Business EtiquetteDefinitionIntroducing peopleHandling handshakesThe business cardBusiness entertainingBody language

Business Etiquette

Principles:• Rules of good/correct behaviour• Having consideration for others• Self-respect and respect for others

Benefits

• Puts you at ease• Gives you confidence• Gives you a winning edge

Introducing Yourself

• Stand up• Initiate handshake• Introduce yourself, position and company

• “Hi, my name is XXX, I work for XYZ.”• “How do you do, Ms XXX. I’m YYY. I’m from

ZYX. Nice to meet you.”

Introducing People

• In business situations:– Rank (junior and senior)– Gender– Age– Outsider (client and boss/colleague)

• In social situations:– Gender – men are introduced to women– Age – youth introduced to elder– Outsider (friends and family)

Introducing People

In business situations:• Introduce the less important/more junior person to

the more important/more senior person.• Say the more important person’s name first. • Say: ‘Mr Big Shot, this is Mr Small Fry.’• The more important person initiates the handshake.

Activity 1 (p.3)

Introducing People

In business situations:• The higher ranking staff is the more important

person, of course.• When a client is present, the client is more important

than your boss.

• Rank over-rides the issue of gender.• Rank over-rides the issue of age.

Activity 1 (p.3)

Introducing People

In social situations:• Age takes precedence – introduce young ones to old

ones.• Gender matters – introduce males to females, unless

a king is present.• Senior family members take precedence over friends

– introduce friends to senior family members.

Activity 1 (p.3)

Introducing People

• Mr Geriatric is the cleaner in Mr Punk’s company (business situation):– You: “Mr P, this is Mr G.”

“Mr G, this is our CEO, Mr P.”– Mr P: “Nice to meet you, Mr G.”– Mr G: “Nice to meet you, Mr P.”– Mr P initiates the handshake.

Activity 1 (p.3)

Introducing People

• Mr G and Mr P meet socially:– You: “Mr G, this is Mr P.”

“Mr P, this is Mr G.”– Mr G: “Nice to meet you, Mr P.”– Mr P: “Nice to meet you, Mr G.”– Mr G initiates the handshake.

Activity 1 (p.3)

Handling Handshakes

• Extend your right hand• Grip the other person’s hand

(webs of both hands meet)• Shake hands 2-3 times• Smile and make eye contact when

shaking hands

Handling Handshakes

• Don’t use the wrong handshake:– The limp fish– The bone crusher– The fingertip grasp– The Dutch treat– The Godfather

The Business Card

• Have your name card ready• Keep them in good condition• Keep them in a case

The Business Card

Presenting your business card:• After you have introduced yourself and have

struck up a conversation• Present your card with:

– right hand (Western practice)– both hands (Eastern practice)

• Present it so that print is right way up for your receiver

The Business Card

Receiving business cards:• Reciprocate way card is presented• Look at the card a while• Thank him for it

– Repeat his name and check pronunciation, if necessary

– Acknowledge his company– Ask about duties of his position

• Keep it in an appropriate place

Business Entertaining

• People– who to invite– Colleague-client ratio– Spouses

• Meal– Breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner– Type of cuisine

• Money– Budget– Where to hold it

• Power play– Who sits where

Seating Arrangements

Basic principles:• First, decide where the host sits – at the head, centre

or facing the door.• The most important / senior guest sits to the right of

the host. • When in a group, spread out the seating, alternating

guest and host.• Seat those who need to talk to one another next to

each other.

Activity 3 (p.9)

Seating Arrangements

Western practices:• Alternate males and females if spouses are

invited.• Couples do not sit together.

Activity 3 (p.9)

Seating Arrangements

Eastern practices:• Couples sit together.

Activity 3 (p.9)

Body Language

Leakage:• Nervousness• Aggressiveness• Rudeness

Activity Worksheet