Posts tagged "good manners"
May 9, 2011
Happy National Etiquette Week! To celebrate, as promised, I’m posting etiquette tips, interactive quizzes, and more this week!
To kick off our celebration of good manners, I’m announcing the first annual “Miss Maggie’s Manners Moment Giveaway”!
The winner will receive the Cognito card set. Cognito-Modern Wisdom for Dining & Social Etiquette contains 52 illustrated cards presented in a custom-designed box. A great way to test your etiquette knowledge–and challenge your family in a game of “Where’s Your Manners?”
It’s easy to enter. Just do one (or all)of the following. You have 3 chances to win. You will receive one entry for doing each of the above.
~ Leave a comment below and tell me what you are doing this week to promote good manners in your house or at your office
~ Share an etiquette tip on our Facebook page
~Mention this post about our giveaway on Twitter, using the hashtag #NtlEtiquette
This is a great way to recognize civility and good manners!
This giveaway will close on Friday, May 13 at 10 p.m. PST. The winner will be announced on Saturday, May 14 on our Facebook page.
Good luck!
“Good social behavior has less to do with cutlery and and correctness than with courtesy and confidence. Doing the right things at the right times for the right reasons”
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Posted by Margaret in Just for Fun and tagged etiquette tips, first impressions, manners, good manners, National Etiquette Week
May 5, 2011
Next week marks the launch of the 14th annual National Etiquette Week. Established by children’s etiquette consultant, Sandra Morisset, National Etiquette Week was developed not to get you thinking about what fork to choose first, but as a self-assessment on the current status of civility in our society.
So as a reminder of the importance of good manners—and the little niceties that set us apart in our everyday interactions–I’m celebrating National Etiquette Week by posting an interactive way for you to participate every day!
I’ll be sharing etiquette quizzes to test your etiquette knowledge; polls and surveys to get your feedback on etiquette and good manners; and a personal challenge to participate in “Etiquette Page’s Random Acts of Etiquette!” We want pictures!
So sign up for updates and drop by next week to see what we have planned!
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Posted by Margaret in Just for Fun and tagged good manners, children's etiquette, etiquette quiz, National Etiquette Week
April 1, 2011
It was a pretty spring day on the Sunshine Coast. A perfect day for a stroll. I was quietly admiring the scenery, when a man—obviously late for a very important date—brushed past me. Without breaking stride, he turned his head to apologize, and that’s when it happened.
I was immediately overcome by the gift he left me as he hurried down the trail. The overpowering scent of his cologne stopped me in my tracks. There was nowhere to turn. There wasn’t even a breeze to help escort the scent away from me. It hung in the air like a balloon that was clinging to its last bit of air.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the scent of perfumes and colognes, but it was the pure volume of the scent that made me dizzy.
So, here are some tips that will ensure that you’re not “that guy.”
- Use the Two-Foot Rule
Fragrance is a personal thing. It’s something you give those you allow to get close to you. Don’t give it away. Use restraint when applying your perfume or cologne. Spraying it in the air and walking through it is one tried-and-true way of ensuring you’re not going overdoing it.
- Choose Scents that Complement You (and the occasion)
Your perfume should enhance your image, not distract people. During the day, choose a lighter scent, and save the heavier perfumes for evening.
- Know When to Say No
The two places you should never wear perfume are hospitals and airplanes. And if you know you’re going to be around a lot of people in an enclose space, like a theatre, conference room or church, use discretion when applying your perfume. Remember “a little dab will do ya!”
- Apply in Private
A lot of people have sensitivities to scent. Be considerate of other people—and their allergies—and don’t apply your perfume in a public place.
- Don’t Compete
If you’re attending an event where a part of the experience is aroma—such as a cooking class or a wine tasting—ditch the perfume for the occasion. You won’t win any friends by bringing along your own special scent to a gourmet wine pairing. And it’s unlikely you’ll be invited back!
Following these fragrance etiquette tips should keep you in good standing with your friends and co-workers.
Do you have a story about a fragrance “assault” that you’d like to share? The woman on the plane next to you who freshened up her perfume while you were next to her? I’d love to hear it!
Looking for more etiquette tips? Be sure to sign up to have blog articles sent to your mailbox and don’t miss another manners tip from Miss Maggie!
image: Jennuine Captures
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Posted by Margaret in Everyday Etiquette and tagged good manners, fragrance etiquette
March 25, 2011
When you give someone your business card, you’re introducing yourself on paper. A business card is a representation of who you are so be sure that the card is in pristine condition before you hand it over. You wouldn’t wear a wrinkled suit to an interview, would you?
Presenting your business card
Always present your business card in your right hand, or in both hands. Never (and I do mean NEVER) pass out your business cards as though you were dealing a poker hand. If you travel for business, you’ll save yourself embarrassment by following this rule. In some countries, presenting your business card in your left hand is a serious insult.Look the individual in the eye and smile when presenting the card. Not only is it good etiquette, it shows them you’re engaged with them.
Receiving a business card
When being given a business card, accept the card in the same way it was presented—either in your right hand or both hands. Take a few moments to study the business card, commenting on it and clarifying information before putting it away.
Don’t ever slide a business card into your back pocket and sit on it. Always keep your business cards in a separate case. When you are back in your office, add the information from the card into your database as soon as possible. You never want to be in a position where you have to ask that person for another card. That’s a big etiquette faux pas.
Business cards are an internationally recognized means of presenting personal contact information—so be sure you have a good supply on hand.
If you travel abroad for business, do a little research on business etiquette for your destination before you go. The etiquette “rules” in the UK, for example, are far more relaxed than in Japan. Understanding business etiquette allows you to feel comfortable and will help build trust when building business relationships.
Do you have etiquette questions? Follow me on Twitter, LIKE me on Facebook, or connect with me on LinkedIn.
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged etiquette tips, first impressions, manners, good manners, business etiquette
March 22, 2011
On a flight that took me through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) en route to Canada, my fellow travelers and I were told to pick up our luggage and go through customs.
We made our way to the baggage-claim area and positioned ourselves around the luggage carousel, watching bag after bag tumble down the ramp. As the area filled up with travel-weary folks, people started peering over each others’ shoulders and jostling for position.
Granted, some of this is to be expected. After all, everyone there had just been on a long flight, and everyone was preoccupied with their own agenda.
As I stood there waiting and chatting with a new acquaintance, a late-comer arrived with two small children, a large, bulky backpack and a luggage rack in tow. He stood behind us, waiting to spot his bags, and every few minutes I heard him scold his son. “Stop running around and bumping into people!”
Within moments of saying this, he spotted his bags. Without a word, he pushed himself between my acquaintance and I, smashing his backpack into my arm as he reached for a bag. Turning, smashed into me again as he carried the bag to his cart.
Moments later he was back for the next bag, again pushing his way through without a word… until I heard him snap at the boy, “Stop it! You’re bumping into people left and right, and someone’s going to get hurt.”
Isn’t that the way it goes sometimes? We’re so concerned with the misdeeds of others that we develop a blind eye to our own ways. It’s not hypocrisy so much as a simple lack of awareness.
As I made my way to the next gate, rubbing my shoulder as I went, the wise words of Emily Post came to mind:
“Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use.”
Do you have an etiquette lesson you’d like to share? Love t0 hear your story below!
image: Theerin
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Posted by Margaret in Everyday Etiquette and tagged air travel etiquette, good manners, common courtesies, Gain Confidence, Class and Communication Skills with Etiquette Products
March 18, 2011
I came across an article the other day that reminded me of an etiquette question that I get asked all the time.
Question: “When you invite someone out to lunch, are you supposed to pick up the tab?” (The answer to this question might surprise you!)
Answer: If you invite someone to lunch or dinner, you should always expect to pay.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a business lunch or dinner with an old friend the same etiquette rules apply. You invite. You pay.
You wouldn’t invite a friend to your home for supper and expect her to bring their share of food with them, would you? Bringing a bottle of wine to dinner is nice gesture (and much appreciated by every hostess I’ve ever met), but even when you’re entertaining at home, you should expect to foot the costs for the entire evening. Be prepared! Don’t assume your guests will show up with your favorite bottle of Cabernet or a plate full of gourmet brownies.
Now that I’ve shared the “you invite, you pay” rule of good manners, I’ll share an exception. If you and your girlfriends regularly “do lunch,” with an understanding of how the bill is split, you are not expected to foot the bill EVEN if you chose where to meet for lunch.
Now, I’m dying to know. Do you agree with the answer? Do you pick up the tab when you’ve invited your neighbor to lunch? Love to hear your thoughts. Share in the comments below!
Do you have an etiquette question for Miss Maggie? Feel free to post your question below and we’ll share the answer in a future post!
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Posted by Margaret in Ask Miss Maggie and tagged etiquette tips, good manners, dining etiquette
March 12, 2011
You walk into a room and a friend approaches you and says, “Wow, you look fantastic! Love that color on you!” Or you’ve just given a presentation—one that you were probably sweating over for weeks—and your boss catches up to you after your big debut and says “Great job on the presentation. You really nailed it.”
What’s your first response? Do you immediately look away or start mumbling something about the weather?
Sound familiar?
When given a compliment most people brush it off, talk over it, or even argue the compliment by saying something like “Really? I’ve had this dress forever” or “I didn’t think so. I stuttered the whole time.”
Receiving a compliment, graciously, is one of the most difficult things for many people to do. Some will even deflect the compliment by making a joke of it, and that can be uncomfortable for the person giving the compliment.
So, the next time you receive a compliment, I want you to follow these 5 steps. If you do, I promise it will get easier and easier to accept a compliment – and it will make the compliment giver feel more inclined to “share the love” with other well-deserving friends who could use a pick-me-up from time to time.
When receiving a compliment, do the following:
- Stop thinking and listen to what the person is saying to you. Don’t disregard or shoo away the words before he is finished. Let the compliment “giver” say what he wants to say.
- Do not, for any reason, respond with negativity. Not even with a negative tone. By doing this, you are inadvertently disrespecting an act of kindness from that person.
- The first thing you should say when you are given a compliment is: Thank you. Then, follow up with something that reflects the compliment the individual has given you. If your friend compliments you on how you look, say something like “Thank you. I just got this dress.” This will show not only that you are listening, but that you appreciate (and accept) the compliment.
- When someone is giving you a compliment, look them in the eye when you respond. This shows engagement and true appreciation.
- Don’t counter-compliment. It will come off as insincere. “You look great, too” doesn’t have the same effect when you’ve just received a compliment. Think about it. Tuck the counter-compliment away for another time.
- Pass on the kindness. Every time you receive a compliment (I mean, REALLY receive it), think about how good it felt. How much it brightened your day. Think about how much you can impact another person’s day with a few simple words. Implement the “bounce back” mentality and make someone’s day – every day.
Although accepting a compliment can be tough, it can really make your day. Think about a time when you truly accepted a compliment. Didn’t your day seem lighter? Didn’t you walk just a little taller? Give yourself permission to feel good about yourself. And then, pass it on.
What’s the first thing you do when you receive a compliment? I’d love to know your thoughts. Share with us in the comments below!
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Posted by Margaret in Everyday Etiquette and tagged gratitude, good manners, Gain Confidence, Class and Communication Skills with Etiquette Products
March 6, 2011
With the economy squeezing businesses and the unemployment rate creeping up, networking events are swelling with people who are ready, willing and able to do business.
If you have an opportunity to make new connections, don’t be shy! Here are some sure-fire strategies to help you relax and engage people with confidence.
- First, remember: they’re not strangers, they’re future allies… and they want to meet you!
- When you greet someone, shake hands, smile and look them in the eye. A warm greeting is always a great icebreaker.
- Come prepared with professionally designed and printed business cards to give on request. Better yet, make a point of asking others for their cards.
- Listen well when talking with others. Use your ears, eyes, heart and brain to engage in a full conversation.
- Never look over the person’s shoulder to pick out someone else to talk with.
- Take opportunities to praise people for the contributions they make. Acknowledge their achievements. Letting them take a bow makes you both feel good! They will remember and appreciate you for it.
- If you find yourself in conversation with people who are badmouthing others, do the reverse. Say positive things instead; “good-mouth” them.
- Follow up your networking conversations with a call or e-mail within a day or two. For those on your key contact list, stay in touch by reaching out periodically, even when you aren’t making a request. Send cards, e-mails or letters frequently to congratulate people on their ideas and achievements. They will feel nurtured by your outreach.
- Always ask people how you can help them accomplish their goals. Get specific details and graciously follow through on any agreements you make as soon as practical. This builds loyalty and trust every time!
Do you have any networking nuggets of your own? I’d love to hear them! Please feel free to share them in the comments box below.
Super-size these nuggets and share them with your friends!
photo: MyTudut
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged etiquette tips, first impressions, good manners, business etiquette, networking
February 16, 2011
Let me start off by saying this: I LOVE to travel. I love to go to new places and learn about new cultures. I enjoy meeting new people (even at airports!) and sharing stories about our journeys–the good, the bad, AND the downright ugly!
It will come as no surprise to anyone reading this that air travel can be stressful. No matter what the destination, you’re likely to meet some kind of resistance to your well-planned departure.
John Steinbeck said it best with “A journey is like a marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you can control it.”
Ways to make your journey more enjoyable for yourself (and for others!)
Be organized
Best laid plans being what they are, it’s still good practice to plan your itinerary well ahead of time.
Be courteous
Open doors for others and smile at people. It’s hard not to smile if someone smiles at you. It’s contagious.
Be ready
Have your boarding pass and ID in hand to minimize delays during check-in and boarding.
Be patient
We’re all in the same boat (or plane…) here. An impatient person offered me $100 to jump ahead of me in a long airport line. Can you believe it?
Be flexible
Be willing to switch seats to allow a friend or family member to sit together. What goes around comes around, and one day you may want that favour extended. And, it’s just good manners!
Pay attention
Know the rules of the airline and don’t try to bend them by shoving your over-sized duffel bag underneath the seat in front of you.
Don’t stink up the joint
If you bring food on board, make sure it’s not something that has a strong smell. As much as I love Chinese food, the smell of garlic chicken isn’t something I want hanging in air for a 6-hour flight.
Turn it down a notch
Be aware of how loud you’re talking in the concourse, and on the plane. And if you’re plugged into an iPod, and the person next to you is singing along to the music, you’re probably disturbing SOMEONE with your tunes.
Be aware
Don’t fling your seat back without taking note of the person seated behind you. Make sure you’re not intruding on their (limited) leg space.
Keep the kids happy
Flying with your children can be tough—for you, for the kids, and if things get out of control: for the people seated around you. Bring lots of “sit-down” activities for the kids to do. Whatever you do, don’t expect the flight attendants to manage your kids.
Don’t hang out in the “loo.”
Be mindful of how much time you spend in the bathroom. This is not the time to refresh your makeup or throw some curlers in your hair.
Stay dry before you fly
It’s best not to consume too much alcohol before AND during a flight. You could be blocked from boarding if you’re tipsy, and the effects of alcohol are much greater at high altitudes so it’s best to keep the celebrations to a minimum while in the air.
And remember this: The joy of the journey is in the ride. So, be patient, even if your flight is delayed—you never know who you’ll meet while camped out on in an airport terminal.
Life’s just like that, isn’t it? All you can do is “go with the flow.”
photo: caribb
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Posted by Margaret in Etiquette Tips and tagged etiquette tips, air travel etiquette, good manners
