MANNERS AND ETIQUETTE

Manners and etiquette are the customary codes of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular group. They guide our interactions with others, helping ensure that they are respectful and considerate. Here’s a breakdown of some key aspects of manners and etiquette:

1. General Courtesy

• Please and Thank You: Always use these phrases when requesting or receiving something.
• Excuse Me: Use this when needing to pass by someone, interrupt, or apologize.
• Greeting: Acknowledge others with “Hello” or “Good Morning.”

2. Table Etiquette

• Napkin Use: Place the napkin on your lap at the start of the meal and use it to dab your mouth.
• Utensil Use: Start with the outermost utensils and work your way inward as the courses progress.
• Chewing: Chew with your mouth closed and avoid speaking with food in your mouth.

3. Communication Etiquette

• Listening: Pay attention to the speaker without interrupting.
• Respectful Language: Avoid using offensive language and maintain a polite tone.
• Body Language: Maintain eye contact, avoid crossing your arms, and nod occasionally to show engagement.

4. Social Etiquette

• Introductions: Introduce people by stating their names and offering some context.
• Punctuality: Arrive on time for meetings, appointments, and social gatherings.
• Dress Code: Follow the appropriate dress code for the occasion, whether formal or casual.

5. Digital Etiquette

• Email: Start with a greeting, be concise, and use a professional tone.
• Social Media: Be mindful of what you post, respecting others’ privacy and avoiding controversial topics.
• Phone Use: Keep your phone on silent in meetings and public places, and avoid texting while conversing with others.

6. Workplace Etiquette

• Respect: Treat colleagues with respect, regardless of their position.
• Confidentiality: Keep sensitive information private.
• Professionalism: Maintain a professional demeanor and attire in the workplace.

7. Public Etiquette

• Queueing: Wait your turn in line without cutting or pushing.
• Noise: Keep noise levels down in public spaces, like using headphones for music.
• Personal Space: Respect others’ personal space by not standing too close or touching them unnecessarily.

8. Cultural Etiquette

• Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of and respect the customs and traditions of different cultures, especially when traveling.
• Gifts: Understand the appropriate times and types of gifts to give in different cultures.

Understanding and practicing good manners and etiquette can significantly improve your social interactions and the impression you make on others.

What is meant by etiquette and manners?

Manners refer to the behaviors and actions that are considered polite and respectful in social interactions. They are the day-to-day practices that reflect consideration for others, such as saying “please” and “thank you,” holding doors open, or greeting someone warmly.

Etiquette, on the other hand, refers to the formal rules and conventions governing behavior in specific social situations or environments. These rules are often more structured and can vary depending on the context, culture, or setting. Etiquette includes things like table manners, professional dress codes, and protocols for introducing people in a formal setting.

• Manners are the informal, everyday expressions of respect and kindness.
• Etiquette is the formalized code of conduct that outlines how to behave appropriately in particular situations.

What are examples of manners and etiquette?

Here are some examples of manners and etiquette across different situations:

Examples of Manners:

1. Saying “Please” and “Thank You”: Using these phrases when requesting something or expressing gratitude.
2. Holding the Door Open: Allowing someone else to pass through before you.
3. Greeting Others: A simple “Hello” or “Good Morning” when you see someone.
4. Chewing with Your Mouth Closed: Ensuring you don’t talk with food in your mouth and chew quietly.
5. Respecting Personal Space: Giving people enough room and not invading their personal space.
6. Listening Without Interrupting: Allowing others to speak without cutting them off or talking over them.
7. Apologizing When Wrong: Saying “I’m sorry” when you make a mistake or offend someone.
8. Covering Your Mouth When Sneezing/Coughing: Preventing the spread of germs and showing consideration for others’ health.

Examples of Etiquette:

1. Table Etiquette:

• Using Utensils Properly: Knowing which fork to use for which course and how to handle utensils.
• Waiting Until Everyone is Served: Not starting to eat until everyone at the table has been served.
• Passing Dishes Properly: Passing food to the right and not reaching across the table.

1. Professional Etiquette:

• Dress Code: Wearing appropriate attire for the workplace or specific events (e.g., business casual, formal).
• Email Etiquette: Using a professional tone, addressing the recipient properly, and proofreading before sending.
• Meeting Etiquette: Arriving on time, being prepared, and not interrupting others during a discussion.

1. Social Etiquette:

• Introducing People: Introducing people by stating their names and offering a bit of context.
• RSVPing: Responding to invitations promptly, whether you’re accepting or declining.
• Thank You Notes: Sending a note or message to express gratitude after receiving a gift or attending an event.

1. Cultural Etiquette:

• Removing Shoes Before Entering a Home: Common in many cultures, especially in Asia, to show respect.
• Bowing as a Greeting: In some cultures, bowing is a sign of respect, such as in Japan.
• Gifting Etiquette: Understanding what types of gifts are appropriate and when it’s customary to give them.

শিষ্টাচার ও শিষ্টাচার বলতে কি বুঝায়?

শিষ্টাচার এবং আচরণ উভয়ই সমাজে মানুষের মধ্যে সৌজন্যতা, শ্রদ্ধা এবং সম্মানজনক আচরণ বজায় রাখার জন্য প্রয়োজনীয় নিয়ম এবং প্রথাগুলি বোঝায়।

শিষ্টাচার:

শিষ্টাচার বলতে সাধারণত সামাজিক মেলামেশার ক্ষেত্রে গ্রহণযোগ্য আচরণ বা কাজগুলো বোঝায়। এটি সেই সকল ছোটখাটো কাজের একটি সংকলন যা মানুষ দৈনন্দিন জীবনে করে থাকে, যেমন: “দয়া করে” এবং “ধন্যবাদ” বলা, দরজা খুলে ধরা, বা কারো সাথে সম্মানজনকভাবে কথা বলা।

আচরণ:

আচরণ বলতে বিশেষ পরিস্থিতি বা পরিবেশে পালন করার জন্য নির্ধারিত আনুষ্ঠানিক নিয়ম এবং প্রথাগুলিকে বোঝায়। এটি সাধারণত আরও কাঠামোবদ্ধ এবং নির্দিষ্ট পরিস্থিতি বা সাংস্কৃতিক পরিবেশে প্রযোজ্য হয়। উদাহরণস্বরূপ, টেবিলে খাওয়ার সময় ব্যবহারবিধি, অফিসে ড্রেস কোড মেনে চলা, বা আনুষ্ঠানিক ভাবে লোকদের পরিচয় করানো।

সংক্ষেপে:

• শিষ্টাচার হলো সৌজন্যতা, সম্মান এবং ভদ্রতার প্রতিফলন যা প্রতিদিনের জীবনে পালন করা হয়।
• আচরণ হলো নির্দিষ্ট পরিস্থিতিতে যথাযথভাবে আচরণ করার জন্য নির্ধারিত আনুষ্ঠানিক নিয়মাবলী।

What is the importance of etiquette and manners?

Etiquette and manners are essential for fostering respectful, considerate, and harmonious interactions in both personal and professional settings. Here’s why they are important:

1. Promotes Respect and Consideration:

• Etiquette and manners ensure that individuals treat each other with respect, kindness, and dignity. This consideration helps to create a positive environment where people feel valued and understood.

2. Facilitates Effective Communication:

• Good manners, like listening without interrupting or using polite language, enhance communication. Etiquette, such as knowing when to introduce people or how to address others properly, further aids in clear and respectful exchanges.

3. Builds Positive Relationships:

• Practicing good manners and following proper etiquette helps in building and maintaining healthy relationships, both personally and professionally. It fosters trust, cooperation, and mutual respect.

4. Creates a Positive First Impression:

• Demonstrating proper etiquette and good manners, such as dressing appropriately for an event or offering a firm handshake, helps create a strong and positive first impression, which is crucial in social and professional settings.

5. Encourages a Harmonious Society:

• When people adhere to societal norms of behavior, it minimizes conflicts and misunderstandings. Etiquette provides a framework for behavior that helps maintain social harmony and order.

6. Reflects Cultural Awareness:

• Understanding and respecting the etiquette of different cultures shows cultural sensitivity and awareness, which is vital in a globalized world. It prevents unintentional offense and promotes inclusivity.

7. Enhances Professionalism:

• In the workplace, following proper etiquette, like meeting punctuality, appropriate dress code, and respectful communication, demonstrates professionalism and can contribute to career success.

8. Promotes Self-Confidence:

• Knowing and practicing good manners and etiquette can boost self-confidence in social situations, as it reduces uncertainty about how to behave or what is expected.

In summary, etiquette and manners are foundational to creating a respectful, smooth-functioning society where people can interact positively and effectively. They are key to personal success, social harmony, and professional growth.

The two main types of manners are:

1. Social Manners:

• Social manners refer to the behaviors and actions that are expected in social interactions. These are the everyday practices that demonstrate respect, kindness, and consideration for others in various settings. Social manners include:
  • Greeting others politely: Saying “hello” or “good morning.”
  • Using polite language: Saying “please,” “thank you,” “excuse me,” and “sorry.”
  • Showing respect: Listening when someone is speaking, making eye contact, and avoiding interrupting.
  • Being considerate: Holding the door open for others, helping someone in need, and respecting personal space.
  • Proper behavior in public: Not being too loud, respecting others’ privacy, and being courteous in queues.

2. Table Manners:

• Table manners refer to the specific behaviors and etiquette observed while eating, particularly in formal or group settings. These manners ensure that dining experiences are pleasant for everyone involved. Examples include:
  • Using utensils correctly: Starting with the outermost utensils and working inward during a multi-course meal.
  • Chewing with your mouth closed: Eating quietly and not speaking with food in your mouth.
  • Waiting to eat: Not beginning your meal until everyone has been served or the host gives a signal.
  • Passing food properly: Passing dishes to the right and not reaching across the table.
  • Using napkins: Place the napkin on your lap and use it to dab your mouth as needed.

Here are 100 examples of good manners that cover a wide range of social, professional, and personal interactions:

General Social Manners:

1. Say “Please” when making a request.
2. Say “Thank You” when receiving something.
3. Say “Excuse Me” to pass by someone.
4. Greet people with “Hello” or “Good Morning.”
5. Offer a firm handshake when meeting someone.
6. Make eye contact during conversations.
7. Listen without interrupting others.
8. Use polite language (e.g., avoiding slang or offensive words).
9. Apologize when wrong by saying “I’m sorry.”
10. Stand up when being introduced to someone.
11. Offer your seat to elderly or pregnant individuals.
12. Hold the door open for others.
13. Respect personal space by not standing too close.
14. Help others when they need assistance.
15. Offer compliments sincerely and appropriately.
16. Say “You’re welcome” when someone thanks you.
17. Respect others’ opinions even if you disagree.
18. Use “Sir” or “Ma’am” when addressing elders or in formal settings.
19. Smile when greeting or interacting with others.
20. Avoid gossiping or spreading rumors.
21. Knock before entering a closed door.
22. Let others go first in lines or when entering/exiting.
23. Respect privacy by not asking invasive questions.
24. Speak softly in public places like libraries.
25. Avoid interrupting others when they are talking.
26. Wait your turn in conversations or queues.
27. Offer help to strangers in need, like helping carry groceries.
28. Use headphones in public when listening to music.
29. Say “Bless you” when someone sneezes.
30. Respect others’ belongings by not touching without permission.
31. Offer assistance to someone struggling (e.g., with directions).
32. Thank the host when leaving a social gathering.
33. Be punctual for appointments and meetings.
34. Dress appropriately for the occasion.
35. Use proper titles (Mr., Mrs., Dr.) when addressing others.
36. Avoid pointing at people.
37. Chew gum quietly and dispose of it properly.
38. Offer a handkerchief or tissue to someone in need.
39. Cover your mouth when yawning or coughing.
40. Avoid speaking on the phone in quiet places.
41. Respect cultural differences in manners and customs.
42. Wait for your turn to speak in group conversations.
43. Help clean up after an event or meal.
44. Ask before taking photos of others.
45. Respect dress codes in various settings.
46. Avoid making fun of others’ mistakes or misfortunes.
47. Offer water or refreshments to guests.
48. Be patient with slow service in public places.
49. Say “Goodbye” when leaving a place or conversation.
50. Respect others’ time by not being late.

Table Manners:

51. Chew with your mouth closed.
52. Use utensils properly.
53. Wait for everyone to be served before eating.
54. Place your napkin on your lap during meals.
55. Say “Excuse me” when leaving the table.
56. Pass food to the right when sharing dishes.
57. Keep elbows off the table while eating.
58. Use appropriate utensils for each course.
59. Cut your food into small bites before eating.
60. Avoid speaking with food in your mouth.
61. Compliment the cook or host on the meal.
62. Offer to help clear the table after the meal.
63. Avoid slurping or making loud noises while eating.
64. Eat at a moderate pace to enjoy the meal.
65. Offer food to others before taking your share.
66. Do not reach across the table for items.
67. Avoid talking about unpleasant topics during meals.
68. Thank the host for the meal after eating.
69. Use a napkin to dab your mouth when needed.
70. Avoid playing with food at the table.
71. Take small bites to avoid choking.
72. Wait for the host to start eating before you begin.
73. Avoid using your phone during meals.
74. Eat what you take and avoid wasting food.
75. Use utensils instead of fingers when appropriate.
76. Do not pick your teeth at the table.
77. Place your utensils together on the plate when finished.
78. Avoid talking with your mouth full.
79. Ask for items to be passed instead of reaching.
80. Compliment the food without exaggerating.

Digital Etiquette:

81. Reply to messages in a timely manner.
82. Use proper language in emails and texts.
83. Respect others’ privacy by not sharing personal information.
84. Avoid texting during conversations with others.
85. Ask permission before tagging someone in a photo.
86. Be polite online and avoid arguments.
87. Use proper email greetings and closings.
88. Keep social media posts appropriate for your audience.
89. Avoid sending multiple messages if someone doesn’t reply immediately.
90. Respect others’ opinions in online discussions.
91. Don’t share sensitive information in public forums.
92. Use clear subject lines in emails.
93. Keep your phone on silent in meetings or public places.
94. Respond to event invitations promptly.
95. Be cautious with humor that may be misunderstood online.
96. Avoid excessive use of emojis in professional communications.
97. Send thank-you emails after interviews or events.
98. Use spell-check before sending messages or emails.
99. Respect others’ time by not sending late-night messages.
100. Be patient with technical difficulties during virtual meetings.