Etiquette

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ETIQUETTE & MANNERS:

Social rules for the professional

Compiled by Dotty Harshberger

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No matter what the situation, social etiquette rules should be followed.

When should you be particularly aware of

your manners?

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EVERY SITUATION!

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Consider some of the benefits of etiquette…

• Gives professionals the tools to impress clients and colleagues.

• It puts others at ease so that business can be conducted.

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and…

• Helps to establish rapport with others more easily.

• Builds confidence and helps create a winning style.

•Gives the organization an overall polished, professional image.

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andPossessing a high level of etiquette

knowledge and skills builds confidence and instills the

perception of trustworthiness in others.

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Introductions

• When you are speaking with someone you know and someone new approaches, always make an introduction.

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When making an introduction…

• Give a piece of information about the person—it can be a conversation starter.

“This is Sue, she just opened a new store in town.”

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What?

• LISTEN to and concentrate on conversations—don’t just wait for your turn to talk!

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Don’t Jump!

• Resist the urge to jump into a conversation when someone pauses in thought. Wait a second or two, then respond.

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Just a peck will do.

• A kiss on the cheek as a greeting is okay at a holiday gathering or a convention when you haven’t seen the person in awhile.

• Resist the smooch in a purely business setting.

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Smile, you’re on Candid Camera!

• Be an active listener—smile, nod, make eye contact and agree when appropriate.

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My Space

• Respect a person’s personal space—don’t get too close! If you can smell lunch on their breath—you may be too close!

• Give them a breath mint!

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Build your vocabulary!

• Avoid vulgar references and swear words.

• Poor language IS NOT professional and offends some.

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NetworkingBased on the success of your first

impression, the other person will determine whether or not you are

worthy enough for them to continue investing themselves in

developing a relationship with you and your company.

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Mind your own business!

• Don’t ask personal questions!

Like…

How much did that cost?Why did they divorce?Did you get a raise?

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You’ve got to be kidding!

• Gossip—keep it to yourself!

• Gossip: Everyone wants to hear it until it’s about them!

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Hold the door.

• Whoever (guy or gal) gets to the door first should open it and hold for others who are following.

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The door is closing…

• At an elevator, those in the elevator should get off before anyone else get on.

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Meeting Seating

• Generally the chairperson sits at the end of the table farthest from the entrance.

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Does anyone know what time it is?

• If you are attending the meeting—be on time!

• On time means arriving a few minutes BEFORE the meeting begins.

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Who’s in charge of this meeting?

• If you are leading a meeting ARRIVE EARLY! Check the room’s temperature, lighting, and arrangement.

• Get yourself organized. • Greet the participants

as they arrive.

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Keep your Word.

• Do what you promised you would do!

Make that phone call!Write that note!Make the arrangements!

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H2O

• Always thirsty? See a doctor!

• Having a bottle of water is alright if water is available to others.

• If you’re the only one—put it away!

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Placing a telephone call…

• If you’re making a call, identify yourself first, then ask to speak to the person you’re trying to reach.

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When you finally reach the person…

• Before you jump into a deep conversation, ask if they have time to talk.

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If you’re on the phone and another call comes in…

• Always ask if it’s alright to put them on hold.

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Sign Language?

• Do not interrupt someone on the telephone by gesturing, speaking or writing them notes!

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What about voicemail?

• If you must leave a message, state your name (spell if they don’t know you), phone number, date and reason for the call.

• Repeat your phone number at the end—SLOWLY.

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You’re Ringing

• When you are in ANY meeting, turn off your cell phone ringer—accept voicemail and text messaging only!

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Can you hear me now?

• If you MUST take a call in a public place—try to move to a more private space.

• Hearing one-sided conversations alienates the person NOT in the conversation!

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I can’t talk now, but…

• If you must talk in a public place (bus, elevator, airplane etc.) keep it short and discreet.

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Rapid Response

• Forget junk mail and forwards, but ALWAYS respond to a real message on your e-mail.

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watch wat u say

• While our Internet culture is full of shorthand, check your e-mail for grammatical, capitalization and spelling errors! In business—no shorthand!

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Moving?

• Close your e-mail address at an old job and have them forwarded to an appropriate person.

• Let everyone know your new e-mail address.

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No eating with your fingers!

• During the first course of the meal, use the utensils on the outside.

• For example, the salad arrived, use the fork on the far left. Entrée arrives, the next fork.

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I want to eat my dessert!

• When wanting to eat your dessert, use the utensils that were placed above the plate.

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Put the napkin where?

• Open the napkin, refold in half and place in onto your lap with the fold away from you.

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How did that get on the floor?

• If your utensils or napkin fall, DO NOT crawl around on the floor to retrieve—flag down a waiter and ask for another.

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I can’t eat another thing.

• Finally done eating?

Place all of your utensils on the plate with the tip of the fork and knife across the plate, pointing at 11 o’clock.

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Chop sticks or Chop Suey?

• Eat your Chop Suey (or any other food) with chop sticks ONLY if you already know how to use them—learning in front of someone can be ugly!

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What’s in my Mouth?

• Great meal when— all of a sudden you realize something in your mouth needs to come out!

• Cover your mouth with a napkin and get it out—discreetly!

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Doing lunch?

• Whoever invites a colleague or client to a business lunch pays for it—that includes the tip, coat check and parking if necessary.

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Where to Lunch

• Select a restaurant that is conducive to conducting business.

• The restaurant should be centrally located for both, or close to the guests’ office.

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Mirror, mirror on the wall…

• Don’t primp at a restaurant table or in public.

• Use the restroom to groom!

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Party time!

• Have fun, but maintain control!

DO NOTget drunkhit on a co-workerstay at the buffet

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Warning: DO NOT PICK

• at your teeth.

• at your face.

• your nose.

• on your friends.

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Never, Never, Never…

• Burp• Snort

In general:DO NOT make ANY

bodily noises that are rude and disgusting!

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Allergies and colds happen, but…

• DO NOT blow your nose at a table. It’s alright to pat your nose with a tissue. Otherwise, excuse yourself and find a place away from others.

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Finally…• Take time to say “please” and

“thank you” more often.

• Don’t forget to say “Hello” rather than “Hi”.

• Say “you’re welcome” rather than “no problem.”

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and always…

S M I L E

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Sources

• www.bartleby,com/95/• www.emilypost.com• www.etiquettehell.com • www.etiquetteessentials.com• www.udefineucom• www.lettgroup.com