business etiquette quick reference guide
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Business etticateTRANSCRIPT
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BUSINESS ETIQUETTE QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
Understanding Place Settings
Remembering Names Telephone Etiquette Repeat the name after you’ve been introduced to the person.
Then use it again as soon as possible to underline the name in your memory. Repetition helps.
Look at the person as you say their name. Note anything visual about that person that will help you anchor that name in your memory.
If you are given a business card at some point in the conversation, take time to look at the card and the person’s name. For visual learners, actually seeing the name helps keep it in your memory.
If you have a journal, get in the habit of writing down the names of the people you meet at a function or during the day.
You can include something you learned about them to help with making the connection, like the type of car their drive or that you met them on their birthday.
When calling someone, don’t make them guess who you are. Identify yourself.
Respect others' time. When placing a call, after identifying yourself, ask, "Do you have a minute?"
Ask permission to put someone on hold. Don’t just make a statement like, “Hold, please.”
After placing someone on hold and returning to the line, say "Thanks for waiting." Allow them to acknowledge your return rather than saying, "I'm back,” and jumping back into conversation.”
When screening calls, ask, "Who's calling, please?" rather than, "Who is this?"
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Dressing to Impress Five Factors of a Handshake Consider your work environment Strive for consistency Ask first, dress later Learn how to sew buttons on and how to iron Keep it understated Dress for the job you want, not the one you
have Be an ambassador Look after your things Footwear requires attention Glasses need to be clean Leave sexy for another time
Degree of Firmness Your grip should be firm, rather than weak. However, you don’t want your handshake to be painful to the other person. Consideration is appreciated. Be especially considerate if you are shaking hands with someone in a receiving line who has many more hands to shake, someone who is wearing a lot of rings, or someone who is obviously elderly and perhaps fragile. Dryness of Hand We all prefer to shake a hand that is dry. While you typically don’t want to obviously dry your hands before greeting someone, this is perfectly acceptable if you have been holding a cold glass.
10 Cocktail Party Etiquette Tips You Need To Know
1. RSVP. When invited to a cocktail party – whether for personal or for business – respond to the invite within 24 hours or as soon as possible. If you’re unsure whether you will be able to attend, acknowledge the invitation and inform the host that you’ll let them know as soon as you can. ;
2. Be on time. Plan your time wisely so that you arrive at the party on time—especially if it’s a dinner party. Arriving too early may disrupt the host who may be finishing up with last-minute preparations for the party.
3. Greet your host. As soon as you arrive, take a moment to greet your host. Take this opportunity to thank him or her for the invitation.
4. Name tags. If you’re given a name tag to wear at the party, place it on the right side. This will increase the likeliness that newcomers will remember your name. When we shake hands the right sides of our bodies are in alignment therefore when the name tag is on the right side it will have greater visibility.
5. Be approachable. When standing with a group of friends, keep the “circle of friends” open to invite others to talk with you.
6. Limit your alcohol. As tempting as it might be to “let loose,” be cautious when it comes to the number of cocktails you enjoy. Better to enjoy the company and limit yourself to one or two drinks throughout the evening. This is especially true if you’re attending a business party over the holidays, where you want to present yourself in a positive light.
7. Hold your drink in your left hand. This keeps your right hand dry (and warm) so that you can shake hands and greet people.
8. Listen and repeat. If you know you’re going to be introduced to new people at the party, make a conscious effort to note the person’s name when introduced. Then, repeat the name out loud. For example, “It’s wonderful to meet you, Simon.” Use the person’s name in conversation to reinforce your memory.
9. Turn off your phones. Some people still don’t get it! It’s simply rude to be checking email or texting on your phone while in conversation with others. When at a party, keep your phone tucked away. Set to vibrate if you’re waiting for an important call, and excuse yourself if you must leave the room to take a call.
10. Show your gratitude (twice). Remember to seek out your host before you leave to say goodbye and thank him or her. Then, within 24 hours, send a handwritten thank you note to the host.
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The Art of Conversation Many people panic at the thought of making small talk. A good conversationalist makes people feel comfortable by being able to make small talk, whether you are sharing a ride with your boss, meeting new people at a party, or talking about someone other than business at a lunch meeting. Steps to follow in becoming an effective conversationalist: Contributing to discussions 1. Look at the people who are talking 2. Wait for a point when no one else is talking. 3. Make a short appropriate comment that relates to the topic being discussed. 4. Choose words that will not be offensive or confusing to others. 5. Give other people a chance to participate. Maintaining the conversation 1. Keep a relaxed but attentive posture. Nod your head to give ongoing encouragement. 2. Ask follow-up questions that pertain to what the other person has just said. 3. Avoid fidgeting, looking away or yawning. 4. Don’t interrupt the other person. If interruptions occur, say, “Excuse me,” and let the other person finish. 5. Take your turn in the conversation, but be careful not to dominate or exaggerate. Closing the conversation 1. Change topics only when everyone appears to be finished talking about a particular issue. 2. Change to a conversation topic that somehow related to the previous one, if possible. 3. Allow everyone a chance to talk about the current topic. 4. If it is time to leave the table or room, wait for a comfortable break in the conversation. Stand and say, “Excuse me...” or, “It was very nice talking to you...” A good conversationalist:
Is well informed and talks on a broad range of subjects. Does not have “tunnel vision” and keeps abreast of the major news in the world. Is able to make a fast switch. Shows interest in what other people do for a living. Adjusts to the person with whom he/she is talking. Makes a statement based on knowledge and experience, not just conjecture. Looks at a person straight in the eye when talking to him/her. Avoids correcting another’s grammar or pronunciation in public. Shows genuine interest in good news about colleagues. Doesn’t interrupt. Knows how to question a stranger in a friendly rather than prying way. Accepts comments gracefully. Knows how to pay comments gracefully. Knows when and how to talk non-business subjects. Doesn’t overdose on his/her own interest in conversation. Doesn’t “burst somebody else’s balloon.” Addresses everyone within a group, not just one or two people. Knows how to make a shy person feel part of the group. Is aware of when he may have begun to bore his audience. Steps in to fill embarrassing void in conversation.