Which statement best describes how to address an adult sponsor during a meeting?

• A. Address them with casual first-name basis.
• B. Use the appropriate title and last name (e.g., Mr./Ms. LastName) and maintain courtesy.
• C. Address them by initials only.
• D. Ignore formal address and speak informally.

Answer: (B)

Respecting authority and using proper forms of address matters in formal meetings. Addressing an adult sponsor by their appropriate title and last name (such as Mr., Ms., or Dr., followed by the surname) communicates professionalism, respect, and attentiveness. This sets the right tone, helps avoid ambiguity, and shows you recognize the sponsor’s role and experience. Casual first-name usage or speaking by initials can blur boundaries and come across as disrespectful or unprepared. Ignoring formal address and speaking informally undermines the meeting’s decorum and can hinder effective communication. Using the correct title and last name while maintaining courtesy is the most appropriate approach in this setting.