What should you call someone when you first meet them?
How can you find out what they want you to call them?
Find out as we answer a listener question today!
“Dear Michelle and Lindsay, I love this podcast very much and really help a lot. Here I have a question, is “How may I address you? “a polite way to ask may I have your name but every time I ask it to a foreigner, they seem not to really understand, and they say “address me?” that is really awkward in this situation. Is that a wrong way to say ? I’m so confused. I hope you can help me to figure this out.”
Our Opinion:
- Yes it’s very polite. It’s much too formal especially when you use how “may” I address you?
- Here is a question to ask yourself: Where are you using this phrase? Using this in New York City at a fancy party at the Met would be different from using it in Nashville, Tennessee at a dive bar. You need to think about your surroundings and see what phrases will help you fit into the situation.
- Another thing to consider: are you pronouncing it right? You might be putting the stress on the first part of the word which makes it sound like your home address (152 Darling Road).
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Other things that you can say:
- What can I call you?
- What name do you go by?
- Do you go by (first name)?
- Hey is it okay if I call you ______?
- How do you like to be called?
- Can I call you _____?
What questions do you have from today?
Let us know in the comments below.
