PROFESSIONAL ETIQUETTE:

PRESENTING A POSITIVE PROFESSIONAL IMAGE

 

Common Image-Related Mistakes

 

v      Poorly executed greetings and introductions.

v      “Business Casual” becomes “business sloppy.”

v      Poor communication/conversation.

 

Greetings and Introductions:  Shaking Hands

 

Handshakes are the universally accepted business greeting.   You are judged by the quality of your handshake.

 

v      A handshake is firm but painless and comes with a smile and eye contact.

v      It starts and stops crisply, lasts no longer than two or three seconds and is comprised of no more than two or three pumps.

v      A handshake never “drags” the person to the next introduction and does not continue through an entire introduction.  Wait until the introduction is finished before extending your hand.

v      Always shake with your right hand and leave that hand free of food, drinks, papers, and other items.

v      Don’t wear large rings on your right hand.

v      If your hand is clammy, give it a quick swipe on your clothing before reaching out to shake.

 

Greetings and Introductions:  Names and Titles

 

v      When saying your name, say it slowly and clearly.   Smile!

v      Always rise when introducing or being introduced to someone.

v      Getting a person’s title right is as important as getting the name right and pronouncing it correctly.  Rather than mispronounce a name, try: “I want to make sure I pronounce your name correctly.  Can you help me out?”

v      Unless given permission, always address someone by his or her title and last name.

v      If someone is introduced and you miss the name, ask immediately that the name be repeated. 

v      If you have a difficult name to pronounce and someone botches it, let them off the hook graciously by helping them out and saying: “It’s a tough one, isn’t it?”

v      When your mind goes blank during an introduction and you forget a name, do not make a fuss.  Just say:  “Help me out with your name. I’m drawing a blank.”

v      To remember names when someone is introduced, immediately repeat the name silently and use it in the conversation at the first possible moment.  Use it three times before moving on.

 

 Truths behind Business Casual Dress Code

 

v      The real definition of a business casual dress code is dressing one notch down from business professional.

v      Pay the same attention to shoes when dressing in business casual that you do when dressing in business professional.

v      Always have an emergency coat and tie or jacket at work for that unexpected meeting.

v      Pay attention to detail and differentiate yourself from your colleagues. Always iron your clothes, wear a nice belt and polish your shoes.

v      Make sure that pants and skirts are the proper length.

v      Grooming is an important factor.  Often, men assume they can slip by without shaving when dressed casually.  Don’t do it!

v      Women should make a point of styling their hair when wearing business casual instead of pulling their hair up with a scrunchie.

 

When Not to Wear Business Casual

 

v      When entering a school for the first time and you are unsure of the dress code.

v      When parents or colleagues are visiting your school or classroom and you’re not sure how they will be dressed.

 

Making Conversation (Great for Parent-Teacher Conferences):

Listen More, Talk Less

 

When someone is described as a “good conversationalist,” it often means that the person is a good listener.

 

      When Listening:

 

v      Look directly at the speaker.

v      Concentrate on what is being said.

v      Watch for nonverbal cues.

v      Make note of the speaker’s tone.

v      Be patient and wait.

v      Paraphrase and repeat.

v      No matter what is said, control your emotions.

 

When Speaking

 

v      Be courteous and tactful.

v      Be flexible.

v      Project a friendly attitude.

v      Show interest and enthusiasm.