What are the social etiquette?
Social etiquette refer to good behavior governed by kind, rational, and logical conduct. It is a social code of conduct that is not compulsory to be followed by everyone but it is desired. Human beings need to behave well not only in public places but in their personal lives as well.
Why is there a need for social etiquette?
There is a particular need for social etiquette. They are not a set of strict rules, but they are guidelines that everyone should follow since they benefit not only the society but also those who follow them, that too to a great extent. Knowing how to behave is going to help you deal with situations in a better and more efficient manner. It will help make you feel more comfortable in every state of affairs.
You will be identified as a person who knows how to behave, respect everyone and this will make you a better person as a whole, and enhance your personality. If you behave well everywhere, you will make a good first impression on everyone. Having good social etiquette is going to help you ace all interviews in life and grab the opportunities that life throws at you.
It will make others feel better and more respected. If you behave well, the degree of communication between you and others will improve since the person will feel more comfortable, breaking down barriers instead of erecting them.
What are the different types of social etiquette?
There are 5 major types of social etiquette that further consist of sub-types that are interrelated and it is often difficult to identify when one ends and the other one starts. They are as follows:
1. Professionalism
Professionalism is an integral part of everyone’s life. If you know how to be professional, the environment that you work in will become a better place for you to not only work but to also grow, prosper, and develop as a human being. Professionalism is governed by kind and rational behavior. If you are committing, make sure that you fulfill that task with utmost sincerity.
You should always be punctual and know it for a fact that time respects those who respect it. You need to stay calm in your work environment and keep your personal life or grudges away from it. You also need to be flexible to make others feel like they can trust you over things and can give you responsibilities. Being flexible also means that you take criticism well in a constructive manner and turn all your wrongs into rights.
2. Communication Etiquette
Communication etiquette refer to how you interact with people in every situation you are in. It is not confined to talking someone face to face only. When you are on a call with someone, make sure that you are alone. This is not only limited to business calls but it applies to your daily life as well. If you are busy or with someone else, while you are on a call with someone, the other person might feel disrespected or bad in general because you will be distracted and not all your attention will be given to that specific person.
Professionally, make sure that when you are replying to emails, you are not using emoticons and exclamation marks, since they seem to look informal. Whenever you are talking to someone, be it your friend, your teacher, your boss, your colleague, or anyone in general, make it a habit that you make eye contact with the person while talking to them and show interest in whatever they are saying.
3. Table Manners
Eating food isn’t difficult, but eating with manners is difficult for some people. You need to have table manners and meal etiquette. This value should be inculcated in you at your childhood stage itself because it is not something that you will have to present when you are with people in a public place or a business meeting; it is something that you should have even at home while you are dining with your family.
You need to keep a few things in mind when you are sitting at a table for a meal with people around you, especially in a restaurant. Make sure that you do not snap your fingers at a waiter, always call out by saying “excuse me”. It is extremely important to chewing with your mouth closed. This is one habit that everyone should definitely have. You should also put a napkin on your lap before you begin with a meal. You should never leave your dishes on the table after you are done eating, make it a point to pick them up on your own.
4. General Etiquette
There are a few etiquette that need not be mentioned and listed out separately to follow. These include respecting everyone and everything and treating all humans equally. It also includes respecting other religions, places, people’s careers, traditions, languages, etc. These etiquette govern who you are as a person and following them will not only make you a better person, but also an asset to the society and someone that other people might look up to.
Written by - Hunnar Kaushal
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