Etiquette

[CailinDeas]

I was always taught that it is rude to give a title to one's self e.g. "This is Dr Joe Bloggs speaking". Am I wrong? Had an argument with a friend on this subject to-day.

[shoota]

Quite so, I never call myself Mr Shoota. It is for others to award a title. But I'm not sure that it applies to professional qualifications.

[craft1948]

It depends if the person is speaking in a professional capacity.

[FredPuli43]

Correct. Nobody should do it. If they do, they are immediately suspect: "I am Joe Bloggs, barrister" means he passed the exam and no more (was callled to the Bar but never practised) and is probably working for a fraudster, if not one himself!

The exception is professional necessity. Clearly no exception could be taken to an anaesthetist introducing himself to a patient by saying "I am Doctor Smith, your anaesthetist"

[giveup]

Have a friend who is on the local county council,he told me the only time he mentions it is when he rings someone he needs to speak to about something to do with a problem ,and if he says "This is Councillor so and so" and at least he gets put through to the right person.

[jake-the-peg]

Well etiquette changes over time what one generations found 'rude' sometimes just isn't an issue anymore.

So whilst talking with your mouth full is probably always going to be seen as unacceptable (an add with that generated record numbers of complaints) I simply can't remember the last time I heard someone complain about elbows on the table - must be 20-30 years!

As for titling yourself - to my ears at least it doesn't sound rude as much as mildly amusing in a rather self-aggrandising way!

Rude sounds a bit strong to me but it's certainly a great way to get people to laugh at you behind your back!

[naomi24]

Why would I laugh at someone who calls and introduces himself as, say, Dr Bloggs? Seems fair enough to me.

[2sp_]

I'm with crafty, If someone is introducing you in a professional capacity, then of course they should use their title.

I like to know my doctor is a Dr, a Professor, Mr or Ms.

[magsmay]

It totally depends on who(m) you are addressing -one would have no need to introduce themselves as 'professor M' if you were ordering a pizza or being introduced to someone in a Social setting -but in a professional setting or communicating to someone who would need/want to know your status then that's surely acceptable and not rude or conceited. Now -if you have two titles -such as Sir & Professor -which would take precedent?

[magsmay]

@2sp -ah but...your GP would be 'Dr.' -but your Consultant would be 'Mr.'

[magsmay]

sorry -PC alert -//or 'Mrs' //

[boxtops]

I think it would be Professor Sir Magsmay (but I could be wrong!)

It depends on the circumstances. I would use a title or qualification if it was pertinent to the conversation. I never say "this is Mrs X" on the phone or in meeting someone - I would however introduce someone as "Professor Y" in an education/academic setting.

[boxtops]

... and our Mayor, who is a lady, is always Mr Mayor, as I am Chairman of the committee which I chair.

[naomi24]

//as I am Chairman of the committee which I chair. //

Well, you would be, wouldn't you? Sorry Boxy, it just made me laugh. :o)

[boxtops]

LOL no, naomi - the organisation had to issue a directive that irrespective of the sex of the chair, the term has to be Chairman. That's what I would want to be called, but some want to be chairlady (or, God forbid, chairperson).

[naomi24]

Ha ha! I know what you mean. :o)

[whiskeryron]

I always introduce myself as Ron ****** Spinster of this Parish. Well it gets a laugh & then everyone is quite at ease with me,

WR.

[Baldric]

Confused Ron?
;o)

[jno]

you could just call yourself Chair, boxy.

[magsmay]

professional titles aside - do many people actually introduce people socially as mr /mrs/miss? -is it 'class' or 'age' related? If I am addressing an older person who is an acquaintance but not a friend I will always use Mr or Mrs. especially if they are over 70 -it seems respectful. Of course I insist when being introduced they use my full title ' Professor, Duchess of Teesdale, O.B.E , R.A.C., V.A.T. 007.5, Licenced to grill. ;-P