Business Manners

Business Manners

At the University of South Florida, students recently attended a business etiquette seminar and a related rehearsal dinner. Kimberly Goddard, a graduate of the Protocol School of Washington, provided a number of excellent suggestions for updating your manners for the twenty-first century and "outclassing the competition." Business communication instructors may wish to share these suggestions with their students.

Introductions
At social events, place your name tag on the right side of your chest so that the people you meet will have a clear view of it when they shake your hand. Don't stand around waiting for introductions to be made. Introduce yourself. Offer your business or calling card. Address both married and single women as "Ms." When you introduce two people, name the person of higher standing first.

Handshakes
Shake the hand of a woman the same way you would shake the hand of a man. Avoid the extremes "bone-crushing" shakes and "wimpy fingertip" sh...