Professional Etiquette 101

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Professional Etiquette 101
Mitzi RichardsSenior Director of
DevelopmentK-State Engineering
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First Impressions

• It is true it is much easier to make a good
  first impression than to correct a bad one..
• Rule of Twelve
• The first twelve inches from the shoulders up
• The first twelve steps a person takes
• The first twelve words a person speaks

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Greetings Meetings

• In todays workplace, gender is removed from all
  etiquette
• Whoever reaches the door first, opens it and
  holds it for others.
• Both men and women rise to meet and greet
  someone, especially when a handshake is involved.
• It is not expected for a male business companion
  to seat a female associate.
• Whoever extends an invitation to a meal pays
  for the meal

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Body Language

• Your body language often reveals more about your
  than verbal communication. Be conscience of it,
  because it is always being observed.
• Good posture displays confidence
• Dont slouch stand and sit upright
• Dont fidget it is annoying and a sign of
  boredom
• Keep hands away from your mouth when speaking
• Honor others personal space
• Break nervous habits, such as gum chewing,
  drumming fingers, hair twirling, nail biting,
  etc.
• Dont show the soles of your shoes while sitting,
  especially in the company of individuals from
  other countries

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Dress Code

• For the occasion guests, location, event
• When in doubt - opt for overdressing
• Casual appropriate jeans, shorts, etc.
• Business Casual open collar, slacks, skirt
• Business Professional jacket, tie, ladies suit
  or dress
• Semi Formal Suit for men, cocktail dress for
  women
• Formal Suit or tuxedo for men, formal dress or
  gown for women

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Dress Code - Men

• Ties should reach your belt buckle
• Socks should cover your shin when sitting
• Wear a long sleeve shirt with a suit
• Socks match either pants or shoes
• Button suit or sport coat when standing
• Two button coat button top button
• Three button coat button top two buttons
• Double breasted coat button all buttons

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Dress Code - Women

• Use fragrances sparingly
• Makeup and jewelry should be kept simple
• If the men are wearing ties, you should be
  wearing hose
• Avoid all clothing that is too revealing or too
  restrictive
• Dont wear heels so high that you are unsteady
  (common height 2-3)
• Nails should not be more than ¼ in length

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Introductions

• Practice makes perfect
• Name of most honored person is mentioned 1st -
  Dean White I would like to introduce my brother,
  Bob.
• 2nd person mentioned in the order of gender, age,
  rank- President Wefald I would like to introduce
  my mother, Marie.
• Equal status use gender and age to decide who
  to mention first Grandma Smith I would like to
  introduce you to my neighbor, Dorothy.

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Hand Shake

• Always wear your name tag on your right shoulder
  for a clear eye line
• Stand to meet someone
• Extend your hand immediately
• Web to web
• Shake from your elbow
• Hold 3-4 seconds
• Maintain eye contact
• A confident hand shake compliments the
  introduction

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Conversation

• All rapport is built upon conversation most
  begin with small talk
• Approach with a smile and eye contact
• Open a conversation with a genuine compliment or
  an open ended question
• Whatever you do, dont begin with a lecture about
  yourself
• Turn the spotlight on them

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A Good Conversationalist

• Is polite
• Is a good listener
• Puts others at ease
• Can discuss numerous issues
• Asks good questions
• Never interrupts

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A Good Conversationalist

• Graciously accepts a compliment with a simple,
  thank you
• Extends a compliment with sincerity
• When mingling
• approach groups of three rather than two
• learns to open and end conversations with grace
• picks up on nonverbal cues when to end a
  conversation with Its been a pleasure talking
  with you, please excuse me. or Ive enjoyed
  meeting you, please excuse me.
• never have your drink more than half full so if
  you are stuck you can say excuse me, Im going
  to refill my drink.

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Telephone Tips

• Tone and voice clarity are more important than
  the words you use
• Smile speak clearly and slowly
• Return all calls within 24 hours
• Never eat, drink or chew gum while talking
• Always begin a call by introducing yourself, your
  company and with whom you wish to speak
• When answering a call immediately write down the
  callers name and repeat it during the
  conversation

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Dining Etiquette

• Napkin Use
• Ordering
• Reading the Table Setting
• Use of Silverware
• When You Have Finished

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Tips to Look Your BEST

• Your appearance impacts your mood and confidence
• Dress to fit your audience yourself
• Clothing should fit be well-maintained
• Dark colors compliment your shape and create the
  appearance of authority
• Polish your shoes people notice!
• Quality accessories are important briefcase,
  purse, umbrella, etc

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Quiz

• T F 1. A man should wait for a woman to
  initiate a handshake.
• T F 2. It is better to make no
  introductions at all than to use an incorrect
  form.
• T F 3. A woman should not open a door for
  a man.
• T F 4. The only time to call attention to
  someones appearance or behavior mistake is when
  they can do something about it.
• T F 5. A decisive statement can be negated
  by weak body language.
• T F 6. A little gossip about someone will
  help loosen up conversation.

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Quiz

• ___30____50 ____70 of the message that you
  communicate is conveyed through your visual
  appearance.
• About ___ of ones financial success is due to
  ones technical knowledge and about ___ is due
  to skill in human engineering. -Dale Carnegie
  (1936)

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• THANK YOU
• FOR
• YOUR ATTENTION PARTICIPATION