1. + Business Etiquette Emily Lane

2. + Introductions Almost any error you make will be forgiven; what may not be forgiven is failing to introduce someone at all. Lower ranking person introduced to higher ranking Customers/Clients introduced to members of organization Younger people introduced to older Stand when being introduced to someone Avoid saying, “Pleased to know you.” Use “How do you do?” and “Pleased to meet you.”

3. + Handshakes A handshake should be a handshake. Either party may initiate it. Shake hands so that the ‘web’ between your thumb and first finger meets firmly with the other person’s-- one squeeze only; one or two pumps of the hands—firm but not aggressive. Make eye contact as you shake hands. The handshake should last only as long as it takes to greet the other person. You should wait for the elderly and the disabled to initiate a handshake, as they may not be able to do so. When meeting a business colleague – man or woman – at a mall, social event, etc., a handshake is in order – even if you are in jeans or other casual attire.

4. + Men and Women When accompanying a woman, a man should walk on the outside, closer to the curb. When ascending as escalator with a woman, a man should allow the woman to precede him. When descending an escalator with a woman, a man should go first. When going through a revolving door, the man should precede the woman. At a business luncheon with a woman, a man should offer to seat her by holding her chair. If a woman excuses herself from a business meal, the man who is seated closest to her should acknowledge her departure/return by standing. Unless elderly or disabled, men and women rise to be introduced to anyone. If you are meeting someone in your office, stand, walk around your desk and initiate a handshake. The desk should never come between you and a guest. Either a man or a woman may initiate a handshake.

5. + Table Manners Follow the host’s lead Napkin should hit lap within ten seconds of being seated Don’t use napkin as handkerchief

6. + Top 20 Worst Manners

7. + Don’t put too much food in your mouth Don’t talk with your mouth full Don’t get too much food on your plate, it will normally lead to the two aforementioned actions

8. + Don’t drink alcohol unless the host is drinking, and never drink more than two Sit up straight, not stiff Men should allow all of the women to be seated before sitting themselves

9. + When you aren’t eating, keep your hands in your lap Elbows should rest on the edge of the table between courses, not while eating Don’t take more elbowroom than needed; be considerate of neighbors

10. + Never chew with mouth open or eat loudly Only cut up enough food for two to three mouthfuls and eat all of that before cutting more Place used teabags beside your cup on a saucer

11. + Don’t leave a spoon in your coffee cup or bowl Do not break crackers in your soup Entrée fork is acceptable to use on salad if salad and entrée are served together

12. + Taste food before salting and, if someone asks for the salt, pass the salt and pepper together Women shouldn’t leave lipstick marks on their glasses Don’t order the most expensive menu items, and do not order more than two courses unless the host approves. Do not order a first course if no other members do.

13. + Don’t offer to pay if you are an invited guest Do not ask for a to-go bag and try to order just what you will eat

14. + Table Conversation Small talk Conversation stoppers When NOT to talk

15. + Small Talk Appropriate small talk subjects: Current best-selling books News events Famous people Fitness craze Medical/technological advances The weather Travel Sports

16. + Conversation Stoppers Off limit topics: Religious beliefs Financial situation Weight Height Shoe size Age Ethnic or sexually oriented jokes Controversial issues Abortion Religion Gay Rights

17. + When NOT to Talk! Don’t contribute if you know nothing of the topic Use “body language” to be an active listener Ask follow up questions