Assuming Gender in E-mail

July 2, 2009 by Judith

Well, you know what happens when you assume?

I am always talking about not assuming when it comes to an e-mail. Assuming never leads to anything positive. If you are unsure; ask.

In the global environment in which we all are now playing, to assume if someone is male or female can cause you to not make a very good impression.

A site visitor writes:

“My name is Nikita. It’s a typical Russian male name, but when I send e-mails to other countries, people got some problems with identifying my gender when looking at my sig. As a result, in response I got the messages starting with “dear ms. Nikita” Can I put “mr” somewhere in the sig to avoid misunderstanding?”

I actually get that too! From people who do not take the time to read my site to know I am a female or those from other cultures that don’t know my name is one only used by females (that I know of). So I get e-mails addressed to Mr. on a regular basis. I wouldn’t let it bother you too much.

I think in your case, people may relate that name to a popular TV show where the lead female was named Nikita. I have to admit I might have found myself making the same mistake. Now, thanks to you I’ll be more careful with names I am not sure about.

Putting a Mr. in your sig file is just fine. However, that may make you appear more formal than you may prefer. If you are a formal guy — that’s O.K. then. I think you have a unique and cool name and if someone misidentifies your gender, simply and kindly set them straight.

If you are unclear of an e-mailers, gender, don’t assume. If it is important to know, then ask. Now that I think about it, I e-mail folks with gender neutral names all the time (Pat, Chris, Kerry, Robyn, Frances, Kylie, Sam, Joe, Bernie) and have never thought of their gender in how I communicate with them.

An issue for all of us to be cognizant about!

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Comments

One Response to “Assuming Gender in E-mail”

on May 3rd, 2007 2:43 am

Great advice! I find my first name, Jumoke, often makes people think of a male so I had to add the “Ms.” to my signature just to make it clear for people.

I figure I can clear up any concerns about formality once we get an email conversation going.