glossaryofkeyprotocolterms(I)

Organizing events in a hotel requires the application of a strict protocol to ensure that everything is carried out with the appropriate solemnity and order.

From the preparation of the room to the way of addressing the guests, every detail counts to project an image of maximum professionalism.

To correctly understand and apply the rules of protocol, it is essential to know their basic concepts:

• Protocol: This is the set of rules and legal provisions in force that regulate the organization of events promoted by public institutions, as well as by private institutions and companies.
• Ceremonial: This is the set of formalities that must be taken into account when holding a public or solemn event.
• Etiquette: This is the set of rules and customs that allow us to act appropriately in different environments.
• Courtesy: This is a demonstration of respect or affection. Courtesy treatments, whether oral or written, are the way of addressing a person based on their position, hierarchy, age, etc.
• Treatment: It is the adjective, title or qualifier that is given to a person orally or in writing based on their position or hierarchy.
• Precedence: It is the order of anticipation or preference that one person has over another for reasons of position or hierarchy.
• Law of the Right: The right is the place of honor and is given to the person of greatest importance. At a table, the highest-ranking person sits as president, and the second-in-command sits to their right, the third to their left, the fourth to the right of the second, and so on.
• Left: Used to give way or to go unnoticed.
• Host: The person who receives guests at their home or at their table.
• Guest: The person who receives the invitation.

Guide to Courtesy Addresses

When an employee of an establishment must address an authority or personality during an event, they should always use the appropriate form of address for each case, as it symbolizes respect for the person.

It is essential to distance yourself from "You" and other official forms of address, always avoiding familiarity. The most common form is Señor Don.

The title Señor should always be used with the surname (e.g. Señor Martínez) and Don with the first name (e.g. Don Miguel).

If political, civil, ecclesiastical or military figures are attending the event, the following specific titles should be applied:

Royal Titles:

• Their Majesties the King and Queen (SS.MM.) and His Majesty the King (HM).
• The Princes and Infantas of Spain will be addressed as Their Royal Highness.

Ecclesiastical Titles:

• The Pope may be addressed as His Holiness or Most Holy Father.
• The Cardinal may be addressed as His Eminence.
• The Archbishops may be addressed as Most Excellent or Most Reverend Gentlemen.
• The Bishops may be addressed as Most Illustrious Gentlemen.
• Canons will be addressed as Most Illustrious Sir.
• Parish priests and those with other ecclesiastical titles will be addressed as Reverend.
• Priests will be called Father.
• Nuns will be addressed as Sister.

Military Titles:

• Captains, Lieutenants, and Admirals will be addressed as Most Excellent Sir.
• Non-commissioned officers and soldiers will be addressed as Sir.

Civil Titles:

• Consorts of the infants of Spain will be addressed as Your Excellency.
• Presidents and Mayors of Cities will be granted the title of Most Excellent.
• Delegates of the State Tax Agency, General Directors, Mayors of Capitals, Examining Magistrates and Prosecutors will be addressed as Your Excellency.
• Provincial mayors and registrars will be addressed as Your Lordship.

Noble Titles

• Dukes will be addressed as Your Excellency.
• Different titles such as Count or Marquis will be addressed as Your Excellency.

Diplomatic Titles

• Different ambassadors will be addressed as Your Excellency.
• Secretaries of Embassy will be addressed as Sir Don.

University Titles

• The Rector will be addressed as Your Excellency.
• The Vice-Rector will be addressed as Your Excellency.
• The Dean and Vice-Dean will be addressed as Your Excellency.
• The Full Professor will be addressed as will appoint a Lordship.

Important rules to remember:

• If a person holds mo