Manners for a More Confident You
As people become increasingly consumed by technology and swept up in the busyness of everyday life, it seems our manners are slipping away. Is the younger generation growing up with a solid foundation of appropriate behaviour, communication and basic manners? Or are we losing touch with those very tendencies that make human interaction a pleasant, enjoyable thing for everyone?
It’s time to ask yourself: how good are your manners? How good are the manners of those around you? Your friends, family, colleagues and kids? Can things be improved? Very likely, the answer is yes.
Manners may seem ‘outdated’, but they do more than just improve our daily experience with other people. Having a solid grasp of basic manners and social codes is a great self-confidence booster. When you have a strong understanding of proper etiquette, you can enter any given situation knowing how to act appropriately. You know how to respond to specific comments and questions, and how to handle awkward interactions. More importantly, displaying good manners gives you a mature and sophisticated appearance. You come across as polite, collected and dignified – because you are.
If you’d like some coaching in the area of conduct, presentation and communication, register for my Woman’s Styling Course or book a Free Consultation to discuss your situation. In the mean time, I’ve compiled a list of basic manners and dining, social and business etiquette. Read on for some essential do’s and don’ts!
The Basics
- Say “please” and “thank you” when asking for, or recieving, something
- Don’t interrupt people when they’re talking – no excuses!
- Always knock before entering a closed bedroom, office or bathroom
- When answering the phone, greet the caller and say you’re name
- Manage introductions in situations where people don’t know each other – no one likes being left out of the conversation
Table Manners
- When it comes to cutlery, work your way from the outside-in
- Never begin eating before everyone is seated and ready to start
- Don’t use your phone or have it on the table – this is a big one, ladies
- Please please please never chew with your mouth open
- Don’t put your elbows on the table
Social Etiquette
- Make sure you RSVP to events within five days of receiving an invitation – leaving it to the last minute shows you don’t want to commit
- Say “excuse me” when leaving or entering a conversation
- Don’t be more than 30 minutes late to parties and functions (there’s fashionably late and then there’s just late, darlings)
- Always thank the host before leaving
- Ensure you’re well groomed before attending the party: neat brows, clean teeth, tidy hair
Office Talk
- Say good morning and goodbye to your colleagues every day
- Praise your colleagues for good work and congratulate them when they achieve something
- Keep business emails friendly but formal. Always sign off with “regards, Angela” or similar
- Dress appropriately for the office – no low-cut tops or short skirts
- Be respectful of your colleagues – don’t eat other’s food, take their car park or judge their office decorations
