Have you ever found yourself in a social situation and felt unsure about how to act or what to say? We've all been there, but the good news is that there are certain etiquette rules that can help guide our behaviour and ensure that we make a positive impression on those around us.

Whether you're attending a fancy dinner party, meeting new people, or interacting with colleagues, knowing these rules can help you navigate any social situation with ease and confidence.

So, in todays’ blog, I’ll reveal 10 essential etiquette rules that I have learned over the years from teaching etiquette as an etiquette expert and interacting with people from all walks of life.

Let’s get started!

Rule 1: Address individuals by their full name

Addressing someone properly is an important etiquette rule that everyone should follow. When meeting someone for the first time, use their full name to address them unless they have indicated otherwise. Only use a nickname or shortened version of their name if the person has given you permission to do so.

Using someone's name frequently during a conversation can also be a method of influencing them. When writing an email to someone for the first time, always refer to them by their full name. Only use a nickname or shortened version of their name if they sign off an email to you in that way. Following these rules can help make a good impression and show respect for others.

Rule 2: Handshakes and greetings

Oftentimes, I receive questions from men and women about who gets to greet whom. My answer as always, is that the choice on who gets to greet whom as regards proper etiquettes is subject to settings.

In social settings, men should greet women first and women have the right to decide if they want to shake a man's hand or not, so they get to extend their hand for a handshake first. However, if a woman wants to initiate the greeting, she is free to do so, but the general expectation is that the man should greet the woman first. On the other hand, in business settings, status and rank take priority over gender when it comes to who gets to greet first.

Rule 3: Knowing when and how to give phone calls

In today's digital world, phone calls can be intrusive and cause anxiety. To be considerate, it is important to message the person in advance and ask if a specific time is appropriate for a phone call. When doing so, indicate how much time you will need. For example,

Say "Hi John, this is Jamila. Can I call you at 5:00pm? I'll take 15 minutes of your time".

This allows the person to accommodate the call into their schedule and give their full attention. This approach also shows consideration and respect for the other person's time and priorities. It is important to text before calling, except for family and close friends who are exceptions to this rule. Following these guidelines can help avoid misunderstandings and improve communication.

Rule 4: Knowing when to take your seat

Knowing when to take your seat, especially when you are a guest, an applicant, or attending an interview can make a whole lot of difference. It is important to wait for the host or interviewer to indicate when to take your seat, instead of just walking into the room and sitting down. This shows respect for the host or interviewer and demonstrates good manners.

Similarly, hosts or interviewers should not let their guests stand for too long. As a host or interviewer, you should indicate the seat as soon as possible, allowing guests to take their seats comfortably. This demonstrates hospitality and consideration for the guests' comfort. Overall, being mindful of when to take your seat can help create a positive and respectful atmosphere for all parties involved.

Rule 5: Doing introductions the right way

Many students and viewers often ask about etiquette rules for introductions, such as who should introduce whom, whether to wait for introductions, and when to introduce someone. In social settings, men should be introduced to women first, and the woman's name should be said first. For example, "Anna, may I introduce Mr. John to you?"

It is also important to provide some information about both individuals to facilitate conversation. This information should be something that they might have in common or something that can kick off the conversation between the two.

In business settings, introductions are based on position, title, and ranking. Providing useful information during introductions can help individuals start a conversation and form a good impression of each other.

Rule 6: Greetings

Etiquette rule number six pertains to greetings, specifically when entering a room or venue full of people. The general rule is that the person who walks into the room is responsible for greeting those already seated. For instance, if you walk into a party or a meeting where a group of people is already gathered, it is appropriate to greet everyone in the room.

However, there is an exception when it comes to positions of authority or rank. In such cases, the person with the higher rank or status should be greeted first. For example, if a professor enters a lecture hall where students are seated, the students should greet the professor first due to his higher rank and status.

Rule 7: Use punctuality to your advantage

Etiquette rule number seven emphasises the importance of punctuality, which varies across cultures. While some cultures allow flexibility in punctuality, it's important to understand and adapt to the punctuality expectations of the particular culture, group, or family you're dealing with.

In a business context, punctuality means being exactly on time and showing respect for the other person's time. Being late can create a negative impression and hinder the development of a good relationship. If you're running late, it's important to let the other person know as soon as possible and provide a reason why. The longer the notice, the better it is to use email or messaging, but if there's little time left, it's important to give a call.

Rule 8: Stand on the right, walk on the left

Etiquette rule number eight is a simple yet important rule that many people overlook. When using escalators or stairs in public places, it's crucial to remember to stand on the right-hand side and walk on the left-hand side. This rule is especially important for those who travel frequently or use public transportation (metro) often.

Unfortunately, some people tend to stand on the left-hand side of the escalator, blocking the way for those who want to walk up or down. By adhering to this simple rule, we can create a more comfortable travel experience for everyone. So, remember to stand on the right and walk on the left, and let's make our public spaces more welcoming and enjoyable for all.

Rule 9: Hold the door for others

This simple act of kindness is often forgotten, but it can make a big difference in someone's day. When leaving a crowded place, hold the door with one hand and move in the direction of the exit, allowing the person behind you to take over.

Don't be a doorman and get stuck holding the door for everyone. Instead, make it easy for others to continue the gesture and hold the door for the people behind them. Let's bring this etiquette rule back into fashion and make holding the door a daily habit for everyone, regardless of gender.

Rule 10: Saying thank you, i'm sorry, and excuse me

Learning to say "Thank You" is a crucial etiquette skill we learnt as kids. It's also important to know when to say "I'm Sorry" or "Excuse Me." For example, if you promised to attend a friend's party but failed to show up due to unavoidable circumstances, you should apologise by saying, "I'm really sorry for not making it to your party because of (insert reason)."

On the other hand, "Excuse Me" is an appropriate phrase to use in situations where you need to interrupt or get someone's attention. Unlike "I'm Sorry," there is no need to state the reason for using "Excuse Me." For example, if you accidentally bump into someone's foot on a crowded bus, you can simply say, "Excuse me," without explaining the reason behind it.

By using these phrases appropriately, we can strengthen our relationships and create a positive social environment.

Conclusion

Good etiquette is essential for creating positive and respectful social interactions. By mastering the 10 etiquette rules we have discussed, you can show consideration for others, build stronger relationships, and leave a positive impression in any situation.

If you want to learn more etiquette lessons, be sure to check out the YouTube video on this topic! It provides additional insights that will help you master these etiquette skills.