when to use 'sir'/'madame'

[postdeborinite]

Hi UsingEnglish,

I am about to face a problem at my work. I am working as a university (assistant) professor, and has been appointed to take care of some high-rank academics that are visiting our university. To be more precise, they constitute the top management of an Indian university. I am not sure how to address them - should I call them "sir"/"madame", or by title? "Professsor X".

I am not only to "drive them to the airport", I am going to negotiate with them and participate in discussions.

Perhaps my confusion arise from the fact that I am from Scandinavia, and in my native language titles are in principle reserved for royalties...

 

[bhaisahab]

Hi UsingEnglish,

I am about to face a problem at my work. I am working as a university (assistant) professor, and has been appointed to take care of some high-rank academics that are visiting our university. To be more precise, they constitute the top management of an Indian university. I am not sure how to address them - should I call them "sir"/"madame", or by title? "Professsor X".

I am not only to "drive them to the airport", I am going to negotiate with them and participate in discussions.

Perhaps my confusion arise from the fact that I am from Scandinavia, and in my native language titles are in principle reserved for royalties...

I would address them as Professor x.