This document provides etiquette tips for social situations such as introductions, conversations, phone calls, meals, and professional events. Some key points covered include listening actively in conversations, respecting personal space, using proper table manners, keeping cell phones silenced in meetings, and maintaining polite behavior regarding bodily functions or grooming in public. The overall message is that social etiquette rules should be followed to make a good impression.

1. HOW TO BREAK THE ICE!!!!!!

2. Programme
overview:
 Social Etiquette
 Resume writing
 Interview skills

3. No matter what the
situation, social etiquette
rules should be followed.
When should you be
particularly aware of
your manners?
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4. Introductions
 When you are
speaking with
someone you
know and
someone new
approaches,
always make an
introduction.
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5. When making an
introduction…
 Give a piece of
information about
the person—it
can be a
conversation
starter.
“This is Sue, she
just opened a
new store in
town.”
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6. What?
 LISTEN to and
concentrate on
conversations—
don’t just wait for
your turn to talk!
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7. Don’t Jump!
 Resist the urge to
jump into a
conversation
when someone
pauses in
thought. Wait a
second or
two, then
respond.
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8. Smile, you’re on Candid
Camera!
 Be an active
listener—smile,
nod, make eye
contact and
agree when
appropriate.
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9. My Space
 Respect a person’s
personal space—
don’t get too close!
If you can smell
lunch on their
breath—you may be
too close!
 Give them a breath
mint!
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10. Build your vocabulary!
 Avoid vulgar
references and
swear words.
 Poor language IS
NOT professional
and offends
some.
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11. Keep your Word.
 Do what you promised you would
do!
Make that phone call!
Write that note!
Make the arrangements!
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12. Placing a telephone call…
 If you’re making
a call, identify
yourself first,
then ask to speak
to the person
you’re trying to
reach.
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13. Keep your Word.
 Do what you promised you would
do!
Make that phone call!
Write that note!
Make the arrangements!
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14. When you finally reach the
person…
 Before you jump
into a deep
conversation, ask
if they have time
to talk.
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15. If you’re on the phone and
another call comes in…
 Always ask if it’s
alright to put
them on hold.
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16. Sign Language?
 Do not interrupt
someone on the
telephone by
gesturing,
speaking or
writing them
notes!
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17. What about voicemail?
 If you must leave a
message, state your
name (spell if they
don’t know you),
phone number, date
and reason for the
call.
 Repeat your phone
number at the end—
SLOWLY.
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18. You’re Ringing
 When you are in
ANY meeting,
turn off your cell
phone ringer—
accept voicemail
and text
messaging only!
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19. Can you hear me now?
 If you MUST take a call
in a public place—try to
move to a more private
space.
 Hearing one-sided
conversations alienates
the person NOT in the
conversation!
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20. I can’t talk now, but…
 If you must talk
in a public place
(bus, elevator,
airplane etc.)
keep it short and
discreet.
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21. No eating with your fingers!
 During the first
course of the
meal, use the
utensils on the
outside.
 For example, the
salad arrived, use
the fork on the far
left. Entrée
arrives, the next 21

22. I want to eat my dessert!
 When wanting to
eat your dessert,
use the utensils
that were placed
above the plate.
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23. Put the napkin where?
 Open the
napkin, refold in
half and place in
onto your lap
with the fold
away from you.
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24. How did that get on the
floor?
 If your utensils or
napkin fall, DO
NOT crawl around
on the floor to
retrieve—flag
down a waiter
and ask for
another.
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25. I can’t eat another thing.
 Finally done
eating?
Place all of your
utensils on the
plate with the tip
of the fork and
knife across the
plate, pointing at
11 o’clock.
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26. Chop sticks or Chop Suey?
 Eat your Chop
Suey (or any
other food) with
chop sticks ONLY
if you already
know how to use
them—learning in
front of someone
can be ugly!
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27. What’s in my Mouth?
 Great meal when—
all of a sudden you
realize something in
your mouth needs
to come out!
 Cover your mouth
with a napkin and
get it out—
discreetly!
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28. Where to Lunch
 Select a restaurant
that is conducive to
conducting
business.
 The restaurant
should be centrally
located for both, or
close to the guests’
office.
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29. Mirror, mirror on the wall…
 Don’t primp at a
restaurant table
or in public.
 Use the restroom
to groom!
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30. Party time!
 Have fun, but
maintain control!
DO NOT
get drunk
hit on a co-worker
stay at the buffet
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31. Warning: DO NOT PICK
 at your teeth.
 at your face.
 your nose.
 on your friends.
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32. Never, Never, Never…
 Burp
 Snort
In general:
DO NOT make ANY
bodily noises that
are rude and
disgusting!
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33. Allergies and colds happen,
but…
 DO NOT blow
your nose at a
table. It’s alright
to pat your nose
with a tissue.
Otherwise,
excuse yourself
and find a place
away from
others.
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34. Finally…
 Take time to say “please” and “thank
you” more often.
 Don’t forget to say “Hello” rather
than “Hi”.
 Say “you’re welcome” rather than
“no problem.”
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35. and always…
S
M
I
L
E
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