Business Manners

At the University of South Florida, students recently attended a business etiquette seminar and a related rehearsal dinner. Kimberly Goddard, a graduate of the Protocol School of Washington, provided a number of excellent suggestions for updating your manners for the twenty-first century and "outclassing the competition." Business communication instructors may wish to share these suggestions with their students.

Introductions

At social events, place your name tag on the right side of your chest so that the people you meet will have a clear view of it when they shake your hand. Don't stand around waiting for introductions to be made. Introduce yourself. Offer your business or calling card. Address both married and single women as "Ms." When you introduce two people, name the person of higher standing first.

Handshakes

Shake the hand of a woman the same way you would shake the hand of a man. Avoid the extremes-"bone-crushing" shakes and "wimpy fingertip" shakes.

Table Manners

If you're a vegetarian, tell the server before you sit down so that special arrangements can be made for you. Don't blow on your soup. Don't use a toothpick or put on makeup at the table (do it in the restroom). Don't answer pages or cell phone calls. Turn your pager off, and leave your cell phone at home. Don't ask for a doggie bag. Don't pick up the check unless you invited the other diners. If you did, inform the maitre d' at an early stage of the proceedings.

Treatment of Clients

Pick up your clients at the airport personally. Carry their bags and open doors for them. Assist them at the hotel check-in desk. Stand by in the hotel lobby while your clients examine their rooms. Do everything you can to make them feel comfortable and important.

Smoking

Don't light up unless your host or client does. If you do not smoke and your client or host does, say nothing. Suffer in silence.

Source: Jerome R. Stockfisch, "No Wimpy Handshakes, Please!" The Tampa Tribune, 9 September 1998, on-line http://www.tampatrib.com/

sections/story2bz.htm [26 September 1998].

Business Manners

Dos and Don'ts

Business Manners: They make a major impression on colleagues, employees and customers. But sometimes, there's only a subtle difference between saying "the right thing" and "the wrong thing." To get yourself thinking about the right way to approach the etiquette problems you encounter each day, browse this handy etiquette reference - and resolve to apply what you learn to your own work life.

When you want to intrude on a colleague's time. Do say: "May I have a moment of