The Problems of Etiquette
11th Jun 2010
"Call me old fashioned but when writing letters and emails, I use the addressee's formal title, especially if I do not know them. This is particularly true if I am writing, as a young professional, to older Chief Executives or Members of Parliament. However, as consultancies clamour to be seen as cutting edge many may scorn at my use formal titles.
I usually revert to first names once I have received a reply, but I am convinced, especially when contacting the more traditional, older, usually Conservative, MPs that they appreciate the formality. After all, you do not know them personally and have probably never met them.
However, as I get older and politicians entering parliament are getting younger, I am presenting myself with a dilemma - how best to address them. It is one dilemma I am yet to solve; I can only hope I will with time!"