Thank you, Richard. I’ve been trying to understand why this works. I’m guessing it has something to do with how sensitive we are to the sound of our name and how the breadth of information we have for the many voices who speak it can quickly throw unique characteristics of a particular speaker into relief.
Sometimes, when I hear your name called (or think I do), I can literally feel the hairs in my ear standing on end. Our name is surely one of the most meaningful “words” in our vocabulary.
monkey at a typewriter 
I enjoyed your reflections and tried the exercise for myself. You’re right, it can have surprising power.
Thank you, Richard. I’ve been trying to understand why this works. I’m guessing it has something to do with how sensitive we are to the sound of our name and how the breadth of information we have for the many voices who speak it can quickly throw unique characteristics of a particular speaker into relief.
Sometimes, when I hear your name called (or think I do), I can literally feel the hairs in my ear standing on end. Our name is surely one of the most meaningful “words” in our vocabulary.