Etiquette School of Ohio

A Tip to Remember Names When Introduced

After an introduction, try to use the person’s name in conversation several times. The repetition of saying their name will help consolidate it in your memory.  The person you are conversing with will also be flattered to hear their name.

Follow Up After a Networking Event

After meeting someone for the first time at a networking event, it is important to keep in touch with that person.  Be creative in they way you contact them to be remembered and stand out in the crowd.   Handwritten notes or postcards are always appreciated, but e-mails and phone calls work as well.

Continue your connection with this person by sending articles or information related to their interests.

How To Exit From A Boring Conversation

Have you ever been at an event and found yourself in a conversation with someone you have absolutely nothing in common with?  You have most likely felt trapped.  Here is a way to exit that conversation without offending that person:

As you close the conversation, shake the hand of that person and comment on something they discussed with you during the conversation.

For example:  “It was a pleasure meeting you Joe.  Good luck in your upcoming chess tournament.”

Don’t make up a lie for an exit strategy.  That person will see you did not visit the restroom, get a drink, or make a phone call.

Forgetting Names

We have all, at some point in time, had a memory lapse and forgotten some one’s name when greeting them.  When this happens to you, don’t be ashamed, you’re a typical human being.

The best policy to follow when you’ve forgotten some one’s name is honesty.  You might say, “I remember meeting you at last month’s meeting, but I’m sorry, I can’t remember your name.”

Try to say something about the person that you do remember such as where you met, where they work, or where they live.  This will help indicate you didn’t didn’t completely dismiss the last introduction  or meeting.

Business Card Tip

I always keep my own business cards in my left pocket and the cards I receive from others in my right pocket. This organization tip will eliminate fumbling through cards or handing out another person’s card by mistake.  You will also be able to maintain eye contact with the person you’re speaking with rather than having to look down or away from them.

Business Dining - Who Pays?

When dining out on business, the host, the person who initiated the invitation, is expected to pay the bill.   Today, business dining is gender-free.  It does not matter if the host is male or female.

Handwritten vs. Typed Notes

Thank you notes and condolence notes should always be handwritten.  Whether or not you write other types of correspondence by hand is a matter of personal preference.  For some, the quality of their penmanship dictates how they will write their notes.

You may want to consider the following before choosing your personal style:

1.  A handwritten note is more likely to be read in today’s high tech world.

2.  A handwritten note reminds someone there is a real, live person on the other side.

3.  A handwritten note says the sender cared enough to take the time to write.

4.  Handwritten notes are often saved because they’re considered to be special.

5.  A handwritten note adds a personal touch.

If a formal memo or lengthy note must be typed, you may pesonalize it by adding a few handwritten lines such as: “Your sales presentation was terrific”, or “I enjoyed meeting you at last week’s meeting”.

Whether or not a note or memo is typed, it should always be signed by hand.

How To Handle an Introduction When You Can’t Recall if You’ve Been Introduced in the Past

When we are introduced to someone for the first time, it is common and polite to say, “It’s very nice to meet you”.

Have you ever said these words to someone and then felt like an idiot because you realized you were introduced to them in the past?

If you think you may have already been introduced, but aren’t 100% sure, a safe response is, “It’s nice to see you”. These five little words will keep you from getting into an awkward situation.

Interview Skills - Keep Positive

Unfortunately, most people have left a job because of a negative experience at that place of employment.  No matter what happened, leave it there and move on.

When interviewing for a new position, never speak negatively about your former employer.  No one likes a complainer or whiner.  Rather than speak about the negative, try to talk about what you learned or the positive growth you had while employed there.

Always remember the rule, “If you don’t have something nice to say, than don’t say anything”.

Networking Etiquette - Approaching A Group In Conversation

When approaching a group of people who are engaged in conversation, it is important to evaluate the situation before interrupting  the conversation.

1.  Read the body language. If people have their heads together and appear to be in a serious conversation, it might be better to find another group to speak with at that time.

2.  Listen. Remain silent until you fully understand what the discussion is about.

3. When you do speak, be sure your comments are relevant to the conversation.  Otherwise, your interruption will appear rude.