After the man mentioned John, everything went smoothly.

[Nightowll]

A man was talking with his employer in his job interview. At first it wasn't going so well, but after the man said he knew someone called John, whom the employer liked, the employer was much more willing to hire the man.

After the man mentioned John, everything went smoothly.

After the man mentioned John's name, everything went smoothly.

In this case, did the man mention John, or John's name? Which do you think you should say?

 

[The Newt]

It's not clear how you could mention John without also using his name, although I suppose you could identify him as "that other guy who works here" or whatever the case might be. "John's name" is slightly more elegant, perhaps, but there is probably no difference.

 

[Nightowll]

So we can say either John or John's name. Thanks!