Here's why:
* Clarity: Pronouns can be ambiguous. If you say "They did that," it's unclear who "they" refers to.
* Respect: Using someone's name or a more specific description shows respect and avoids confusion.
* Directness: Addressing people directly, even if it's just using their name, makes the interaction feel more personal and engaged.
However, there are a few exceptions:
* Informal settings: In very casual situations with close friends, using pronouns might be acceptable.
* If it's clear who you're referring to: If the context makes it obvious who you're talking about, using a pronoun might be fine.
* If you're speaking about a group: If you're referring to a group of people, using "they" or "we" might be appropriate.
Example:
* Not polite: "They said they would be here."
* Polite: "John said he would be here."
In most cases, it's best to err on the side of caution and use someone's name or a more specific description when referring to them in their presence.