Being educated is an important social skill for anyone who wants to make friends, achieve professional success, and show respect for others. Even if you already have good manners, you might want to learn how to behave better at a company dinner, an elegant event, or any other situation in life, for example. Finally, knowing how to deal with people and measuring their words and actions is enough. Read this article to find out more.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Greeting people politely
Step 1. Smile when greeting someone
When meeting or meeting someone for the first time, open a smile to indicate that you are relaxed and happy to see them. That way, you'll get the idea that you're nice right away.
Step 2. Say "Hello"
Don't ignore your acquaintances when you meet them (by chance or not); greet them. You don't have to wait for them to take action: take your own initiative.
Say "Hello, Mr. Francisco. It's a pleasure to meet you! My name is Jorge and I'm researching the Census."
Step 3. shake hands of people in a firm and assertive way.
When you meet or meet someone, offer your right hand for a greeting. If you are already close to that person, hug them. Practice these gestures so as not to exaggerate the strength of the handshake.
There are many ways to greet people around the world; not all involve handshakes. Study what is customary in the place where you live (or are visiting). If necessary, do an internet search
Step 4. Look people in the eye when speaking
Maintain this eye contact for at least half the time you are talking to show politeness and attention. Just don't overdo it, or you'll scare others and make them uncomfortable.
Break eye contact from time to time so you don't overdo it
Method 2 of 3: Being Polite With Your Words
Step 1. Say "please" and "thank you" often
Say "please" when asking someone for something, and when that happens, say thank you with "thank you". Show people that you are grateful for their contributions and help.
- Say something like "Honey, can you pick up clothes from the clothesline today, please?"
- Also say "Thanks for reminding me to turn in the work".
Step 2. Make small talk
Being too direct is a sign of rudeness. Don't be short and blunt when you have to resolve a serious situation; before that, have a light and relaxed chat. Talk about the day, the children of the person you're talking to, the Thai food you ate for lunch, the movies or TV series you want to watch, or the books you're reading. This all helps to break the ice.
Say something like "Hi, Mrs. Marisa! How's the lady's day?" When she responds, say "Oh, did you just have lunch? Homemade food?"
Step 3. Respect older people
In Brazil, it is common to treat the elderly as "your", "owner", "sir" or "lady".
- If the person says you don't need to use these pronouns, don't use them.
- Use these terms for anyone old enough to be your father, mother, uncle, or someone even older.
Step 4. Congratulate people
When someone achieves something - graduates, gets married, gets promoted, and so on. -, say "congratulations". Otherwise you will be rude.
Offer your feelings in sad moments. If someone you know has recently lost a relative, offer your condolences
Step 5. Don't swear
It depends: you can even say them when you are with friends or at home, but you should avoid them in certain situations. At school, at church, at work, or around strangers, control what you say.
Step 6. Don't be a gossip
Even if you feel like talking about people you know, avoid this habit. Those who are educated do not go around defaming others, whether with true information or lies. Also, if someone talks about you, change the subject or walk away.
Step 7. Apologize when you make a mistake
As much as educated people avoid making faux pas, nobody is perfect. When you experience an unusual situation, apologize sincerely immediately. Then make sure the situation doesn't happen again in the future.
For example, maybe you've made plans to go out with your friends, but stick at the last minute. Say something like "I'm sorry about Friday's cake. I was really tired from work and needed sleep. Still, I know there's no excuse. Are we going out this weekend?"
Method 3 of 3: Being Polite With Your Actions
Step 1. Always arrive early
Respect people's time. If you have an appointment with someone, arrive at least five minutes before your appointment. You never know what the traffic will be like; get ready beforehand!
Step 2. Dress up for the occasion
When you are invited to an event, find out if there is a dress code. If you have no idea what to choose, do an internet search to get some ideas.
- For example, if you go to a casual work event, wear a dress shirt and pants (or jeans, depending on the occasion) or, for women, a skirt. If you like, also wear a blazer or a cardigan.
- Only wear well-washed and ironed clothes.
Step 3. Be hygienic
In addition to clothes, take good care of your body hygiene. Shower every day and use deodorant and perfume. Walk with your hair clean, neat and away from your face.
Step 4. When in doubt, watch people
How do they greet each other? What do they do with their coats when they arrive at events? What subjects do they talk about? Different occasions call for different levels of formality - and they define what is polite and what is not. So when you feel lost, imitate the other guests.
Step 5. Learn to behave at dinners and lunches
As for cutlery, go from "outside" to "inside". Put your napkin on your lap and don't put anything on the table that wasn't already on it when you arrived (cell phone, glasses, jewelry, accessories, etc.). For women: the bags must be between the feet, under the chair, and they must not apply makeup at the table - but in the bathroom.
- Don't start eating until everyone is served.
- Chew with your mouth closed and don't talk while eating.
- Do not make noise when drinking soup.
- Don't rest your elbows on the table and don't reach out in front of people to pick up trays or pans. If necessary, have someone pick them up for you.
Tips
- Try not to interrupt people when they are talking or doing something.
- Treat everyone with respect, regardless of issues such as background, skin color, appearance, etc.
- Hat Wearers: Take it off when greeting someone, entering a new place, or when the national anthem is being played or sung.