How to Address Proper Titles

There are proper ways of addressing dignitaries from all different countries.

Titles are given to specific dignitaries and military personnel to show the outside world where they stand in the ranks. There are several different ways to address these people, but in polite society, you want to make sure that you have these titles right in order to show that you have proper etiquette, and probably to help your chances of increasing your status in society. You will use these titles on invitations as well as with your introductions.

Instructions

1. Address all military personnel by their ranking first, for example: Colonel Ryan, Private Dugan, Lieutenant Smith. If you are addressing a female with a military ranking who has a husband who is not in the military, it is proper to address her first.

2. Address foreign dignitaries and ambassadors as Your Excellency. If you are writing to them or sending an invitation of some sort, it is proper to address them as The Honorable Ambassador Romkey.

3. Address all politicians by their title, for example: Mr. President Obama, Senator Keeley, Governer Jameson and Mayor Lee.

4. Address all royalty with their titles before, for example: His Majesty, the King of England, King William; Her Majesty, the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth; and His Excellency, the Duke of Normandy, Duke Reinhold.

5. Address religious affiliates with their proper titles, Friar, Father, Pastor, His Excellency, The Pope.

Tips & Warnings

• To address an official without first presenting his title may be offensive to some.

References

• CF Tech: Spoken and Written Forms of Address
• Portland Sea Cadets: Proper Forms of Address