Before You Listen

Social Conventions Around Names

Greetings and introductions include names and sometimes titles. Consider how you address strangers.

Place the star along the scale to show what you usually say to a stranger or unfamiliar person.

How do you address familiar people who are older or have a higher status than you? Place the HS (Higher Status) button along the scale to show what you usually say.

How do you address familiar people who are the same age or of equal status to you? Place the ES (Equal Status) button along the scale to show what you usually say.

How do you address familiar people who are younger or have a lower status than you? Place the LS (Lower Status) button along the scale to show what you usually say.

Drag the Star, HS, ES, and LS buttons onto the scale below. There are no right or wrong answers.