Over the years social etiquette rules have developed to ensure the smooth function and pleasure of people gathering together. These rules should matter to you because they are the core of correctly functioning in the work place, building friendships and fitting in. Those with poor social etiquette skills can create awkward moments while interacting with others. Social etiquette helps make the world a better place. Even children need it in their lives for the same reasons.
There are two main qualities that stem from social etiquette: respect and empathy. For instance, if you bump into a stranger, be sure to apologize, using empathy; introducing friends to one another at gatherings so that they are not left alone shows both respect and empathy.
Specific guidance and tips can help you in a variety of situations – from meeting people, to using proper etiquette in both business situations and public.
Here are a list of 6 social etiquette tips and rules that will greatly help you navigate professional and personal social situations –
WHEN MEETING NEW PEOPLE
- Stand up when you greet someone. This is especially important when meeting someone for the first time. If you are unable to stand at the moment, possibly because you have something in your lap, proper etiquette can also be used by leaning forward towards the person during introduction to show interest.
- Always hold your drink or food plate in your left hand so that your right hand is available for solid, snug and confident handshakes.
- Be sure to introduce people to each other if they have not already met. If you bring a friend to a social gathering, leaving them standing awkwardly in the corner of the room alone is never polite.
- When you are being introduced to new people, be sure to listen carefully to their names. If you do happen to forget the name later on, be courteous by apologizing and saying, “Please share your name with me again. It’s right on the tip of my tongue.” Never ever say, “I forgot your name”, as that leaves the impression that you are forgetful and it also makes the other person feel that they were not memorable.
- During self introductions, make sure to share your name first rather than asking for their name. People will often share their name as soon as you say yours.
- Make sure to keep eye contact during a group introduction. If you look away while meeting a new group of people, it tells them that you would rather be someplace else. Looking each person in the eye gives them a warm feeling that you are truly interested in getting to know them.
