What or how....?

Question

If you want to know how to call a person whom you have just met,  how do you ask?  "How can I call you?" "What can I call you?" (Expected answer: Oh, please call me Ken.)

Matthewg · Accepted Answer

If no one introduces you, just ask, "What's your name?"

Guest · Answer

Thanks matthewg,

sorry, I did not give you a big picture; the situation is like this..

You : Nice to meet you. I'm Jon. what's your name?
Man : I'm Kenneth Edwards, (please call me Ken,) it's nice to meet you.

usually, you can expect him to say "please call me Ken," but what if he doesn't?

Thanks,

Matthewg · Answer

If the situation is formal, call him Mr Edwards.

Guest · Answer

If he hasn't said 'please call me Ken', you had better assume he wishes to be Mr. Edwards.

Sometimes people say 'may I call you Ken?' but this can be seen as a bit pushy as it sounds rather rude to reply 'no.' It is more polite to be invited to use a first name. This sounds like a formal situation as surnames have been given.

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