name. Here are some examples:

How to Spell Your Name Phonetically: 

Step One 

Break up your name into its parts. Your name may not use all the spaces below or may need more spaces. 

_____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  

(Example: Wolf  gang   Am   a   de  us   Mo  zart) 

Step Two 

Capitalize the sounds that one might emphasize when pronouncing your name. Use hyphens where needed. 

 _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____ 

(Example: WOLF  - gang   Am  - a  - DE - us   MO  zart) 

Step Three 

Finally, guide us to the best pronunciation. Include all letter sounds that might help a person say your name, even if those same sounds are not present in the actual spelling of your name. 

_____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____  _____ 

(Example: VOOLF-gang  Am-aDE-us  MOT-sart)