Final answer:
In business, it is true that you should use formal titles unless instructed otherwise. Polite expressions like "Excuse me, Sir/Madam" for attention and "Hello Sir/Good morning, Madam" for greetings are suitable. In written communication, address recipients by their title, use reputable salutations, and close formally.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that in business situations, formal titles should be used unless otherwise specified. To get someone's attention, using polite expressions such as "Excuse me, Sir" or "Pardon me, Madam/Ma'am" is appropriate. When greeting someone, phrases like "Hello Sir" or "Good morning, Madam/Ma'am" are equally suitable. Always address the recipient by their title, such as "Dr." if they have a PhD or "President" ahead of a last name, like "President Obama", instead of a first name or a lesser title. When addressing women whose marital status is unknown, use "Ms." as a safe form of address.
For salutations in written communications, starting with "Dear" followed by the person's title and last name is recommended (e.g., Dear Mr. Johnson; Dear Dr. Williams). In the case of uncertainty regarding titles or in a more general address, "To Whom It May Concern" can be used. In the close of the business letter, formal endings such as "Sincerely" are standard, though a slightly less formal "Thank you" can also be acceptable. A comma follows the closing phrase, leaving a space for your signature above your typed name.
Greetings in emails should reflect the context of your relationship with the recipient and could range from a professional "Dear [Name]" to a more casual "Hi [Name]" depending on the setting. However, clarity and professionalism should be maintained in all forms of business communication.