How to address a formal letter if unsure of gender?

[WHiiP]

I would call and ask. You almost always get a switchboard type person (eventually) and can ask them, or ask for the person you need to know about and you, depending on their position, usually a secretary type will answer and you ask them. But, if the letter is F O R M A L then you should take the time to find out the appropriate salutation.

[threeprong]

Dear Person of Undeterminable Gender,

[Big Daddy Cool]

Dear he-she…

[bik]

Including first and last name, "Dear Morgan ," is a little awkward. But less awkward than getting the gender wrong.

If it seems reasonable, you might change from a letter format to a memo format.
To: Morgan
From: Volcs0
That would be better than a letter with no salutation.

[m.paris]

You might consider "Dear Morgan Smith:" It is much better than just the first name although it is not, strictly speaking, proper. As others have said, try to determine the gender if at all possible. Using "Dear Morgan" sounds like you are addressing a child or a close acquaintance.

EDIT: Dang, I need to speed up my typing. Someone beat me to it.

[anonymouse1]

What guitarist said.

Doing "Dear Sir or Madam" enormously weakens the letter.

[kap]

Yo!

[OWC Jamie]

Dearest ugly bag of mostly water,

[AAA]

What if you know the gender they say they are, but you have doubts?

[DaviDC.]

Dear Sir or Ma'am;

It's not hard to see who didn't pay attention during English classes.