Allow Me The Rare Indulgence Of
AnimalCare 
Oct 5, 2012 
AnimalCare, NGOs 
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….going completely off-tangent for once and posting something which has TOTALLY nothing to do with animals, but has something to do with AnimalCare, especially in the area of applying for subsidies, making requests and communication.
Please see this link:http://www.englishclub.com/speaking/titles.htm
Important excerpts:
When you are writing to someone for the first time, use a formal address: Mr or Ms + the person’s last name if you know it. If you can’t find the last name, use a generic title such as Sir or Madam. The respondent may address you by your first name and sign off with their first name. In today’s business world, the following correspondence is usually more casual. If you write back a second time you can use the respondent’s letter as a guideline. If they address you by your first name and sign off with their first name, you can do the same.Make sure that you spell the recipient’s name correctly.
You should also make the effort to confirm the gender and proper title. If you really don’t know the name of a person and cannot find this information out you may write, “Dear Sir/Mdm”. You cannot possibly go wrong with that!
I think you know why I see a need to post this. Yes, we are humans and we live with certain cultural expectations and level of propriety without which communication becomes very unpleasant.
Looks like schools don’t teach this anymore these days. Now, that is truly sad.
Never EVER address a female by her surname without title, whether in writing or in speech. It is defeminizing and downright RUDE. Either address her using a formal address or use her first name.
For example, if a Chinese lady’s name is Wong Siew Mei, please address her as Ms Wong (or other appropriate and correct titles like Mdm Wong or Dr Wong) when communicating for the first time. If you are on friendly terms with her, you may address her as Siew Mei. Never EVER address her as “Wong”, please. It is very rude.You may continue addressing her as “Ms Wong” (or her appropriate title) if you feel more comfortable that way.
If you are writing to someone for the first time and you are not sure of his or her gender, write your salutation as ”Dear Sir/Mdm”, not “Hi” or “Hello”.
Next, allow me to talk about those who are applying for our subsidy for the first time, especially those who do not know our procedures.
Here is the difference between how a polite person and those who are not so polite approach the matter:
The polite person will write thus: I would like to apply for a subsidy for my rescued animal, etc, etc. Could you please advise me on the proper procedure?
The not-so-polite person will write: I heard that your organisation gives subsidies for rescued animals. I am sending you the form and receipt. (I get this very often) And I will reply: No sir, that’s not how we work. Could you please write in with a photo of the animal and a write-up about what help is required?
The impolite person will just dump the form and receipt into my postbox and when I call to enquire, he or she will say: How am I supposed to know? This is my first time applying! (This really happened a few days ago)
If you don’t know, please find out or ask. Please don’t simply assume.
And if I may carry on, there is a distinct difference between “Please….?” and “Could you please….?”. Read the following and you will know what I mean:
1. Please send me the forms.
2. Could you please send me the forms?
3. I would truly appreciate it very much if you could please send me the forms.
The magical word here is “could”. Not “can”, but “could”.
How we address a person in the first encounter or communication makes a world of difference to the relationship. If we do so correctly and politely, it not only shows that we respect the person we are communicating with, it reflects on our upbringing and education.
Relationships and friendships are forged for the long term. Even if they are for the short term, the memory remains. So, let’s make them pleasant ones?
Thank you so much for letting me rant.
Source: http://myanimalcare.org/2012/10/05/allow-me-the-rare-indulgence-of/
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