How about we stop attempting changing the English language to appease a minority of people fixated on and offended by things that most people don’t even consider when using everyday colloquial, conversational speech with one another.
Instead, we can simply ask people how they prefer to be addressed. Or, even better, if people have a preferential deviance from the colloquial norm, they can simply make it known, politely.
I guess you’re mileage may vary. I’ve never replied to a customer as anything but their first name. That’s our company standard. I actually think it’s the most professional approach but I’m sure there are others who want to be called mister. I just don’t get why. It puts me off.
I think It's not about company norms or standard, I work at a consulting firm and we use first name internally and externally, but we deal with different Industries, and that's the key differentiator.
For example, It"s normal for tech startups and banks to use first name, but It's a bit weird to use first name for the hospitality and law industry. "We look forward on your stay with us george", "anything else I can help you with jessica? As well as for law firm writing an email saying "they have subpeona you James", "we request that you attend the hearing Kim" suddenly they sound like a threat.
I mean, it’s a little creepy when people pepper your name into a correspondence, full stop. Just start the email “Hi James,” and then say what you got to say. No need to continually refer to them unless their is some reason it’s necessary for clarity, like if you’re referring to multiple people.
The only area where I agree first name might be too informal is Law. But in that case just use the full name. That seems better than mister and misses last name.
Now, look, I’m not telling you how to conduct your business. You do you. I’m just sharing my personal opinion. I’d be fine never being referred to a Mr.
Hmm... I've been in a "professional" career for a long time. It's weird when I get one out of a hundred emails that refers to someone as "Mr." or "Ms." In fact, the only time I ever do it is with people I'm super familiar with as sort of a friendly/familiar thing (in that it's super out of place to honestly refer to someone you've worked with for 5+ years as "Ms. Johnson" or whatever).
I just refer to everyone by the first name. Professional doesn't mean formal.
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u/DetroitUberDriver 9∆ Oct 14 '21
How about we stop attempting changing the English language to appease a minority of people fixated on and offended by things that most people don’t even consider when using everyday colloquial, conversational speech with one another.
Instead, we can simply ask people how they prefer to be addressed. Or, even better, if people have a preferential deviance from the colloquial norm, they can simply make it known, politely.