Proper Etiquette When Corresponding with the President
Proper Etiquette When Corresponding with the President
Proper etiquette is crucial when writing a letter to the President. Despite the likelihood that someone other than the President will respond, addressing the letter to the President appropriately demonstrates respect and seriousness of purpose. While writing a letter does not guarantee a direct interaction with the President, it ensures that your message is sent to the right person and is given due attention by the staff.
Addressing the Letter to the President
To write a letter to the President, you should address the letter in a formal manner, such as 'Dear Mr. President'. This is the proper way to address someone in a high-ranking position, whether they are the president of the United States, a company, or an organization. It is important to use this format to show respect and professionalism. Past presidents are always referred to as 'President' out of terms of respect, regardless of their political affiliation.
Why Should You Address a Letter to the President?
The primary reason for directing the letter to the President is to ensure that the message is sent to the right person. Even if the President does not personally respond, one of their staff members will read the letter and relay the information to the President. These staff members are responsible for keeping the President informed about the views of people who take the time to write to them. Therefore, addressing the letter appropriately is crucial for ensuring your message is not overlooked.
Don't Address the Mailroom Person
Do not address the mailroom person with the least seniority who might be reading your letter. Addressing the letter to the President directly is necessary because there is a chance that the President himself might read it. In fact, the President has requested staff to forward selected letters on specific topics for his attention. If you truly want to catch someone's attention, writing a legible handwritten letter can be effective because it shows the recipient that you have taken the time to communicate seriously.
Furthermore, while it might seem that the President has more pressing matters to attend to, remember that public opinion and feedback from the populace is valuable. Past presidents have shown an interest in listening to public concerns and have requested staff to compile letters on specific issues to inform their decision-making.
Conclusion
When writing to the President, it is essential to address the envelope and the letter to 'Mr. President.' This practice not only shows respect and seriousness but also increases the likelihood that your voice will be heard. Whether it is an elected leader or a corporate or organizational president, addressing the letter in a formal manner ensures that the message is taken seriously and is given the attention it deserves.