Etiquette for a True Gentleman

Real gentlemen are defined by their behavior and the ability to stay composed and proper even in the direst situations. Gentlemen always put ladies first above everything else. You can start being more mature by learning the ways of a true confident human being. You will realize that there are several other benefits that come with your good actions. Here's how.

Dressing Rules

Gentlemen should be well-dressed always, in a way that his dress is no longer observed much anymore. A well-bred man will not immediately follow fads and other fashion trends. Only young men usually follow this norm. Follow the basics, such as bringing a white handkerchief with you at all times.

Experts prefer bringing two, one for you and the other for a needing lady. Never wear dirty shoes. Shine and polish your pair before and after use. Consider the weather when going out. Do not wear flip flops unless you are going to the beach. When wearing t-shirts, make sure the cloth is thick enough. Avoid very small t-shirts. The fit should be adequate for you to raise your arms and bend over comfortably.

Accessorize just enough. The only real jewelry that a man should wear is his watch, which is why some prefer to purchase watches worth several thousands of dollars. Avoid ear piercings, tattoos and other kinds of jewelry, except your wedding ring if you have one. Make sure you wear the right contrast of colors. Stick to a base tone like black, gray, white or brown, then compliment subtly.

On Manners

Always carry yourself in a respectable and confident manner. There is a fine line between being confident and arrogant. Walk straight with your shoulders back and your chest out. When meeting someone, smile and offer your hand to shake. Remember the names of people you meet and try to engage in small conversations. It is normal to laugh, although laughing so hard may be considered rude in many occasions.

Mind your table manners and eat slowly, chewing your food properly. Use the utensils from the outside in. Whenever a lady stands up to be excused from the table or arrives to be seated, you have to stand up. Serve the ladies if you are passing food on the table. Engage in conversation as you dine.

On Conversation

Slang is considered vulgar, although modern gentlemen can now use these more freely as long as you do not include profane language. Do not talk about other people or gossip. Gentlemen should be updated with recent events such as political issues and historical situations. Try to read the newspaper once a day or watch the evening news to catch up on discussions.

Never interrupt a person who is speaking. Learn how to listen intently and ask questions to give the idea that you are concerned and interested. Talk in a composed and calm tone. You can have discussions but avoid arguments and showing loss of control. It is also good if you learn a few common words when talking to someone from a foreign country.

Etiquette in the Theatre

Watching the opera, the movies or a gala can be very fun and exciting. However, you need to remember a few social rules and guidelines to avoid embarrassing yourself in the process. The way you behave inside the theatre upon the moment of your arrival will distinguish you as either a respectable guest or someone who needs to learn some manners.

Watching Broadway

Arrive at the venue early. You should be there about 20 to 30 minutes before the show starts. If you happen to arrive late, wait for the intermission or short break before going inside. Do not argue with ushers if you need to wait, since these personnel are only doing their job. You can view the television screen in the lobby as you wait to enter and be seated.

Turn off your watch alarm and cellular phone while waiting. If your cell phone happens to ring during the performance, do not answer the phone or excuse yourself out of the theatre. Immediately shut it off. Only check messages and missed calls during intermission. Do not talk during the performance and avoid singing or humming with the music. Do not drink or eat during the performance. Save your snacks for intermission.

Next Tips

Always keep your feet on the floor and not on the balcony or seat in front of you. If you need to unwrap medications and cough suppressants, do so during loud musical numbers, applause and laughing. There are a number of rules when applauding. You can shout Brava or Bravo to excellent performers. The conductor is also applauded when he enters at the beginning. You can applaud very well or give a standing ovation to very good performances.

When the performance ends, do not immediately aim for the exit. Wait for the actors to exit the stage entirely before leaving. Make sure you follow the minimum age limit if you intend to bring kids. Always orient your children about what to expect and teach them about proper manners and how to behave inside the theatre. Feed them and have them go to the bathroom before the start of the performance. Give them some light snacks and bring them back to the bathroom during intermission. Most theatres recommend that you do not bring children younger than 4 years old to the theatre. Never videotape the performance.

Final Guidelines

If your view is blocked by a tall person in front of you, ask the usher to find you another seat or ask for a booster cushion. Make sure you have your tickets ready when arriving at the venue. It will be very difficult to ask for an extra seat or ticket, so only bring the right number of people in accordance to the allowable tickets and seats. Feel free to mingle and converse with other attendees before you enter the theatre. You can also praise and commend actors and directors after the entire show is finished behind the stage or in their dressing room. Make sure you request this first.

Etiquette for the Avid Traveler

Traveling can be a very fun and exciting experience. However, you need to learn more about the place you are visiting to avoid being rude to the locals. Researching in advance and practicing a few actions and lines will help you show more respect, thereby making your trip more pleasurable. Here are some guidelines that will keep you safe and sane.

On Greeting

Depending on which country you visit, you will have to do a variety of greetings and salutations. For example, if you are going to France, you will greet strangers with kisses on the cheek. The rest of the nation gives two kisses, while Paris offers you 4. Shaking hands can also be done. In Japan or China, you will need to bow to show respect when meeting people for the first time.

Try to learn a word or two when greeting. For example, you can say "bonjour" or "good day" to a person you meet. Also learn other translations of "please", "thank you" and "goodbye". You can learn more about the language by searching the internet and chatting with some of the locals. Bring a dictionary just in case.

When Getting Dressed

Always dress in a respectable manner. Try to observe how the locals dress. In America, it might be acceptable to enter the grocery store in your gym clothes. This may be considered eccentric by other nations. Plan your activities ahead so you can dress in formal attire or more comfortable clothes. When visiting religious sites, it is always advised to dress conservatively.

Acting in Public

Be careful when taking pictures, since some countries do not like some of their government buildings and national treasures to be shot at. Read the rules and guidelines properly. When visiting museums, check first if it is allowed to take photos or record videos. Follow guidelines specifically. Avoid talking in a very loud voice when in public. If you need to go to the restroom or are looking for a certain place, approach a local, smile and greet, before you ask for directions.

Avoid laughing so loud in public. Never litter and show respect to other people's freedom, possession and conversations. Do not interrupt locals who are still talking. Listen intently and ask questions afterwards. Some nations find it rude if you refuse gifts. Some will require you to bring gifts if invited to their homes. Do not interrupt people who are praying or doing a certain ritual. Wait for them to finish before you ask questions or take photos.

Dining Rules

There are several rules that revolve around dining in a foreign place. For example, it is considered unsanitary to eat using your left hand. In China, the chef will appreciate it if you eat your noodles with as much sound as possible. Some countries do not like it when you add more seasoning to served food. You have to learn how to use other eating items like chopsticks, etc. to show respect. Learn how to eat different kinds of food in a variety of ways, depending on your location.

Etiquette When Dining Out

When invited for dinner or hosting a dinner party, make sure that you know the different foods to expect so that you can handle these well without embarrassing yourself. You should make the necessary preparations as well as spread information so that all attendees will know what to expect and avoid any trouble and misunderstanding. Here are some tips.

First Things First

Assume the number of people you are expecting. You may divide the check among all attendees evenly by talking to the host of the restaurant. Always ask for a separate check when dining with other couples. You should also consider drastic differences between orders. For example, even if the check should be divided evenly among all attendees, if one couple only ordered a salad, while the rest finished 3 courses, you should make the pair pay less, or just for their order. Do the same for non-alcoholic drinkers if you are having wine.

Tipping Tips

It is always considered proper dining etiquette to leave a tip at a restaurant. Tips can range anywhere between 15% and 25%. Waiters should be given 15% to 20% of the total bill. You can add more for excellent service. The bartender should be provided with 10% to 15% of the bar bill. The wine steward can be given 15% of the wine bill. The car attendant can receive 1 to 2 dollars, while the coat check can get 1 dollar per coat. If the owner is the one serving, you can still leave a tip.

The Different Foods

When eating artichokes, pluck the leaves off using your fingers then use your fork and knife to cut bites from the heart to eat. Asparagus can be eaten whole using your hand. At restaurants, it is more proper to use a fork and knife. Avocado served in its shell should be eaten using a spoon. Avocado without the shell is eaten using a fork. Very crisp bacon should be eaten by hand, while flat ones can be eaten using a fork and knife. Always eat berries using a spoon, with or without cream.

When eating bread, break slices. Butter each bite one at a time. Never cut a roll using a knife. When bread baskets are passed, take one bread then pass the basket on to the next person. Use mother of pearl utensils when eating caviar. Chicken should be eaten always with a fork and knife. Crab, lobster and shrimp cocktails are eaten using a cocktail fork. Clam out oysters and clams in a half shell using an oyster fork. Use a nutcracker to break the shell of crabs and lobsters open before clamming out with a fork.

Olives are considered finger foods, so use your hands freely. When eating pasta, twirl the pasta around using your fork. When eating salad, cut one bite at a time. Sandwiches can be picked up using your fingers. Sandwiches with gravy or rich sauces should be eaten using a fork and knife. Sushi can be eaten using your fingers or chopsticks. Aim to eat bite size pieces whole.

Etiquette When Visiting a Foreign Country

Although there is some room for forgiveness if a foreign visitor makes a number of social mistakes in your country, you can always do better by doing research and knowing more about a particular culture or practice. Etiquette will vary, depending on the country you are visiting. It is important that you know a few guidelines to avoid embarrassment and trouble.

Doing Research

First of all, you have to research about the particular country you intend to visit. View their political past and other traditions. Talk to some of the locals online before visiting and ask about some common practices that will convey you as a respectful individual. You can take a short language course to learn the basic sentences. You can create a simple vocabulary of the most common words, together with the right manner of saying it. You will get a friendlier response from the locals if they see that you tried to study a bit.

Trying Out New Things

Try to experience the new flavors, sights and sounds. Do not always stick to American fast food chains. You should study the basic dishes and meals served by the country you are visiting. If invited for dinner, learn how to behave around the table. Some countries find it rude if you refuse to taste some food offered to you. Observe how others behave at the table and just follow. Most of the table manners you are already practicing in your country may relatively be the same as in a foreign nation.

Always dress conservatively and in a manner that will ask for respect from the locals. If you are visiting religious sites, make sure that you do not have revealing clothes. Wear comfortable walking shoes, instead of sneakers to be ready for anything. You should also bring cash and your credit card, just in case you need to pay for certain fees. Make sure you exchanged your dollars beforehand. Read laws and other rules about alcohol consumption, operation of motor vehicles, smoking and other common behaviors. Abide by these at all times. You may be surprised to discover that punishment in other nations is much heavier compared to your own country for similar offenses.

From Home

Small gestures in your home country can significantly be misinterpreted. For example, nodding your head means agreement in America, but it means disagreement in Bulgaria. Physical gestures are highly important especially if you are communicating with the locals. In China, you will need to bring a calculator to haggle or purchase goods from the local merchants. You can bring a pen and paper while traveling to help you draw maps and find exact locations.

Smiling is a general gesture that conveys friendliness. Avoid, however, whispering or laughing at religious sites because this is a sign of disrespect. Feel free to ask your tourist guide about certain behaviors so you can enjoy the entire experience. Ask how to properly greet new people, since you should expect to meet new faces during your trip.

Etiquette in the Workplace

Especially if you're still new to the job, you have to learn how to mingle with your co-workers appropriately to project a feeling of comfort and camaraderie. The way you handle yourself at work will greatly affect your performance, as well as how others will respond to you. You can make lasting relationships in the office if you practice good manners.

First Rules

Greet people you meet first when you enter the workplace or if someone comes in. You have to be always pleasant and polite. You will find that it sets a good mood in the office. Your voice has to be pleasant. This also applies when answering the phone or paging someone via the intercom. Set the tone for productivity by being helpful and friendly at the same time. You can also greet janitors and other blue-collar workers.

Make it a habit to answer the telephone promptly. If a co-worker is still attending a meeting or is away from his desk, you can answer the phone after 3 to 4 rings. This will help provide the idea that the business attends to all clients and concerns at all times. Simply take down important information that you will later on relay to your co-worker.

Meeting Practices

When there is a scheduled meeting, make sure you arrive on time. Dress properly for the occasion, even if it is casual Friday. Prepare yourself for the upcoming topics and shut your phone off before entering the room. Do not chew gum while inside the conference room. Allow other people to speak before you come up with your own opinions and suggestions. Continue being polite when responding. Avoid arguments and other negativity inside the conference room. If some people are being rude to you, maintain your tact and respond in a calm and composed manner.

Always use positive body language. Listen to the other person's concerns. If you need to sneeze, cough or yawn, be very discrete. You should go to the bathroom before you come inside for the meeting. Aim to last the meeting without having to go to the comfort room.

Facing Clients

When a client is waiting, attend to him first and avoid any unnecessary actions. Try to avoid personal conversations or put the phone down if you are speaking to someone to attend to the one who is physically present. Do not eat at your desk or drink while talking to the customer.

If you setup an appointment with a client, dress well and always be there a few minutes before. Avoid any annoying habits you have and do not use strong perfume or any other odorous material. Assist the client at all times and present the details clearly. Remember that you are there to provide information and do business.

It is good to make small talk to make the customer comfortable, but avoid lengthy conversations that deviate from the main topic. If you're supposed to meet a client, but cannot be there on time, make sure you call or text ahead and ask the customer to wait a few more minutes. Always give them the idea that you prioritize the meeting.

Describing Etiquette

In various situations, people are required to behave in a socially acceptable way. From the time you were a child, you may remember your parent teaching you how to chew properly, how to answer the phone and how to act in public events. These are all part of etiquette. There are also several kinds of etiquette, depending on the current situation and the kind of atmosphere present. Here are some more tips about manners.

A Brief Definition

Etiquette is a set of forms and practices that are followed in a wide array of situations. Several individuals consider it as a branch of general social behavior or decorum. Every society has its own unique etiquette. Different cultures in a given society also have their own social norms and rules to follow. Some people may find it very challenging to learn etiquette if they are new to a certain place or culture.

The rules of etiquette will prevail over how people should act or behave. Greeting other people in a respectable manner is common etiquette among different cultures. The expression of respect may vary, but the idea is generally the same. In America, individuals shake hands to greet, while Asians bow as they greet. It is highly important to review or study a bit about etiquette before visiting another country to avoid trouble or embarrassing yourself.

The Lapses

Lapses in etiquette can lead to certain consequences. You may feel embarrassed or awkward after committing the lapse. The other person may also be the one embarrassed about the situation. There may also be more dire consequences to the lapses, such as losing a job or damaging friendship. In some instances, people have lost their lives or belongings because of a serious breach in etiquette. In most cases, however, lapses can still be forgiven, although more serious cases require bigger compensation.

Most of the lapses can be avoided by simply using common sense. If you truly want to be safe, you should study a number of books or search the internet to know more about possible offers that you shouldn't refuse and other special scenarios. You can also talk to someone who lives in the country you plan to visit to give you certain tips and advice.

On Manners

Manners include several social interactions with given cultural norms. A number of individuals consider etiquette to be an uncalled restriction of freedom of personal expression. Lack of manners or failure to respond appropriately can mean disrespect for the freedom of other individuals. To enforce manners or etiquette, establishments usually put signs to inform people, such as "Take off shoes before entering", "No smoking" and "Formal wear required". These will help create a more relaxed atmosphere wherein people can practice their freedom to a certain extent that will seem respectful to others.

Manners are highly dependent on culture. To differentiate manners from etiquette, a good example would be that manners teach you to use a fork while dining, while etiquette teaches you which fork to use while dining.

Business Meeting Etiquette

Etiquette generally means using your common sense well, together with a little practice. All people can identify the things to do and not to do especially if they are attending a business meeting. Your behavior can make or break your professional career, as well as provide some hints to your superiors and colleagues on how you should be treated in the workplace.

Primary Tips

Always be on time when joining a meeting. Arrive a few minutes before the meeting should start. This will show respect for the person who plans the meeting that you are a punctual and organized worker. Be prepared for the business meeting. Know what the topic is about and do some advanced research so you can easily follow the course.

Look for related materials and other rules that should be addressed. You will get better input by studying in advance. Bring the needed materials, such as a notebook and pen to take notes. This also shows that you are serious about the topics discussed. Participate in the meeting by asking questions and volunteering for certain tasks that need to be done.

The Right Behavior

Be polite and attentive when joining the meeting. Do not cross-talk while someone is talking and wait for the speaker to finish or until he asks for your opinion before speaking. Always be courteous and listen to the person talking. Fight the urge to argue with anybody at the table. Conduct yourself in a very professional manner. Doing your research will show that you are understanding and knowledgeable. Always thank the person who organized the meeting afterwards.

If You are Hosting

If you're the one calling for a meeting, always plan ahead and let people know about the venue and date weeks before the actual event. Send out invitations and notifications to have them prepare for the course. Always include the clear agenda. The action items may also be listed so that participants can address the issues properly. Set a time limit as well so that your colleagues can use the period productively. Provide a set number of minutes for group discussion, as well as for yourself to conduct the agenda.

Taking Initiative

Encourage punctuality by never coming late at your own meeting. Dress seriously and professionally. Even if it is a casual dressing day, come in your proper business attire. Manage the meeting well and make sure you stick to the concerns and given time limit. Each person should have the right to speak at a certain time. Guide the course of the meeting by indicating the key points and turning points.

Always be diplomatic and calm. Stay away from arguments and bickering. Summarize the points discussed in the meeting to wrap up everything. If you should request for a follow-up meeting, indicate that you will notify them with the next steps, time and place. Always request feedback as well, so that you can continually improve in your craft and become a productive member of the workplace.

Basic Telephone Etiquette

The telephone is a very common part of everyday life. However, not all individuals realize that you need to practice telephone etiquette as well, as much as you would other activities. Knowing how to respond will give others the impression that you are a polite and respectful individual, especially when it comes to business. Here are some tips to get you started.

Answering the Telephone

The right way to answer the telephone is by saying "Hello" or "Good morning, followed by the place of residence or company name". Do not just say "Yes", "What?" or "Speak", even if you already know who is calling. The person on the other line can immediately draw a conclusion that you are an aloof person who does not want to communicate. You will have a hard time getting left messages if you do not answer appropriately.

When someone asks for a person through the telephone, you should also respond in the most respectful manner. If someone asks for Mr. Smith, you should respond either "One moment please, I'll get Mr. Smith for you." or "I'm sorry, Mr. Smith is not here right now, but I can take a message if you want to." This shows that you have good manners. Do not just say, "Yes", "No" or "Wait". Always try to communicate and evoke the feelings that you care.

Making the Calls

If you are the one making the telephone call, make sure you check the time first. Calling during meal time, napping periods or very late at night are not recommended. Try to aim for hours when you know the person answering is wide awake and will not most likely be disturbed. Try to call houses not sooner than 7:00 am and not later than 9:30 pm. Once the phone is answered, greet the other person on the line, provide your name then ask for the person you want to talk to.

If you called once without anyone answering, wait about 30 to 60 minutes before making the next call. If the number is busy, you can try again after a few minutes. If the other line has an answering machine, leave your name, contact number and message. If you happen to dial the wrong number, do not abruptly hang up. Instead, apologize to the other person and indicate that you have dialled the wrong number. Dial the next number carefully to avoid making the same mistake.

More Manners

Always have a light and pleasant tone when answering the phone or calling, since the other person cannot see your facial expression. When calling, allow the phone to ring a certain length of time, since it can be a bother to go all the way to the telephone and only hearing the dial tone once you answer. Stop making pranks, especially if you are calling an office telephone. Do not inconvenience businesses by taking too much of their time for unimportant chats. If you're talking to someone who is working, keep the call informative and brief.

Basic Table Etiquette

Eating or dining is one of the most common activities wherein people are required to act and behave in a certain way. Table manners can usually indicate how well a person is brought up, so make sure you have your etiquette down pat. You will need to practice these and master a few by heart, so you can be ready to dine with very important people. Here are some tips on table manners and guidelines on how to look proper throughout.

Making Reservations

When making reservations, make sure you stick to the schedule. Inform the host if you are going to be 15 minutes early or 15 minutes late. You should cancel as early as possible if your plans have changed and you really cannot make it to the venue. A number of restaurants might ask for your credit card number to hold reservations. If you cancel or do not show up, expect an amount to be deducted.

About Napkins

As soon as you are seated in the restaurant, take out the napkin from your place setting. Unfold this and place it on your lap. Do not shake the napkin open. The waiter at times may do the unfolding for you. It is not proper to put your own napkin in your lap. The napkin should stay on the lap until the meal ends. Avoid cleaning the cutlery and never wipe your face with it.

If you need to stand up and leave the table, fold the napkin loosely then position it at either side of the plate. Do not refold the napkin or wad it on the table. Do not place the napkin on the chair. When the meal ends, leave the napkin semi-folded at the left side of the setting. It should not be twisted or crumpled. It should not be left on the chair as well or folded neatly back together.

When Eating

In a restaurant, you have to wait until all people at the table are served before you start to eat. At dinner parties, wait for the host to pick up their forks to eat, then follow. Avoid starting before, unless the host insists that you should begin first. When using silverware, use the one farthest from the plate first, then move inwards per course. Eat to your left and drink to your right. Any food dish served at your left is yours, while all beverages served at your right is yours.

The salad fork is located at the outermost left. The dinner fork is next. The soup spoon is found at the outermost right, followed by the beverage spoon, then salad knife and dinner knife. For dessert, use the fork and spoon above the plate. Some desserts may already have a fork brought out with it. Always work from the outside in.

More Dining Rules

Aim to arrive at the venue 10 minutes early, unless specified otherwise. Pass food from the left to the right. If you need to ask for something, always say please. Respond with thank you every time a waiter removes used items. If someone asks you for salt or pepper, always serve both. Even if only one is asked, provide both. When passing anything, set it on the table, instead of passing hand to hand. Never blow your nose or burp at the table.

Achieving Proper Voice Tone During Phone Call

Voice tone is a nonverbal factor that is involved during phone conversations or communication that can change or slightly alter the meaning of your verbal messages. Hence, you need to pay more attention to it along with what you are verbally saying to avoid being misinterpreted. In a business setting, the tone of your voice can come down to be the most crucial element that makes the entire process effective – or not.

Crucial Elements To An Effective Phone Conversation

When you are speaking to someone over the phone, they are forming their own conclusion about a person on the other line, even when they have not even met before. According to research made by communication experts, only 7 percent of the spoken communication are comprehended. Meanwhile, another 38 percent of the entire communication process weigh on the tone of voice or the manner in which the spoken words are delivered. And finally, the remaining 55 percent is alloted to the body language and expression made on the person's face.

Since the latter does not apply during a phone conversation, the second element – tone of voice – is more important here than the actual words being spoken. So, the caller has to rely on that factor to reinforce the spoken communication. The next time you talk to someone over the phone, pay closer attention to how you relay the verbal messages to ensure that you are getting your point across.

Factors Affecting Tone of Voice

To better understand how you can achieve the proper tone of voice during a phone conversation, there are some factors that you need to consider. This is highly important for a business organization as part of your business communication ethics as it can also produce an impact on your reputation when dealing with customers.

Here are some factors you need to pay close attention to:

• The pitch of the phone callers voice impact the tone largely. For example, a monotonous voice can elicit lack of interest in a conversation or unwillingness to pay attention to what is being said.
• The volume of one's voice over the phone can send out various messages, whether it be of confidence, commitment to customers (for business organizations), and willingness to cooperate with the person on the other line.
• The way one person emphasizes certain words during a phone conversation help to highlight specific areas of the conversation and makes one realize the importance of this communication process.
• The way a person speaks over the phone can indicate a lot about their enthusiasm with the person on the other line, which can often be a result of the factors listed above.

Importance of Using Proper Tone

As repeatedly pointed out above, using the proper tone of voice is a serious issue when tackling proper etiquette during phone communication. If you are making phone calls for business reasons, then the least you'd want is to elicit a sense of indifference, annoyance, impatience, and lack of interest. Even the slightest inflection of your voice and injective you use can convey different meanings to the person on the other end of the phone.

The absence of physical contact during this form of communication will lead the person to rely on tone of voice, in addition to actual spoken words, to determine what is really being communicated here. And for customers speaking to a business organization's representative, it could imply the organization's willingness to address the needs of the consumer.

10 Practical Steps Toward Excellent Telephone Etiquette

The act of using the telephone and speaking someone through the phone line is so common, such that most people fail to practice proper manner when doing this familiar act. Here are ten practical tips you need to consider for a more effective and ethical telephone communication:

Preparing For a Phone Call

Although most people make phone calls on a regular basis, practicing or making the necessary preparation will facilitate for a smooth communication between you and the person on the other line. During your preparation, you have to specifically focus on what you need to say to avoid missing out on any information. This is specially true when making business phone calls.

Starting the Conversation Right

The start of your phone conversation is often a good indicator of how the entire phone call will turn out to be. Thus, starting right is of utmost essential. You can use variety of polite greetings and introduction that will impress the person you are speaking to. But most importantly, you have to do this genuinely, such that the other person does not feel like listening to a voice prompt.

Establishing Rapport

In business calls in particular, rapport is very essential and it is a great way to influence the other person on the line, whether you are speaking to a fellow business personnel, an elderly woman, or a young woman. The more they feel comfortable speaking to you, the more interested they'd be with what you have to say.

How To Correctly Keep Them On-Hold?

There are cases wherein you are interrupted while talking to someone on the phone. The person you are talking to would not mind being kept on hold for a few seconds or a minute provided that you use an effective technique. By using polite words and explaining to them thoroughly the reason for keeping the conversation on-hold is the best way to do it.

Efficient Call-Transfer

Call transfer is quite common in businesses since you have to direct callers to another line on the business phone system, based on their specific inquiries or needs. With the use of effective call-transfer techniques, you can give the caller more light on who else is waiting for them on the other line, such that they won't be caught off guard with the phone conversation they are about to participate in.

Speaking Clearly

This bit of advice is true not just for phone calls, but in conversations in general. Your ability to speak clearly and get your message across is important to ensure a successful communication system, regardless of the medium used. Despite the advancements in communication technology, your ability to speak clearly is the most focal point in being fully understood.

Achieving the Proper Tone

Voice toning is a nonverbal factor that reflects your personality to the person you are speaking with on the phone, as well as affect your ability to communicate effectively. Thus, it is important to evaluate your own voice tone to avoid being misinterpreted or emit the wrong impression.

Speak Positive

Your ability to showcase a positive attitude during a phone call is first and foremost evident in your choice of language to use. Thus, choose those words correctly and avoid speaking without thinking about what you are about to say.

Listen Attentively

One of the most unethical practices one could exhibit during a phone call is failure to listen to what the other is saying on the phone line. After all, you would not want it for them to not listen to you while you are speaking.

Observe the Golden Rule

For all of the practical tips listed above concerning the proper etiquette when speaking on the telephone, it all boils down to the golden rule. Hence, try to treat others via phone the way you would want them to treat you. Putting forth the need to establish respect and dignity is even more important if you are making phone calls for business reasons.