Business Etiquette & Social Grace

Contributor

Etiquette shows that you know how to treat people with courtesy, graciousness and dignity. Etiquette also demonstrates that you have the ability to behave properly in all kinds of situations, from performing introductions to business meetings over meals.

Introductions

1. Stand up when meeting people.
If you're sitting at a desk, move around it, so there are no barriers to you and others.
Make eye contact with the other person. Repeat his or her name aloud.
If you've forgotten the name of someone you've previously met, be honest about it. "I know we've met. Could you tell me your name again?"
Always say something like, "It was nice to have met you," when leaving a person to whom you've been introduced.

Pecking Order

2. A client or customer outranks anyone and is always introduced first.
Next, the highest-ranking person in the group is introduced--with no regard to gender.
Juniors are introduced to seniors.
Avoid referring to people only by their first names. Introduce the individual using her full name, her title in the company and/or her job responsibilities. For example, "Mr. Mercer, this is Patricia Harrington. Patricia is the vice president of materials and is responsible for the new webbing for Design X."

Conversation

3. Learn the art of conversation, especially social conversation.
Keep it short.
Avoid controversial subjects.
Do not monopolize the conversation.
Don't complain.

Business Gatherings

4. If you're uncertain as to attire, ask. If the host says, "business casual," clarify what that means to him.
Don't smoke.
Limit yourself to one drink or drink club soda and lime.
Turn off your cell phone.

Table Manners

5. Use proper table manners.
Learn how to use a finger bowl, fork rest and various forks and spoons.
Learn what you can eat with your fingers and what you shouldn't.
Learn the proper way of using a napkin.

Lasting Impressions

6. Send a thank-you note after an interview.
Send a thank-you note after being invited to and attending a business gathering.

Tips & Warnings

Practice this procedure at least five times before going out or hosting a social event. Practicing helps to familiarize the process and reduce anxiety when it's time to perform an introduction. After a while, it will become second nature, but until then, practice until perfect.
Keep a handkerchief in your purse or wallet when hosting or attending a social event. Use to avoid sweaty palms by wiping before offering a handshake.
Unless a specific request has been made otherwise, the person with the most seniority is given deference and is named first in an introduction.
If a name is forgotten, simply make a quick apology for the memory lapse and ask the party for their name. There is no further need to apologize for this error.
Don't gush about either of the parties when making introductions. Even though this may be done with good intentions, some people are modest and like to keep their accomplishments private.
Don't break up a serious conversation to introduce another person. Wait for a break, or a more appropriate time to make the introduction.