ladies and gentlemen

when used to address an audience, this will probably not set most teeth on edge although it is old-fashioned; also the correct pair for "gentlemen" is "gentlewomen." Many speakers now use terms that are more generic, contemporary, and meaningful: friends, family and friends, delegates, colleagues, members of the association, staff members. Or, omit what is often a meaningless phrase and begin directly, "Welcome." See also gentlewoman, lady (n.).