5/17/10
Common Courtesy
Everyday we meet with groups of people socially and professionally. How we interact plays a large role in
the impressions we create. Are we taken seriously or do people discount what we say? Does people’s
respect for us grow or would they prefer not to be around us any more? What can you control?
Follow these tips in your next group meeting:
1. Dress consistently with how you want to be viewed.
2. Arrive early—Being early is a stress reliever.
3. Put your cell phone away.
4. Greet everyone—Make sure to greet all members of the group with a warm smile, a firm handshake if
appropriate, and repeat his or her name.
5. Be friendly.
6. Show an interest in others—Ask questions, listen carefully to what is being discussed.
7. Introduce yourself— Be proactive and introduce yourself to others in the group.
8. Introduce others.
9. Wait to be seated—In a social setting ask the host or hostess where you should sit. You want to be
respectful of how they would like the group seated.
10. Body posture—Sit up straight. Poor posture is an indication of low self-esteem. Leaning forward
indicates interest. Crossed arms indicate disinterest or possibly anger. All of your body language sends
signals to the group members.
11. Focus your attention on the person talking—Maintain eye contact with the person talking to
demonstrate respect and interest in the conversation.
12. Don’t discount anyone’s comments—Don’t dismiss an idea just because it originates from someone who
has a different point of view. Remember everyone is different and the ability to think differently can
spark creativity and innovation.
13. Think before you speak— be a respectful listener and observer. When you do talk, carefully consider what you say.
14. Remember the “two second” rule- Don’t interject or comment until the person has clearly finished
speaking. A good rule of thumb is to wait two seconds.
15. Resist the temptation to monopolize the conversation. Instead, show an interest in others by asking questions. Then listen attentively and continue the conversation accordingly.
16. Include everyone when talking—When you are the one talking, be sure to share eye contact with each
person in the group. Each member will feel valued and included.
17. Don’t change the conversation—Unless there’s a clear indicator that the conversation is finished,
don’t change the topic. You don’t want people to feel you don’t have an interest in what’s being
discussed or you think what you have to say is more important.
18. Don’t start or participate in a side conversation.
19. Don’t get up to leave the table in the middle of a conversation. Wait until there
is a pause or a shift in the conversation. Otherwise your actions could be interpreted as a lack of
interest in the conversation and the person speaking may well take offense.
20. Take your leave — Make a good last impression.
Everything you do in a group setting makes an impression on everyone in the group.
the impressions we create. Are we taken seriously or do people discount what we say? Does people’s
respect for us grow or would they prefer not to be around us any more? What can you control?
Follow these tips in your next group meeting:
1. Dress consistently with how you want to be viewed.
2. Arrive early—Being early is a stress reliever.
3. Put your cell phone away.
4. Greet everyone—Make sure to greet all members of the group with a warm smile, a firm handshake if
appropriate, and repeat his or her name.
5. Be friendly.
6. Show an interest in others—Ask questions, listen carefully to what is being discussed.
7. Introduce yourself— Be proactive and introduce yourself to others in the group.
8. Introduce others.
9. Wait to be seated—In a social setting ask the host or hostess where you should sit. You want to be
respectful of how they would like the group seated.
10. Body posture—Sit up straight. Poor posture is an indication of low self-esteem. Leaning forward
indicates interest. Crossed arms indicate disinterest or possibly anger. All of your body language sends
signals to the group members.
11. Focus your attention on the person talking—Maintain eye contact with the person talking to
demonstrate respect and interest in the conversation.
12. Don’t discount anyone’s comments—Don’t dismiss an idea just because it originates from someone who
has a different point of view. Remember everyone is different and the ability to think differently can
spark creativity and innovation.
13. Think before you speak— be a respectful listener and observer. When you do talk, carefully consider what you say.
14. Remember the “two second” rule- Don’t interject or comment until the person has clearly finished
speaking. A good rule of thumb is to wait two seconds.
15. Resist the temptation to monopolize the conversation. Instead, show an interest in others by asking questions. Then listen attentively and continue the conversation accordingly.
16. Include everyone when talking—When you are the one talking, be sure to share eye contact with each
person in the group. Each member will feel valued and included.
17. Don’t change the conversation—Unless there’s a clear indicator that the conversation is finished,
don’t change the topic. You don’t want people to feel you don’t have an interest in what’s being
discussed or you think what you have to say is more important.
18. Don’t start or participate in a side conversation.
19. Don’t get up to leave the table in the middle of a conversation. Wait until there
is a pause or a shift in the conversation. Otherwise your actions could be interpreted as a lack of
interest in the conversation and the person speaking may well take offense.
20. Take your leave — Make a good last impression.
Everything you do in a group setting makes an impression on everyone in the group.
5/16/10
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