Addressing Someone Business Social Etiquette Professional and University Grooming Etiquette

Outclass the Competition 

by Harold Almon (512) 821-2699

When addressing someone in person, first provide a greeting appropriate for the time of day. Address any senior person by title and name, unless asked to do otherwise. Avoid having someone say “I’ll have Mr. Almon,” or “Sir,” or you can or should address me as (followed by an honorific and a name/or a surname.)

At a social function, outside the office, you can address an immediate superior by a first name, and revert to title and last name back in the office (unless asked to do otherwise.) The reverse can be true for a senior person. A peer or personal friend may be addressed by a first name alone (when more senior, when alone.)

A woman is to be addressed based on her job position. A senior woman is to be addressed by her title and last name. When a senior woman, at a work site, is called by her first name by her superior, she is being demeaned, or by her subordinates, she is being disrespected. The same is true for a man.

A woman can request that she be addressed by a first or last name only. It is she, or the most senior person among the friends, who is to take the initiative, and call a first name, first. Most women in business have become accustomed to being addressed by their first or last name only, and may request that this be done. Wait to call a woman by her first name until she takes the initiative.

Note. A person who serves is to address a person as "Sir," "Madam," “Ma’am," or "Miss," or omit the name altogether. He or she is to refer to a man indirectly as "The gentleman," or "That gentleman,” or to a woman as, "The lady," or "That lady."

A customer is to refer to another man or a peer as "The man” or “That man" ("The woman" or "That woman.") Informally you may refer to a peer as "He" or "She."

When expected in a reception area, expect to be greeted by your title and/or last name. The greeter may add "I am..." and go on to provide the name you are to use when addressing him or her. Listen well; avoid having someone say, “You should address me as….”

When addressing someone from another country, remember the surname is not always the last name heard. In Spain, the surname is the second name in a three part name. In China, the surname is the first name in a three part name. In Bangkok the title for a man or woman is Khan (Coon) alone, or with a first name.

In Germany, the title for a man is Herr. The title for a professional woman is Frau (even if she is single.) The title for a non-professional woman is Fraulein (even if she is middle aged, and/or married.)

Consult a business center in the culture you are visiting. Learn the manner in which people in it are to be addressed.