First Name OnlyUse the first name in informal and friendly situations. Use first name with your friends, co-workers, acquaintances and fellow students.
Hi, Tom. Do you want to go to a film tonight? - Man to his friend
If you are speaking with co-workers in the office about work, use a first name. However, if you are speaking to a supervisor or someone you manage, you may have to use a title and last name in more formal situations. The use of first name or title depends on the atmosphere in the office. Traditional businesses (banks, insurance companies, etc.) tend to be more formal. Young companies, such as internet companies, are often very informal.
Ms. Smith, could you come to the meeting this afternoon? - Supervisor speaking to a subordinate at work
Title and Last Name Use the title (Mr, Mrs, Ms, etc.) and last name in formal situations such as meetings, public speaking, or when speaking to superiors at work or school. Remember that some work places prefer an informal tone between management and staff. It's best to begin using a title and last name (Hello, Ms Anders!) and change if your supervisors ask you to use a first name basis.
Good morning Ms Johnson. Did you have a good weekend? - Student to her teacher
Talking ABOUT People Speaking about other people also depends on the situation. Generally, in informal situations use first names. In more formal situations, use the title and last names. In addition to these choices, there are a few other possibilities.
First Name Only Used in informal situations with friends and co-workers. Have you heard that Mary is moving to Los Angeles? - Boy speaking to his friend
Last Name Only When speaking about public figures such as actors and politicians, it is also quite common to use just the last name. Bush is finally leaving soon! - One man to another
Sometimes, supervisors might use just the last name when speaking to a co-worker. Generally, this means the supervisor is not too happy.
Jones hasn't completed the report on time. - Boss complaining to another manager
First and Last Name Use both the first and last name in informal and formal situations in order to be more specific in identifying a person.
Frank Olaf was promoted to department head last week. - One co-worker to another
Title and Last Name Use the title and last name in more formal situations. Use this form when showing respect and / or being polite. I think Ms Wright assigned some homework. - One student to a teacher
Task: make up a short conversation using first name, title or other forms appropriately: - a man with his friend - a woman with her co-worker in the office - a girl with her friend on the phone - a boy with his friend’s mother - a clerk in the bank with his boss - a boss with his subordinate - a student to her/his teacher - an employee introducing a colleague to his supervisor - a boy speaking to his friend about another friend - a woman speaking to her co-worker about their colleague - two students speaking about their professor (their friend) - two friends gossiping about celebrities - a boss complaining to another manager about his subordinate - shareholders at the annual meeting discussing the management of the company - a TV newsreader about a politician
VI. Expressing opinion
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