Etiquette is defined as the formal manners and rules that are followed in social or professional settings.
It can also known as code of polite conduct.
If you practice proper etiquette, you are less likely to offend or annoy people — and you may even win them over.
Quite simply, it is expected behavior that shows respect, meant to make everyone feel comfortable
Pillars of Etiquette.
R.C.H.
R -RESPECT.
C -CONSIDERATE.
H -HONEST.
RESPECT:
Respect can be a feeling, and it can be demonstrated in our actions and words. To us, respecting other people means recognizing and acknowledging their worth and value as human beings, regardless of their background, race, or creed.
It’s demonstrated in all our day-to-day relations—refraining from demeaning others for their ideas and opinions, refusing to laugh at insultive jokes.
We show respect not just by what we refrain from doing but also by intentional acts, such as being on time, dressing appropriately.
Self-respect is just as important as respect for others. A person who respects his/herself isn’t boastful or pushy but is secure in a way that inspires confidence in others.
You value your self regardless of your physical attributes or individual talents.
CONSIDERATE
Consideration is about having good thoughts for another person. Being thoughtful means thinking about what you can do for those around you and how your actions will affect them.
Consideration leads us to help a friend or stranger in need, to bestow a token of appreciation, or to offer praise.
HONESTY
Honesty is both about about telling the truth and avoiding even white lies, and about acting sincerely and with integrity.
Honesty is also about being authentic and genuine with others.
No one likes insincere, “eye-service" politeness—it can be as bad as outright rudeness.
Three steps of Basic Etiquette.
STEP ONE.
Etiquette for Greetings or Introductions
1: Stand up, even if it is not your first time meeting them.
2: Shake their hand (always put out your right hand)or the standard mode of greeting acceptable in your environment or culture.
STEP 2.
How to Have Good Manners
Manners are an important thing to learn. Having good manners means acting in a manner that is socially acceptable and respectful.
Good manners convey respect to those you interact with, and also commands respect from those you interact with.
1: Practice basic courtesy.
Say "Please" and "Thank you," when you need to. People notice when you're courteous and respectful toward them, and it can count for a lot.
Additionally, say "Excuse me" whenever you accidentally bump into someone, or if need to leave a class.
2: Hold doors open for other people.
You don't have to be a man to hold a door open. If someone will be entering the door shortly after you, pause a second and hold it open. Say, "After you, sir/ma'am," if the person is a stranger; if not, use his or her name in place of sir or ma'am.
If you're unsure about whether or not the other person would appreciate having the door held open, ask politely. Say, "May I get the door for you?" This gives the other person an opportunity to accept or decline.
3:Speak politely.
Keep the volume of your voice as low as possible while still allowing people to hear you.
Remember that the people around you are not all deaf, so you don't need to shout at the top of your lungs.
Don't discuss rude topics in public, such as bodily functions, gossip, swear words, or anything you wouldn't want your parents or teachers to hear.
Don't interrupt another person when he or she is speaking. Practice being a good listener, and talk when it's your turn.
4: Congratulate people.
Offer your congratulations to someone who's just made a big accomplishment (such as graduating or being promoted), or has otherwise done something worthy of praise.
People that you praised will be inspired and touched because of you. They will also do this when you achieved something.
Be a good sport. Congratulate anyone who beats you in a race, sporting event, election or other competition.
5:Groom yourself appropriately.
Whether you're going to your school, Church, or just to the grocery store, your good manners will go unnoticed if you're not well-groomed.
Take a shower everyday, and keep your hair, skin, nails and clothing as clean as possible. Wear freshly laundered clothes that are appropriate for the setting you're in (whether it's a school uniform or a church or outing wear)
6:Write thank-you notes.
Whenever anyone gives you a gift or does something particularly nice for you. Yes, send them thank-you note within a few days.
Note how thankful you are for the specific gift or action, and how delighted you are.
Step 3.
DINNING MANNERS.
1: Don't chew with your mouth open. It's an obvious rule, but one that's easy to forget when you're enjoying the food.
2: Do not put your elbows on the table.
3: Help set the table.
A traditional table setting has the napkin and fork to the left of the plate, and the knife (the blade facing the plate), the spoon, and the cup to the right.
4: Eat with your silverware, not your hands (unless it is finger food).
5: If you cannot reach something, politely ask someone else at the table to hand it to you – don't reach for it.
6: Put you napkin on your lap.
7: If you have to sneeze, cover your mouth with your napkin and say, "Excuse me."
8: If you notice someone has something in his or her teeth, let him or her know quietly, but do not make a big deal out of it.
9: If you are at home or a guest at someone's house, help clear the table once the meal is over.
On a final note, remember:
Simply try to be on your best behavior and use good manners; you will impress your friends, family, and even strangers.
