Learn to communicate
- Conversation. Learn how to hold a decent conversation with back-and-forth dialogue. Never monopolize a discussion.
- Never gossip.
- People’s names. Most people appreciate your effort to learn their names if you spend more than a minute or two talking with them.
- Cell phones. Use your cell phone sparingly in public. Think before you hit “send” in an e-mail. Most electronic mail can never be taken back.
- Social media. Remember that not only can your friends see what you post, others can repost, copy, share, or retweet anything you put out there.
- Rude questions. There are ways to deal with them and not come across as snarky.
- How to Graciously Change the Subject. There are times certain things shouldn't be discussed, and it's up to you to shift the conversation.
MORE IDEAS FROM THE ARTICLE
Many of the correct behaviors people once considered common sense have gotten lost in the swirling wind of bad advice, outdated manners, rules, and social media that makes it too easy to slip up and be rude.
There are certain accepted behaviors in all social situations that you need to learn. Putting them into practice can make a big difference in your social life.
There are certain accepted behaviors in all social situations that you need to learn. Putting them into practice can make a big difference in your social life.
- Have good manners.
- Be on time.
- Personal space. Every culture has different comfort levels of personal space, so before you travel, find out how close you can get to people without being rude.
- Men’s manners. Be a gentleman. Rudeness is never manly.
- Women’s manners. You can be a lady and still show strength. It is always appropriate to be mannerly.
- Teens’ manners. Demonstrate good manners. If you exhibit proper etiquette, you'll earn respect and maybe even more privileges.
- Children’s manners. Be polite. Be the kid everyone wants to play with.
- Host and Hostess Gift. Never show up empty-handed when you're a guest in someone's home.
- Basic table manners. If having your elbows on the table makes it rock, take them off the table. Put your napkin in your lap, use the flatware starting with the one farthest from the plate, and don't talk with your mouth full.
- Restaurant manners. Arrive before your scheduled reservation, be polite to your server, keep your voice at a conversational level, and be a generous tipper.
- Formal dinner party. Know which utensils to use for each course. If you're ever in doubt about which fork goes with each course, look to the host or hostess and follow them.
- Business relationships. Limit personal conversations at the office on a need-to-know basis. Be a good team player, don't make annoying sounds that might distract others, and offer to assist coworkers if they need help.
- Proper attire. Know how to dress in any situation.
- Getting ahead. Show up on time, do a good job, and maintain a positive attitude.
- Office Cubicles. Be polite and respectful to those who work around you. Keep noise, smells, and any other distractions to a minimum.
- Shaking hands. A decent handshake can give someone a good first impression.
- Business gifts. Make sure your gift is appropriate to the setting and occasion.
- Acknowledge others. Be the first to congratulate someone where it is due. Never take credit for someone else's work.
RELATED IDEAS
- Language. “Please,” “Thank You,” and “You’re Welcome,” demonstrate to others that you value their effort, thought, and/or generosity.
- Names. Always address others in business by their title (Mr., Mrs., or Ms.) and their last name, unless they request you use a given name or nickname.
- Attire and Dress. The way a person dresses can demonstrate their respect for whoever they are meeting.
- Eye Contact. Most people believe that those who do not make eye contact are lying or avoiding something, or that they lack the confidence to interact effectively with other people.
- Speaking. A clear, well-modulated speaking voice is an important social tool, and contributes to the ease of communication and a good first impression.
- Handshake. While the handshake should be firm, too much pressure shows a desire to dominate and can be a negative signal.
Video chats with multiple participants have a lot of cross-talk and people talking at the same time. This problem is compounded by dodgy internet speeds.
It is possible to listen to only one person at a time, so one has to learn the art of the pause. Stopping and staying silent will allow others to calm down.
Zoom also has a raise hand feature, which helps facilitate the meeting in an orderly fashion.
Be Better, as a person, with these five simple steps:
- Give more to others
- Be Polite
- Embrace Change
- Clear your mind
- Find inspiration in others