Final answer:
In written communication, professional titles should be capitalized when they precede a person's name. Business letters should use the appropriate title or honorific, and titles of works should be properly capitalized according to standard guidelines. A professional complimentary close is customary in formal correspondence.
Step-by-step explanation:
When referencing professional titles in written communication, correct capitalization is essential. It is customary to capitalize titles that directly precede a person's name, which is a sign of respect and acknowledges their status or position. For example, we would write 'Dr. Atul Gawande' and 'Senator Tammy Baldwin,' thus highlighting their professional titles. However, when the title follows the name or is used in a general sense, capitalization is not necessary, e.g., 'Atul Gawande, a doctor' or 'Tammy Baldwin, a senator.'
In professional written exchanges such as business letters, the recipient's title should be properly addressed. Titles such as 'President Obama,' 'Professor Jones,' or 'Director Smith' should be used depending on the individual's role. If unsure of how to address a woman, 'Ms.' provides a neutral option without assuming marital status. When a person holds multiple titles, preference is given to the highest-ranking title or to the one they prefer. For example, you can address someone as 'Dr. John Doe' if they hold a PhD and also teach.
Moreover, when formatting titles and subtitles in documents or letters, remember to capitalize the first and last words as well as all major words in between, while usually not capitalizing short prepositions, articles, and coordinating conjunctions unless they begin or end the title.
Finally, professional communication should close with a courteous closing line and a suitable complimentary close such as 'Sincerely' or 'Best Regards,' followed by your full name. This ensures that your correspondence maintains an appropriate level of formality and respect.