What is Etiquette?

• Etiquette is defined as formal rules

and manners that are considered
sacred and acceptable in society.
• These have been established by
convention for a very long time and
are followed diligently in both
professional and social settings.
• It is a guiding principle that dictates
what our behavior and manners
should be in society.
• Draws a line between people with
good manners and people who behave
irresponsibly everywhere

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Why is it important?
• Makes you cultured
• Teaches you the way to walk, talk and behave in society
• Helps leave a good lasting impression
• Enables you to earn respect and appreciation
• Inculcates trust and confidence in a person
• Makes you seem responsible and mature
• Helps value relationships

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Types of Etiquette
• Social etiquette – norms and behaviour that society considers acceptable
• Meeting etiquette – preferences while attending meetings, seminars and events
• Corporate/ Business etiquette – behaviour at the workplace; guiding force to
professionals to conduct business deals in an ethical and effective manner
• Bathroom etiquette – rules to follow when using public or office toilets
• Dining etiquette – Eating habits such as “Do not speak with your mouth full”, “Thank
the person serving your food”, “Don’t leave the table until everyone has finished eating”,
etc.
• Telephone etiquette – behaviour over telephone such as not putting someone on hold for
a long time, greeting the other person, and keeping your tone and pitch at the perfect
level
• Internet etiquette (netiquette) – behaviour online
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Basic Rules of Social Etiquette
• Say thank you
• A simple thank you goes a long way in showing your appreciation for a kind deed.
• Offer compliments
• Be generous with your words of appreciation and offer compliments and praise when
required
• Self-control
• Do not be too loud, and do not boast about the things you have or your
accomplishments as arrogance is considered an undesirable trait. The deeds speak for
themselves, and there is no need to blow your trumpet.
• Active listening
• Do not interrupt anyone while speaking, as it is considered bad manners. When you
are listening, you come to know about many things that can prove helpful later on.

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Basic Rules of Social Etiquette
• Speak with caution
• Speak kindly and keep your body language open. Do not complain or criticize or
participate in gossip as it is disrespectful.
• Be punctual
• Make eye contact
• Stand during the introduction
• During an introduction, it is important to stand and offer a handshake or greetings.
• Offer your seat
• If you are traveling in public transport and you see an older adult or someone
pregnant or in poor health, it is common courtesy to offer your seat to that person.

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Basic Rules of Social Etiquette
• Hold doors
• If you see someone struggling with the door it is basic etiquette to help them.
• Take a gift
• If you are invited to a party, or you are visiting someone, it is good to take a gift or
something with you.
• Pay your share
• If you are going out in a group, pay your share by dividing the bill.

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Basic Rules of Corporate Etiquette
• Greetings matter
• Greeting someone is basic courtesy and an integral part of both social and business
etiquettes. Be polite and kind as it establishes a rapport.
• Names are important
• During the introduction, include your last name with the first name. Pay attention to
the name of the other person as well. Learn to pronounce it correctly because no one
likes to be called carelessly.
• Clothes are important
• Follow the dress code and dress appropriately on all occasions. You cannot go to a
meeting wearing informal clothes. The first thing a person notices is your attire, and a
casual dress in a formal setting will set you apart, and it will ultimately look
discourteous.

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Basic Rules of Corporate Etiquette
• Pay attention to your body language
• Standing straight in the presence of colleagues, peers, and superiors, especially during
meetings and events, is important. Offer a firm handshake whenever you meet someone,
smile to show your appreciation in meeting others, and make eye contact while talking
• Show your involvement
• It is important to show that you are paying attention during a conversation. Nod and
smile at important junctions. Show that you are actively listening and are interested in
the conversation.
• Send handwritten notes
• Be polite
• Be punctual
• Keep your cubicle neat
• Be mindful of others
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Dressing and Grooming Etiquette
• Dress to impress
• Always take the initiative to look your upmost best at every formal and business
setting, as it instantly uplifts you into people respecting you and taking you seriously
as a businessman or businesswoman. Your attire should reflect the setting.
• Consider appropriate colour combinations – Avoid wearing bright, unmatching colors.
• Hairstyles must be clean
• Consider clothing length
• Ladies need to know the proper length of skirts and dresses for the business setting,
while men have to invest in complete suits instead of short sleeves and three-quarter
trousers
• Wear appropriate and comfortable shoes
• Avoid flashy and glittery clothing
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