In honor of National Etiquette Week, I have pulled together a list of mannerly reminders that can be put to good use daily. Though these gestures may seem small, they are by no means insignificant.
Greet With Your Feet
Remember this rhyme as you stand up for all introductions – both men and women, girls and boys. Remaining seated as you reach your hand across a table or desk is awkward and gives the person standing the illusion of power. Use body language to your advantage as you rise and extend your hand for a firm handshake.
Smile With Your Eyes
A genuine smile can be detected by the movement of your facial muscles as your eyes change shape. Psychology Today breaks down the science behind a genuine smile (also known as a “Duchenne smile”). “The Duchenne smile involves both voluntary and involuntary contraction from two muscles: the zygomatic major (raising the corners of the mouth) and the orbicularis oculi (raising the cheeks and producing crow’s feet around the eyes).” Show your teeth to make sure your smile appears genuine.
Offer a One-Handed Shake
Unless you know a person very well, do not use both hands (putting one hand over the other like a preacher or politician). The perfect handshake involves a firm, but not too firm grip that engages the entire hand. The connection should be between the fold of skin between the index finger and thumb. A few shakes from the elbow, a smile and good eye contact deliver a confident handshake.
Update Your Social Media Profile
If you are holding a drink, wearing a skimpy bathing suit or making a flirtatious face, consider changing it to something more “neutral.” Potential clients (and employers) do their social media homework. Your results should be positive and reassure them that you are the right person for the job.
Groom Your Nails
A rule for both men and women, tidy nails translate into good manners. This doesn’t mean you have to wear loud nail polish, but nails should be clean and groomed. Well-manicured hands signal self-confidence and attention to detail.
Dine Like an Ambassador
Familiarize yourself with basic table manners (B and D Rule): Bread plate on the left and drink on the right side of your plate. Knowing this placement resolves the confusion of which is your water glass and which is your neighbor’s.
Napkin Stays in Your Lap Until the End of the Meal
When excusing yourself during the meal, rest the napkin on the seat of the chair. At the end of the meal, the napkin is placed on the left side of your dessert plate. Additionally, dinner napkins are placed on the lap with the fold toward the waist, while luncheon napkins are smaller and remain open.
Pass Food Counter Clockwise
Refresh your dining etiquette knowledge to make a great impression. These reminders are helpful for both the young professional and seasoned executive.
Break Bread
Break apart one piece of bread at a time. If you desire butter, place a small portion on your bread plate and then butter, one piece at a time.
Learn How to Give a Toast
A simple reminder is the three S’s: Stand Up, Speak Up and Sit down. It is not necessary to clink glasses, but it would be rude to refuse a clink if someone reaches towards you.
Send a Thank You Note
When it comes to expressing gratitude, there is one tool that creates a ripple of benefits for both the giver and the recipient: the handwritten note. A thank you note has the power to strengthen a relationship, seal a deal or land a job offer.
You may also like The Halo Effect: How to Build or Break It. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow Diane on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.
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