social graces

1. Social graces
Definition:
Social graces are defined as” the skills used to interact politely in social
situations. They include manner, etiquette, department and fashion”.
Manner:
Good manners is about considering the feelings of other people, and being
the kind of person that others will like and respect.
It is highly susceptible to change with time, geographical location, social
stratum, occasion and other factors.
Etiquette:
 Etiquette - rules governing socially acceptable behavior.
 The word “Etiquette” is derived from French which actually means
“Ticket". Your ticket to getting anything & any place you want.
 It is defined as a good behavior which distinguishes human beings
from Animals
Department or behaviors:
It is the response of the system or an individual to various stimuli.
Fashion:
Currently popular style or practice, especially in clothing.
ALWAYS SAY PLEASE, THANK YOU, YOU’RE WELCOME, and I’M
SORRY
It’s as old as life itself, but still appropriate. It’s never offensive,
often expected, and easy to do.
With each request – SAY PLEASE
With each completion – SAY THANK YOU

2. With each gratitude received – SAY YOU’RE WELCOME
With each error - APOLOGIZE
It’s an attitude. Respect those around you and they will return that respect.
Social graces at work:
Meeting and introducing:
Five S’s of meeting:
Stand, Smile, See their eyes, Shake Hands, Say “Hello”.
• Failing to introduce people in a business situation makes you look
downright unprofessional.
• Always rise as a mark of respect.
• Look into the eyes and smile
• Give a firm handshake
Introduction protocol
• Junior is introduced to senior
• The rule is to say important person’s name first. Add a few words about
that person
• If you forgetsomeone’s name during an introduction, don’t panic. Look
the person directly in the eye and with a sincere smile, say “I’m sorry,
but your name just slipped my mind. Could you remind me?”
• Stay around till both the parties start speaking.
Handshake:
• Handshake is a gesture of acceptance and welcome
• Extend your right hand
• Web to web, finger to finger

3. • Give slight pressure
• Grasp the other person’s hand firmly and completely
• Look into the eyes and smile
• Release the hand in three seconds
• But no matter what, never, ever refuse to accept someone’s hand
On the telephone:
• The telephone is the mostimportant tool used in our business activities.
• It is our link to the outside world. That is why it is critical for us to
understand why professionalism matters the most on the phone.
• Whether you're on the phone or talking to a colleague, avoid being
loud.
• If you have a received a call on your cell phone, it's a good idea to take
a walk down to the corridor or find another room.
• Use your mobile’s vibrating/silent feature if you need to leave it on.
• Avoid making personal calls at your workstation.
• Be especially quiet in areas where coworkers are on business calls or in
conversations with other coworkers.
• Avoid phone calls while driving.
• When you are with your friends, keep the call short.
• Switch off or put on vibrate mode your mobiles during meeting,
workshop, seminars, etc.
Email etiquette:
• Be concise and to the point
• Use proper spelling, grammar & punctuation

4. • Make it personal. Avoid using Bcc and Ccc unnecessarily
• Use templates for frequently used responses
• Answer swiftly
• Use a meaningful subject
• Read the email before you send it
• Keep attachments to a Minimum and mention your attachment in the
content
• Take care with abbreviations and emotions
• Take care with rich text and HTML messages
• Use active voice instead of passive voice
Manners in dinning etiquette
• Be on time
• Wait to sit until host/hostess indicated the seating arrangement
• Stand on the right side of your chair and enter from your left
• Put your napkin in your lap
• Don’t eat with your mouth full
• Keep one hand in your lap unless you are eating European style
• Remove anything from your mouth with the same implement that it
went in with (except bones)
• Eat at a moderate speed
• Try to maintain some polite dinner conversation
• Never medicate yourself at the table
• If you must leave the table, place your napkin in your chair

5. Office Etiquette
• Those who follow good office etiquette are promoted and given choice
assignments.
• Those who are seen as crass are passed over or have their employment
terminated.
• Be self-aware-use common sense
• Mind your own business
• Never go over your supervisor’s head
• Obey your company’s business dress code
• Treat every employee with the same respect
• Do not post things of an offensive nature
Meeting etiquette
• Avoid swear words and vulgar references
• Poor communicating skill is not professional
• Avoid personal questions during first meeting

6. • Whoever gets to the door first should open it and hold for others who
are following
• Turn off your cell phone ringer ,accept voicemail and text messaging
only
Business card etiquette
• Always have a business card
• Have it in a good shape and updated
• Have it readily available
• Be selective about distributing
• Present it in a appropriate time and manner
Dress Etiquette
• The Professional looks
• Simple but Classy
• Grooming(dressing well)
• Hair clean and styled appropriately
• Clean nails, skin and teeth
• Many professionals wear make-up (depends on field)
• Check fragrance and clothing care