Do’s and Don’ts of Social Etiquette This Christmas
Dec 1st, 2009 by savvyclub
Dear Friends,
I am sure we have all had experienced that moment where a person in your company does, or says something which makes you cringe inside – and most of us would be too polite to pay comment to it.
Since we are approaching one of the most sociable times of the year I thought I would note down my Do’s and Don’ts of social etiquette.
DO’s
Always ask for someone’s name when you begin speaking
Repeat it back to them to make sure you are correct and make an effort to remember it. People are always impressed when you make an effort.
Introduce the group to each other if new people join the conversation
This is why it’s especially important to remember names! And if you can’t remember, politely apologise and ask again. Its better than ignoring them!
Stay engaged with a person when they are talking to you
It is awful to see someone’s attention wandering around the room.
Make positive contributions to conversation
There is nothing worse than someone who guides the conversation back to them all of the time. Ask further questions, add information but let the conversation flow naturally.
Make an effort to say goodbye
By taking the time to acknowledge people you have met and show they have contributed to your enjoyment of the occasion you are more likely to build relationships and encourage further introduction.
DON’TS
Never sneeze without covering your mouth
And not with your hand!! This is never acceptable and with the concerns over swine flu and other winter infections people are paying extra attention. Carry a tissue with you at all time and sneeze into it and bin it immediately. If you can’t get to a tissue then at the least you should turn away and sneeze into the bend of your elbow. At present I would always advise carrying a small bottle of antibacterial gel with you – people appreciate it.
Never talk over people
Even in a heated debate it seems rude and aggressive to consistently talk over someone. Of course if it is by accident then it can be acknowledged as such and you can return to make the comment at the next break in conversation.
Never talk with your mouthful
This may seem ‘obvious’ but yet I see it all the time. Talking with food in your mouth is horrible to look at and also increases the chances of you spitting something over the person you are talking to. It is perfectly all right to signal you are chewing and apologise before continuing.
I am sure that all my SaVVy readers have impeccable manners, so for you I hope that it shows you some of the best qualities I like to see in people that you could pay attention to at your next social event.
If you have experienced any etiquette faux pas that make you uncomfortable then please do comment. I am interested to hear what these would be and how people around you acted.
Kind regards
Kim Rix
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