Face-To-Face Etiquette

Thursday, 28 July 2011 Posted by Encore TeleSolutions Category Services

This is the fourth installment in our blog series on business etiquette. There are so many tips for face-to-face communication that it would be difficult to compile all of them in a single blog. This has to do with how rich a communication medium face-to-face communication is. With a face-to-face communication, we not only rely on what someone is saying but also the non-verbal cues. In contrast an SMS text message is very short and straight forward with only character symbols from a keypad. All of these factors affect how we perceive a message and the more factors a communication medium can convey, the richer it is. The richest communication medium is face-to-face meetings followed by telephone, email and texting.
Richness of the communication medium is not the only thing that needs to be considered. Other considerations for face-to-face communications are tradition and culture. For example, it is a long standing tradition in the Western world that men wear a business suit and tie. An example of a cultural consideration is how in places like Canada and the U.S., an audience may applaud your business presentation with a few whistles if you have made a great impression. On the other hand, if you hear whistles in many parts of Europe, you had better run because someone might start throwing food. Do your research if you have a business opportunity that may require cross-cultural sensitivity. All these factors add to the long list of items that need to be considered for business etiquette. The following are some tips for effective business etiquette along several themes.
Introductions When addressing people face to face, stand up, establish eye contact and smile. Shake hands with your right hand and try to match the firmness of the other person's handshake. When greeting someone, repeat his or her name. If you forget someone's name, be honest and ask them to repeat it. Keep in mind that in business, rank and status is more important than gender and age.

Verbal Communication Every encounter offers a chance to impress the other person. Keep in mind that: Someone who talks too much may be seen as nervous or insensitive. Someone who ignores others could be considered snobbish. Someone who only discusses work may come across as limited. Non-Verbal Communication Body language communicates more than just what is said. Gestures, facial expressions, posture and physical contact are also powerful forms of communication. Maintain eye contact and avoid distracting mannerisms such as fidgeting, playing with hair, tapping feet or chewing gum. Personal Space People have an invisible bubble of space around them that is a form of personal territory. The size of the space expands or contracts depending on level of intimacy, situation, and cultural background. About two feet is acceptable for business interactions in Canada.

Work Events Arrive early giving yourself time to check your appearance in the washroom mirror. Bring business cards with you. Set your cell phone to silent. Place your nametag on the right side. Approach people standing alone or gradually ease into a larger group. Avoid breaking into groups of two as these are usually more personal or intense discussions. Avoid sensitive conversations, controversial issues and negative comments. Avoid perfume. Avoid allergy foods or foods with strong odours. Hold your plate in right hand and eat and hold your drink in your left hand. Watch your consumption as you don’t want to give the impression that you are a glutton or a drunk. Ask open-ended questions. Thank you notes are always appreciated.
Sources: Working.com www.centennialcollege.ca www.careeraction.uwaterloo.ca mecc.mcgill.ca www.istheory.yorku.ca Wikipedia

Tags: face-to-face communication, business etiquette

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