LinkedIn introduces feature that lets you upload audio clips

LinkedIn has introduced a new feature that will let you record up-to 10-second audio clip pronouncing your name in order to help other users pronounce it correctly. The feature has been in beta testing for a couple of weeks now, but LinkedIn said that they would be rolling it out to its 690 million users this month.

The audio clips will appear as an icon on the right-hand side of profile names.

You can only add the audio clips using Android and iOS but playback is available accessible on both desktop and mobile. To add a recording on your profile, all you need is:

1. Open the LinkedIn mobile app and tap View Profile.
2. Tap Edit.
3. You will see a new option dubbed Record name Pronunciation that you also need to click.
4. The phone will start recording so you have to make sure your clip is within the 10-second limit.
5. After that, you can then upload it on your profile and save.

The feature is designed to minimize awkward or unprofessional mistakes when speaking to contacts for the first time. This will be effective especially at this time where virtual meeting have replaced the in-person meetings, there’s a high chance one can easily miss on a name spelling.

A similar feature for digital pronunciations was first offered by Facebook for many years and its crucial for any professional networking platform.

Joseph Akoni, a product manager at LinkedIn says “everyone, including myself, makes mistakes when pronouncing other people’s names. I’ve encountered this personally with my Nigerian middle name there’s a 99% chance someone won’t pronounce it correctly on the first try.” as reported by the Wallstreet Journal.