How to address speakers
When you are addressing unknown audiences, such as when you pose a question to a speaker on Rhea, or when you are writing a cover letter for a job, it's important to create a good impression of yourself. Although Americans tend to be informal with each other and not overly concerned about one's rank, it's always best to be more formal at first. With this in mind, use one of the following courtesy titles before a person's last name, especially in written form. If you are uncertain whether the person has a Ph.D. or is a medical doctor, use Mr. or Ms.
- Mr. or Ms. Boilermaker (or whatever his/her last name is)
- Professor Boilermaker
- Doctor Boilermaker
Finally, be certain to spell the person's name correctly!
Questions
- How about when the person addressing the speaker has a title either equal or superior to the speaker? For example, what if the speaker is a graduate student and the person addressing him/her has a PhD?
- Answer here
- What is the best way to address a woman? Are both "Madam" or "Ms." appropriate? How about "Ma'am"?
- Answer here.
- Is there a polite way to address a person when one is unsure what their gender is?
- Answer here.
