Etiquette
We also offer customised etiquette programs to increase interpersonal skills and awareness. Our interactive workshops reflect the logistics and level of participants and content is based on up to date principles and research.
Suitable for both for business and social situations, the etiquette and behaviour workshops can cover anything from entry level basics for graduates to specialised executive dining programs and international protocol information.
Programs are compiled and conducted by internationally certified professionals and we guarantee excellent outcomes. Call us today on 1300 794 001 to discuss your needs.
Some "easy etiquette" rules:
Ever wondered how to introduce your boss to your client? Or is that your client to your boss? Who shake first- males or females? Or what to do if you forgot someone´s name? Here is a few golden rules that will see you stand out.
A guide to introductions:
"The pleasure is mine"
Opportunities to introduce yourself and others occur repeatedly in business life. Don´t avoid the introduction or mumble for fear of making a mistake. If no-one introduce you, you should introduce yourself.
The rule is simple:
Say first the name of the person to whom you want to show the greatest respect . If that is your boss, Bob, say: "Bob, I would like to introduce...."
How to decide who should go first:
- In business the social rules of age and gender do not apply, respect and rank rates highest.
- Customers always receive higher respect than anyone in the company.
- When introducing people of equal rank, honour the person from outside your company.
Things to remember when introducing others
- Always introduce title to title. Don´t use a title for one and not the other.
- Initiate a handshake and re-introduce yourself when approached by someone whose name you forgot.
- You are not required to stop a conversation and introduce them, if someone joins the group with whom you are talking. A nod of recognition will be alright. Remember to not hug or kiss a familiar friend as it can make others feel excluded and uncomfortable.
Phrases to use when introducing others
- "May I introduce…"
- "I´d like you to meet……"
- "I don´t believe you´ve met my……"
- "Sally, I think you´ve met…….."
- "This is…" or Do you know….?"
When shaking hands:
Shake hands to meet and farewell, to congratulate others and upon entering or leaving a client or colleague´s workplace
Things to remember:
- Stand up if seated
- Keep your right hand free to initiate or accept a handshake
- Make eye contact and smile
- Extend your hand with the thumb up
- Only close your hand when the webs of your thumbs meet
- Shake from the elbow and not the shoulder or wrist
- Only give two to three smooth, firm shakes and then let go
- Remain one to two arm lengths away
- Avoid a "limp fish", "militant" or "bone crusher" handshake
What to talk about after you have been introduced: Small talk= a big impact
Topics with universal appeal:
- Conversational partner´s company and industry
- Career background
- Achievements and future goals
- Leisure activities, sporting interests and hobbies
- Current events
Inappropriate topics:
- Personal purchases and their cost
- Gossip
- Negative comments about competitors
- Weight or health problems
- Gender, racial, religious jokes
Remember: "Charm is the ability to make someone else think that both of you are wonderful
A guide to Telephone Etiquette
"If my boss calls, get his name"
General rules:
- Return calls immediately
- When answering someone else´s phone, say their name - then yours
- Repeat caller´s information to confirm you have written it correctly
- Never ask a person to return your call unless they have something to gain from the conversation
- Never eat, drink or smoke while talking on the phone
As the caller:
- Always be pleasant and cordial, even if you are having a bad day
- Identify yourself by first and last name, then company
- Get to the point
- Ask permission if want to put the call on speaker phone
- Don´t allow your conversation to be interrupted at your end
- Leave a brief message if the person you are calling is unavailable
- Don´t request a return call if the person does not know you
- Don´t leave multiple messages if calling repeatedly
- Ignore call waiting if you made the call
As the recipient:
- Answer with the company name, then your first and last name
- Ask permission before putting someone on hold
- Return to original caller promptly after taking another incoming call
- If transferring the caller to someone else, identify each party to the other
Mobile phones:
- If the call requires focus and professionalism, don´t call or answer from a moving car or public place
- Bad connections make bad impressions
- Have a professional ring tone, not too musical or too loud