21/08/2026
This is where cultural intelligence comes in.
In corporate etiquette when you meet someone you dont know personally, especially in a corporate setting, conference, or public event, don’t jump straight to calling them by their first name.
Start with Mr, Ms., Mrs., Dr., or their professional title + surname. Not “Hello Tony” or "good morning first name" especially when you’ve never met before.
And most importantly, always study the culture of where you are. A culturally intelligent person will know that in Africa, we do not call elders by their first name, no matter the familiarity, let alone in a corporate setting.
This is what we do at The Etiquette School as we believe that first impression matters.
In cases where you are unsure, begin with respect, familiarity may come later.
Our Social and Cultural Awareness class is on, send us a message let's begin this journey with you and even your little ones.