photo credit: mannersforbusiness.com
One
Standing or sitting too close to unfamiliar people:
There is a cultural angle to this as the society you live in generally dictates how closely people who are not well known to each other may sit or stand. In countries like Finland or Sweden, personal space is valued more highly than say in the Middle East, or most African nations. Nonetheless, everyone has their own idea of how much of their personal space they are willing to give up to a stranger, AND IT IS A RARE PERSON WHO WOULD ENJOY HAVING A PERFECT STRANGER STAND TOO CLOSE TO HIM AND BREATHE DOWN HIS NECK AT A SUPERMARKET CHECKOUT FOR INSTANCE.
A distance of an arm’s length is usually fine.
Two
Sneezing in company without bothering to cover your nose or say “excuse me”:
It is a fundamental civility to look out for other people’s interests and covering our noses or saying “excuse me” when we sneeze. These are ways of showing that we are considerate of other people and do not wish to spread our germs to them.
Three
Failing to make introductions:
To fail to introduce someone to another when you find yourself in the company of people who are familiar to you but unknown to each other, is a major faux-pas. If they are socially skilled, they will usually go right ahead and introduce themselves to each other. It is better to make a poor introduction than none at all, as that may be interpreted – among other things – as a lack of regard for the people concerned.
Four
Not standing when you are being introduced to someone:
Especially in a business setting, it is proper to stand when being introduced to someone, as a sign of respect and good business etiquette. In social settings, there are slightly different guidelines and a lady of a certain age may choose not to stand up when being greeted by younger ladies or gentlemen. Business etiquette would however require her to stand, if they were superiors that she was being introduced to.
Five
Asking someone to call you back when you are unable to take their call:
It is more correct to offer to call someone back if you are unable to talk to them at the time of their call. Asking them to call you back may send the message that you do not really consider them or what they have to say so important.
Test your Dining Etiquette knowledge!
1. Where do you place your dinner napkin after unfolding it?
a. Leave it on the side of your plate
b. Unfold it fully and tuck it into your collar
c. Unfold it halfway and place it on your lap
2. Your cutlery falls to the floor while you are out dining. Do you
a. Ask the person nearest to it to help you pick it up?
b. Make an effort to pick it up?
c. Ask a waiter to bring you another?
3. Where should you place your bag while dining?
a. On the table, in between place settings
b. On your lap or between your back and the chair’s backrest
c. On any empty seat near your table
4. Is it good manners to eat at the same pace as your fellow diners, so that you all finish about the same time?
a. Not really. Some people eat more slowly than others
b. Yes, so that you do not hold up the next course
c. It does not matter
Answers. ......
Ngozi Princewill Utchay is a Business/Social Etiquette and Image Consultant, who counts several blue-chip organisations amongst her distinguished clientele. A gifted speaker, event host, and author of several published articles as well as a popular Columnist with Genevieve Magazine, She is also the CEO, Artelier Lifestyle Consultants. The values of authenticity, excellence and leadership which Ngozi holds dear, are the driving force behind all she does.
