In a letter of thanks to someone prominent and famouse; would you address them by "Sir" or "Dear sir,"

Question

I want to be extra cautious so I figured I should ask.

Thanks

Answer 1

Dear Sir is adequate unless they have a title such as a Dr., minister, etc, in which case you would address them by their proper title.

Answer 2

In all cases Dear Sir is correct when you do not know the exact proper way to address someone.

Generally, in a business setting Dear Sir is proper. Also dear Mr. (or Dr. or Prof. or Rev. or whatever) is usually correct. If you know they have a title or position that has a particular form of address (such as a political office, or a church office, or military rank) by all means use it. (Such as a Bishop being called Your Grace). If this is a plain old Mr. So-and-So, you are safe addressing it either as Sir, or Mr. So-and-so.

A nice old fashioned way of closing that's hardly ever used anymore is

I have the honor to remain,

Sincerely (the old form is "Your servant" but no one uses that anymore,)

Your name.

Good luck!

Answer 3

My personal take on the meaning and application of respect.

I would address them in whatever way they deserve. Fame and fortune and power shouldn't buy respect - that has to be earned. If they have earned their fame and fortune, they deserve respect. If they are famous for marrying a famous pop star - k-fed. Hell no.

I had dreams of meeting the president on occasion. Its always been the same. I am escorted into the oval office and the president (never has a face - just some 'person', though I admit its always a him). We reach to shake hands and "I say its a pleasure to meet you (first name). Now, get me a glass of water." Looking shocked, the president motions for a servant and I stop him to say "No, you will do it yourself"

The president does so and we both sit down. I then say "Ok, now that we have established who works for who Sir., what can I do for you Mr. President?"

I've been having this dream for around 20 years and I'm 33. Don't think its politically motivated. Go figure. (shrugs) :)

On the other hand, respect is a two way street. How could I according to my dream expect the president to even give me the time of day?

I think in reality, you have to offer respect from the get go and keep giving it. You also have to continue to work to earn respect for yourself. The moment someone stops earning it, or worse, actively destroys it, you have no need to offer respect any more, but that doesn't mean you need to let that show through how you treat someone - if you do, you have destroyed the reasons for others to respect you.

I teach a children's Aikido class and sometimes am in a position of teaching adults that can be my junior as far as age all the way to 30 years my senior. I always feel very uncomfortable when someone calls me Sensei even though its not me they are refering to but the position I currently fill - the same reason you say Mr. President - you aren't refering to the person, but to the office of the predident itself who happens to be filled by a person.

To me, when a 60 year old medical doctor calls me Sensei, its extremely flattering, but very uncomfortable at the same time. I can only hope I've earned it - if only for a hour.

I have had teachers who I call Sensei out of respect for their current position and then there are teachers I have had (and currently have) that don't have first names - they are simply Sensei on and off the mat because they as an individual have earned the title.

Answer 4

I THINK that would be a nice idea

also keep the letter short and to the point as many celebrities do have many letters from the public and a concise letter that sets out simply what you are trying to say is far more likely to get read and maybe even responded to

Answer 5

That's too impersonal, like a form letter. I'd go with, "Dear Mr. X".

Answer 6

My dear sir?

Answer 7

Dear Mr. Watson ( include the last name)...

Answer 8

Now what would you think? It should be obvious what you should do. Pardon me for saying this but that is a dumb question.