What should you include in your email if you're unsure how to address the recipient?

Including the person’s whole name in your email is a respectful and formal way to address someone when you are unsure of how to proceed. This approach demonstrates a level of professionalism and a willingness to acknowledge the recipient appropriately. Using their full name provides clarity, especially in formal communications where establishing the correct tone is crucial.

In contrast, addressing someone as "Sir or Madam" can feel overly formal and impersonal, which may not align with the culture of the organization or the relationship you have with the recipient. Using a generic greeting like "Hi" lacks the personalization that using a name offers, which might come off as too casual or abrupt, especially in formal contexts. Additionally, casual greetings like "Hey" are typically reserved for informal communication among acquaintances and may not be suitable for professional correspondence, reflecting a lack of proper etiquette. Thus, using the person's whole name strikes a balance between formality and respect in communication.