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Lagataw Posted 16 years ago
Vocabulary

Phone English

How do cutomer care representatives normally address a caller?

Is it common to say sir or ma'am? Do Americans generally prefer to be called by the first name (regardless of the age difference between the caller and the recipient)?
Is it ever possible to use Mr/Ms + First name (i.e. Did I get your number right Sir Arnold) on the phone?
  

Top answer

" They say it makes them feel old. I was called ma'am at 22 because I was a naval officer, and I'm fine with it. I prefer "ma'am" to Barbara, since most of my real friends call me Barb, and if you call me Barbara to make us feel like we're friends, you're missing the mark.

— BarbaraPA

  • " They say it makes them feel old.
  • I was called ma'am at 22 because I was a naval officer, and I'm fine with it.
  • I prefer "ma'am" to Barbara, since most of my real friends call me Barb, and if you call me Barbara to make us feel like we're friends, you're missing the mark.
  • Likewise with people named Catherine who prefer Cathy, but it's far worse to assume it's Cathy when she might be Cat.
  • Don't say "Ms.
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13 Answers
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Some people don't like being called "ma'am." They say it makes them feel old. I was called ma'am at 22 because I was a naval officer, and I'm fine with it.

I prefer "ma'am" to Barbara, since most of my real friends call me Barb, and if you call me Barbara to make us feel like we're friends, you're missing the mark. Likewise with people named Catherine who prefer Cathy, but it's far worse
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Hi,

As a Canadian, here's my view.

Is it common to say sir or ma'am? It's not unusual.

Do Americans generally prefer to be called by the first name (regardless of the age difference between the caller and the recipient)? As a Canadian, I don't like that. It's too familiar.

Is it ever possible to use Mr/Ms + First name (i.e. Did I get your numbe
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How about Sir/Ma'am + First name? as in Sir Arnold or Ma'am Alice...

and

Sir/Ma'am + Surname? as in Sir Smith or Ma'am Lewis?
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lagatawHow about Sir/Ma'am + First name? as in Sir Arnold or Ma'am Alice...andSir/Ma'am + Surname? as in Sir Smith or Ma'am Lewis?
*** no! Not unless you've been knighted by the Queen, which isn't like to happen to many Americans.
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Sorry, my follow-up question came before your reply appeared. Anyway, it's clearer now.
But, do customer care representatives try to get your name?
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It depends. In some cases, you don't get to talk to someone until you've entered identifying information, so by the time someone talks to me, my file is up on the screen in front of them.
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Grammar Geek*** no! Not unless you've been knighted by the Queen
Hahaha...thanks GG! Now could you assess this phone conversation please?!

........... (cut short...but not really short...sorry)

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I don't find the "sir" weird.

That WILL be or that IS $46.95. Will the driver need to make change?

The synchronize your time part sounds odd. Is this a 30-minutes-or-it's-free deal?

You could end with "We appreciate your business" instead of "We hope to hear from you again." What if he calls to complain?
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Is the frequent use of SIR here a bit too obsequious?
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lagatawIs the frequent use of SIR here a bit too obsequious?
another case of pre-answered follow-up question! Thanks GG
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