By Rozie Juma
We all engage in social interactions in our day-to-day lives. How we behave during these everyday interactions matters a lot.
The older generation interacted quite differently from how most of us go about it today. Most of us have lost the art of social etiquette, but these tips can help change this.
Handshake
Social etiquette begins when you meet someone for the first time. Proper etiquette dictates that whenever you are at a social gathering, say a cocktail, you should mingle with as many people as possible.
The people accompanying you are known to you, and you can always see them whenever you want, so aim to meet new people.
As you move around, ensure your right hand is available for a handshake. That means the drink should always be in your left hand.
When shaking hands, do not just shake the fingertips; shake the whole hand. The handshake should neither be too tight nor too loose.
If you are sitting when someone approaches you for a handshake, the best thing to do is to stand up for the handshake. Make eye contact, smile and give them attention.
Conversation
As you mingle, it is good to talk about various things; but not politics, health or religion.
Ensure you are interested and interesting in the conversation. Say things that will make the other person respond; it would be unfair if one person dominated the conversation.
Do not answer your cell phone, look at or even send a text message when in a conversation. If you have to do it, excuse yourself and step aside.
Duration
How long you stay at an event will be determined by factors like what time the dinner was served. Staying for a minimum of one hour after the dinner is sufficient. Leaving immediately after dinner will make it look like you only came for the food.
Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter
Do not, however, wait for the hosts to start dozing before you realise it is time to leave.
Make your exit gracefully: Acknowledge all the remaining guests and thank the host before you leave.
Other factors:
• Be polite and always say ‘please’, ‘thank you’ and ‘excuse me’.
• Try to remember people’s names.
• It is always polite to bring a small gift for the host if you are invited to someone’s house.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join