Top 5 Manners for Success – Read, Share, Teach!

People ask me. "What are the most important manners I need to know?" Well, while I'd like to say that ALL manners are important, I guess I can bucket them and narrow them down to the Top 5.

So, get ready… here they are!

If you can learn these, teach your children these, and share these with your spouse, friends and neighbors, we will all benefit! 🙂

Click HERE to watch the Charlotte Today segment where I talk about these Top 5 Manners for Success, or read the list below.

The Top 5 Manners for 2015 are:
 

1. Cell phone courtesy.

• When talking with someone in person, do not stop to answer your cell phone or text message unless it's an emergency.
• Don't talk loudly when in public places or in areas where you would be bothering others.
• Don't stay connected to your phone when you should be "living in the moment."

2. Polite table manners

• This means do not put your elbows or arms on the table while eating. Also keep your cell phone and other personal items off the table.
• Do pass food to the right and the salt and pepper together, and place your napkin on your lap.
• Either eat American style or continental style – not both! When eating American style, hold your fork like a pencil and keep the hand you are not eating with in your lap.

3. Meet and greet with confidence

• Firmly shake hands, look people in the eyes when talking, and smile,
• Give your full name and say "it's nice to meet you".
• Make polite conversation by asking questions of the other person.

4. Use social media as a tool not a weapon

• Remember the old saying, "Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you?" Well, it's still true, but unfortunately many people feel that they can write or post anything they want about someone else online.
• Use social media to make positive connections, not to make others feel bad.
• Don't post or write anything you would be embarrassed or ashamed about now or at any time in the future.

5. Help others.

• This can simply mean holding the door open for a person in need, offering to help a neighbor take out the trash, or giving of yourself through a charity or group.
• Having nice manners means making others feel good about themselves, listened to, and respected.

Have an etiquette question? Looking for an etiquette class for your chidlren? Write to me at aimee@finesseworldwide.com or go to my website by clicking HERE.