ETIQUETTE & MANNERS:

Social rules for the professional

Compiled by Dotty Harshberger

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.
Gives the organization an overall polished, professional image. Builds confidence and helps create a winning style.
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and
Possessing a high level of etiquette knowledge and skills builds confidence and instills the perception of trustworthiness in others.

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

When making an introduction

Give a piece of information about the personit can be a conversation starter.

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

What?
LISTEN to and concentrate on conversations dont just wait for your turn to talk!

Dont 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 havent seen the person in awhile. Resist the smooch in a purely business setting.
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Smile, youre on Candid Camera!

Be an active listenersmile, nod, make eye contact and agree when appropriate.

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My Space
Respect a persons personal space dont get too close! If you can smell lunch on their breathyou 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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Networking
Based 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!

Dont ask personal questions! Like
How much did that cost? Why did they divorce? Did you get a raise?
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Youve got to be kidding!

Gossipkeep it to yourself! Gossip: Everyone wants to hear it until its 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 meetingbe on time! On time means arriving a few minutes BEFORE the meeting begins.
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Whos in charge of this meeting?

If you are leading a meeting ARRIVE EARLY! Check the rooms 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 youre the only one put it away!
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Placing a telephone call

If youre making a call, identify yourself first, then ask to speak to the person youre 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 youre on the phone and another call comes in

Always ask if its 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 dont know you), phone number, date and reason for the call. Repeat your phone number at the end SLOWLY.
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Youre 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 placetry to move to a more private space.
Hearing one-sided conversations alienates the person NOT in the conversation!
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I cant 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 businessno 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. Entre 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 retrieveflag down a waiter and ask for another.
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I cant 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 oclock.
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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 themlearning in front of someone can be ugly!
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Whats 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

Dont 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 NOT get drunk hit on a co-worker stay 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. Its 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. Dont forget to say Hello rather than Hi.

Say youre welcome rather than no problem.

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and always

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

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