Forgetting Names

Posted on August 7, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

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.

Posted in Business Etiquette, Business Networking, Etiquette Tips, Introductions | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Do Not Snap Your Fingers at a Server

Posted on August 5, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

If you need to get the attention of your server in a restaurant, try to make eye contact with them to get them to return to your table.  If they are busy, and you’re unable to get eye contact, ask another server to tell them you would like to speak with them.

Never, under any circumstance, snap your fingers to get a server’s attention.  You may have seen this work on the silver screen, but it will not get you favorable service in the real world.

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Eavesdropping

Posted on August 4, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

As tempting as it may be to eavesdrop in the office, a restaurant, or a public space, it’s important to try to tune out the conversations of others.

Sometimes it is absolutely impossible to not overhear a conversation, but if you do, do not interject yourself in the conversation or comment on it to others or to the individuals having the conversation.

In simple terms, mind your own business.

Posted in Dining Etiquette, Etiquette Tips, Office Etiquette, Public Courtesies | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Revovling Doors

Posted on August 3, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

When entering and exiting a revolving door, these etiquette tips will help you navigate through the door with ease.

1.  If the door is in motion, a higher ranking or older person should enter first.

2.  If the door is not already moving, a host, younger person, stronger person, or lower-ranking person should enter to push the door into motion.

3.  After entering the revolving door, help push the door to keep it moving.  Don’t rely on the efforts of others.

4.  Be aware of other people in the door.  If you are in a hurry, do not push the door so hard that it starts to whip around.  This could be very dangerous.

5.  Upon exiting the door, keep moving.  Do not stop in front of the door to decide where you need to go, text message, look around, or have a conversation.  There are people continuing to exit behind you.

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Putting Green Etiquette – Golf Etiquette

Posted on July 31, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

Here are a few putting green etiquette guidelines provided by the USGA.

1.  Avoid walking on another player’s line of putt or casting a shadow on that line, and the area extending beyond the hole, while the player is making a stroke.

2.  Do not cause a distraction by standing too close to the ball or hole.

3.  The first player to hole out should position himself/herself to replace the flag stick once play of the hole is completed.

4.  All players should remain on or close to the putting green until every player has holed out.

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Your Phone Voice in the Office

Posted on July 30, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

When speaking on the phone in an office setting, make an effort to keep the volume of your voice down. This is especially critical in  open office spaces or those with cubicles.

Remember, your co-workers have their own work to focus on – not your telephone conversation.

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Maintain Appropriate Subject Headings – E-mail Etiquette

Posted on July 28, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

When sending e-mail messages, be sure the subject heading is directly related to the topic of the conversation.

If you are communicating with someone about a topic and change that topic, change the subject heading as well and start a new thread.

If you are starting a new conversation through e-mail, do not open an old e-mail from that person, on a different topic, to send your new message.  Instead, start a new message.  Most e-mail programs will allow you to easily find your recipients address so you don’t need to use an old e-mail.

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Receiving Line Order – Wedding Etiquette

Posted on July 27, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

There may be variations to receiving lines depending on who the official hosts of the wedding are, if the parents of the bride or groom are divorced, or if the wedding couple is older and/or this is not their first wedding.  All variances should be discussed in advance of the wedding day.

The receiving line order for a traditional ceremony is:

Mother of the bride

Father of the groom

Mother of the groom

Father of the bride

Bride

Groom

Maid or matron of honor

Best man (optional)

Bridesmaids

Posted in Etiquette Tips, Wedding Etiquette | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

TV Off When Entertaining

Posted on July 24, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

Unless you’re having a party to specifically watch a sporting event, movie, or other show, the television should be turned off when entertaining guests.

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Honking the Horn

Posted on July 22, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

Only use your vehicle horn if you are in a vehicle and need to alert others you pose a dangerous threat to them.

Sounding your vehicle horn does not remedy a traffic jam.

Sounding your horn to communicate your road rage may create a dangerous situation for others when you cause a distraction.

Do not sound your horn in a hospital zone or during hours when people are typically sleeping unless it is an emergency.

Posted in Driving Etiquette, Etiquette Tips | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments