Etiquette for greetings and introductions- a set of rules for initial interpersonal interaction concerning the external manifestation of attitudes towards people.

Despite the apparent simplicity of the rules of mutual greetings and introductions, they require certain knowledge and sufficient attention. Modern business etiquette has developed some rules regarding introductions and greetings, depending on the gender, age and position of the people in contact, as well as whether they are in a group or alone. The primary rule of greeting is that in any situation it should show your goodwill and goodwill. The nature of the greeting should not be affected by your mood or negative attitude towards the other person.

In the process of relationships, various situations may arise that have the specifics of greeting, introducing each other or shaking hands. This specificity is expressed mainly in who has the right or is obliged to be the first in these actions. For clarity, the rights or obligations of the “first step” of any employee in some of the most typical situations are given in Table. 5.1. This table reflects several basic, most common situations. These situations can be conditionally called variants of a meeting between employees of one or different organizations, and these employees are in different situations based on their age, gender, official level and so on.

Table 5.1. – Rules for greetings and introductions

	Situation or option for meeting employees	Must be first when:
		greeting	handshake	presentation
	Senior in age Younger in age
	Senior Junior in position
	Passing by the group Standing in a group
	Entering the room In the room
	Overtaking a walker
	Leader of the delegation entering the room The head of the delegation in the room

Presentation etiquette. There are a number of generally accepted rules of etiquette that must be followed during introductions and acquaintances. Thus, a man, regardless of age and position, always introduces himself to a woman first. Men and women who are younger in age or position should be presented as older, and not vice versa. With equal position (rank), the younger one introduces himself to the older one, the subordinate to the boss, one person introduces himself to a couple, group, society, even a woman introduces herself to a married couple first.

When in society (guests) one person is introduced to several at once, they usually loudly call his last name and first name. The person being introduced makes a slight bow to the entire society. It is not customary to bow to everyone separately.

If a man is sitting at the time of the performance, he must stand up. A woman may not stand unless she is introduced to a lady significantly older than her in age or position.

Any performance is accompanied by a slight bow. Deep bows, sudden movements and clicking of heels should be avoided.

After the introduction, the person to whom the new acquaintance is introduced says his last name and adds “Very nice.” "Nice to meet you". The person being introduced should not say this at the time of introduction. New acquaintances, as a rule, exchange a few words and engage in a short conversation. The initiator of such a conversation is a person of senior rank and position, or a woman.

It is preferable to address a woman by her husband's last name. In difficult to pronounce and complex names, you can do without this by using international form"madam".

Members of their family are introduced, as a rule, without naming their last names, for example: “Fyodor Stepanovich, let me introduce you to my son Ivan.”

When visiting, at evenings, dinners and other similar events, it is better to resort to the help of an intermediary from among the familiar guests or members of the host’s family for introductions. However, if there is no person who can introduce you, you can introduce yourself. If someone introduces himself to you, you should respond with your last name.

Dating etiquette. If someone introduces two people, he must name the people he is introducing. You cannot bring them to each other and say: “Get to know each other,” obliging them to identify themselves. It is not polite.

If you need to introduce a woman to a man, you should say, addressing the woman, for example: “Nina Ivanovna, allow me to introduce you to Philip Konstantinovich” or “Allow me to introduce you: this is Philip Konstantinovich.”

When addressing officials with state status or military, diplomatic, or religious rank, as a rule, they do not mention their name. They say: “Mr. President”, “Mr. Prime Minister”, “Mr. General” (without naming the full rank, say “Major General”, “Lieutenant General”, etc.). Etiquette also provides for such a remarkable detail: when addressing official, usually he is “promoted” a little in his position. Thus, a lieutenant colonel is called “Mr. Colonel,” an envoy is called “Mr. Ambassador,” and a deputy minister is called “Mr. Minister.” When introducing military personnel, their military rank is indicated, for example: “Comrade (Mr.) General, allow me to introduce you to Colonel Kuznetsov.”

If the presenter introduces people of the same age and gender, he must introduce the less familiar person to the more familiar person.

Handshake etiquette. After the introduction, new acquaintances exchange greetings and, in most cases, handshakes. The first to give his hand is the one to whom the new acquaintance is introduced. Giving your hand should be done at the last moment; walking with your hand outstretched or shaking hands across the table is not accepted.

If a woman or a senior in position or age does not offer her hand, you should bow slightly. It is tactless to extend a few fingers or fingertips instead of a hand. As a general rule, you should extend your right hand to shake hands. If for some reason it is busy or damaged (in a bandage), you can extend your left hand, but first apologize.

The handshake should not be too strong or, conversely, too weak. It is indecent to shake your hand, and it is not recommended to shake it with both hands.

Although shaking hands has become a familiar and standard ritual, it can convey how people feel about each other. The first option is that you feel that the person seems to dominate you, that is, he is trying to control you and you need to be more careful with him. This is because his hand is pointing down in relation to your hand and you feel quite a lot of pressure. As a rule, such a person is the first to extend his hand for a handshake. The second option is that the person extends his hand so that his palm faces up and in this way he makes it clear to you that he is ready to obey and recognizes your leadership. The third option is that the hands move parallel to each other and vertically relative to the plane of the floor. The pressure of the palms is also approximately the same. This is a relationship of equality, partnership.

There are certain rules of etiquette regarding not only the forms of greetings, but also the conditions in which it is most appropriate to use one or another form. Young people are obliged to greet their elders first, just as a man - a woman, a person of junior rank (official position) - an elder, a person who is late - a person waiting, someone entering - those present, etc. However, a woman, entering a room where guests have already gathered, should be the first to greet everyone present, without waiting for the men to greet her. Men, in turn, should not wait for a woman to come up to them and say hello. It is better if the men rise up and meet her halfway. When leaving, a woman should also be the first to say goodbye. Persons of equal rank, age, position can be recommended to follow the advice expressed by Count A.A. Ignatiev, author of the famous book “50 Years in Service”; “Of two officers of the same rank, the one who is more polite and well-mannered is the first to greet.” By the way, this provision is contained in the French military regulations of past times.

When entering a room in which there are guests invited by the owner, a person must greet each person present separately or all at once. When approaching the table, greet everyone present and, taking your place, once again greet your neighbors at the table. However, it is not necessary to give your hand in both cases.

At official receptions, the hostess or host is greeted first, followed by the ladies, first the older ones, then the younger ones; after that - more elderly and senior men, and then the rest of the guests. The hostess and host must shake hands with all guests invited to their home.

Demeanor is of great importance when greeting. You should look directly at the person you are greeting with a smile. An unfavorable impression is made by a person who, while extending his right hand in greeting, keeps his left hand in his pocket, looks to the side, down, or continues to talk to another person. Such impoliteness does not encourage continued acquaintance.

A seated man, when greeting a lady or a person older in age or position, must stand up. If he greets people passing by without engaging in conversation with them, he may not stand up, but only sit up.

If married couples meet, first the women greet each other, then the men greet the women, and only after that the men greet each other.

The first to greet a woman walking in the company of a man is a woman walking (or standing) alone.

A woman greets a man first if she overtakes him.

On the street, the first man passing by bows to the one standing.

When greeting a woman he knows on the street, a man should raise his hat or cap (but not take a winter cap). If the greeting is accompanied by a handshake, the man must take off his glove, but the woman may not take it off, since gloves (silk, cloth, kid), bag, scarf, headdress are part of the ladies' toilet. However, it is recommended that women also take off mittens and warm leather gloves.

A woman’s hand is never kissed on the street as a sign of greeting: this is done only indoors.

They do not introduce themselves in the elevator, but in the presence of a lady, men take off their hats.

When addressing a stranger, you should always say “You.” You can only address people close to you, family, relatives (if they are younger or your age), children and friends. In a number foreign languages, in particular, in English there is no “you” at all.

Verbal etiquette also allows for the use of various psychological techniques, such as, for example, forms of guidance and brief assessment of communication. These are verbal expressions like: “Good luck to you,” “I wish you success,” “It was nice to meet you.”

If you are addressing a stranger with a request, be sure to use introductory words: “Excuse me,” “Excuse me,” “Be kind,” “Excuse me,” etc.

When greeting and parting, in addition to the words “Hello”, “Good afternoon” and “Goodbye”, it is advisable to add the first and patronymic of the interlocutor, especially if he occupies a subordinate position in relation to you.

If the conditions and time of conversation allow, it is possible to exchange neutral phrases: “How are you?” - “Thank you, it’s fine. I hope that everything is going well for you too” - “Thank you, yes.”

In conclusion, it should be noted that there are no trifles in etiquette, so you should always strive to demonstrate maximum politeness and adherence to generally accepted rules and norms of behavior and communication.

The handshake that is common here and in the West when meeting or introducing a man and a woman in Muslim countries is absolutely inappropriate. Islam does not accept even simple contact between people of different sexes if they are not related by blood. It is not customary for the peoples of Southeast Asia to shake hands either.

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Greeting is an integral part of etiquette and good manners in society. There are many rules, with many exceptions and exceptions.

note! Depending on gender, age, position in society, professional position, initiative is determined.

The most common greeting is between a man and a woman. Who should greet you first according to etiquette - a man or a woman?

A few basic rules for greeting between a man and a woman:

Senior or junior?

According to the rules of etiquette, the youngest always greets the elder. There are practically no exceptions that relate to gender.

But still some nuances should be taken into account:

1. The older person is the first to greet the younger one if he is his subordinate.
2. The greeting is carried out by the elder when addressing a stranger.
3. The oldest person greets first the people who will provide some services.

Exceptions relate specifically to the social status of each person.

Attention! Depending on the type of institution and the service provided, the employee greets his client first, regardless of his age.

In all other cases, the rules of etiquette apply undeniably.

Boss or subordinate?

According to all the rules, a subordinate cannot greet his boss first. The senior person is the first to show attention to the subordinate in the form of a greeting. In this case, no other laws apply.

The boss says hello first, even if:

• The subordinate is older than him in years.
• An employee with whom he is unfamiliar approaches the boss.
• The employee did not notice the boss.

This sets the tone for normal social relationships that create healthy corporate ethics.

Junior or senior?

It is correct when a younger person greets an older person, as was already stated above, but there are social situations that circumvent this rule of good manners.

Often, exceptions relate to the characteristics of certain professions that require publicity.

Sometimes these are life situations:

1. The teacher greets the children first at the beginning of the lesson.
2. The speaker is the first to greet the audience of any age.
3. Recourse.

Sometimes the rules are ignored, but this is a gross violation of any ethical standards, which is not acceptable in a well-mannered society.

Guest or host?

In accordance with the rules of good manners, it is the owner of the house and all household members who greet first. In turn, the guest responds with a counter greeting.

In this case, it is worth considering some nuances, since the action can take place between more than two people.

• Even if the guest came to one of the family members, then all household members must go out to meet the guest. If necessary, everyone returns back to their business.
• The same situation happens when the guest leaves the house.
• If the owner cannot come out to meet the guest, then the greeting is carried out twice - while the guest is not visible, and when he approaches.

In this way, people show their hospitality and affection towards the person who visited them.

Seller or buyer?

In this situation, many questions may arise. It all depends on the angle from which you view human interaction. this provision relative to each other.

In most cases, it all depends on the situation: what product is being sold, what size the store is, what trading rules are being implemented.

1. According to the rules of etiquette, the first person to say hello is the one who entered the room.
2. The first to greet is the person who needs the service and contacts the seller.
3. According to corporate ethics, the seller must greet first.
4. If the seller wants to help in choosing or attract attention, he says hello first.

If the seller, in addition to his work status, is an acquaintance, then age and gender can be taken into account.

Child or adult?

In this situation, the rule applies: the one who is younger says hello first.

But in some social situations exceptions may arise:

1. If the child is a buyer, then he should be greeted first.
2. The teacher, starting the lesson, greets the children first.
3. If you want to draw the child's attention to yourself.

Mostly children younger age with great pleasure they are the first to greet everyone. It is worth having a conversation with older children about the rules of etiquette.

Why can't you say hello across the threshold?

In addition to the rules of decency, there are signs. The rule of etiquette coincides with beliefs.

Reasons why not:

1. The threshold represents the border of two worlds.
2. Instruction from the ancestors.
3. The threshold is the place where the brownie lives.
4. People who greet each other must stay within the same space according to the rules of etiquette.

Basically the prohibition refers to supernatural meanings. Similar beliefs exist in other cultures.

How to greet your father correctly?

There are special rules for greeting clergy that relate to church ethics.

In order not to break traditions, it is worth remembering a few simple rules on how to properly greet people of clergy:

1. The address to the church minister is: “Bless.”
2. During the blessing process, the priest uses Christian accessories, then he should cross himself with his right hand.
3. You should not ask for any special blessing when meeting outside the temple.

You cannot greet the priest, as the laity do among themselves with the word “hello.”

How do they say hello in different countries of the world?

Greeting signs play a huge role in every culture.

To show respect to a representative of a certain nationality or faith, you should know exactly what signs need to be shown during the greeting process:

1. Muslims often greet with a handshake, which is accompanied by placing the right hand on the heart.

   This tradition came from Europe. Very close acquaintances hug and kiss twice. In Turkey, for example, men simply kiss each other.

   But there is practically no greeting between the opposite sex.

2. Chinese and Japanese have the same style- bow with a special placement of hands in front of you.
3. Armenians and Tatars They greet each other mostly only with words.
4. Slavs, like Europeans greet with a handshake or a voice greeting.
5. Jews make a slight bow heads with the words "Shalom".

IN modern world The most relevant way of greeting remains a handshake between men and a sound greeting between women.

This shows openness, cordiality, and readiness for further contact. But even when shaking hands, people who consider themselves well-mannered adhere to certain rules regarding the question of who shakes hands first when greeting. What does etiquette dictate?

Why is it customary to extend your hand when meeting?

The custom of shaking hands when meeting has come to us from ancient times. Moreover, in each period of time different meanings were attributed to this gesture. There is a hypothesis that in primitive tribes, shaking hands with men was a kind of test of strength: whoever shakes hands harder is stronger. Each meeting began with such a short duel. In some other tribes, a man’s willingness to extend his hand showed the purity of his intentions: the hand is extended, the palm is open, there is no weapon in it, which means there is no need to be afraid of this person.

IN Ancient Rome people were good at cunning, and an outstretched hand did not always mean friendliness. Warriors learned to hide a small dagger in their sleeve, and with a normal handshake it could not be noticed. Therefore, the descriptions mention the custom of shaking the wrist, not the palm. At first this was done for safety reasons, then it became a tradition: when meeting, men, holding their hands at waist level, squeezed each other’s wrists.

But in Japan, samurai shook hands before a fight, and this gesture told the enemy: “Prepare to die.”

The meaning of a handshake today

In those distant times, people did not attach importance to who should give their hand first. The handshake became generally accepted and regulated by the rules of etiquette only in the 19th century. Only men could shake hands with each other; this gesture was not typical for women and was considered tactless. Later, shaking hands became popular in business circles: they sealed deals and showed a disposition for further communication. Nowadays, there is nothing wrong with shaking a lady's hand, especially if it happens in a business setting.

The custom of shaking hands when meeting is more common in Europe and America. In Asia, it is less popular: there a bow or a certain folding of hands is considered a sign of respect. But in business circles in Asian countries, a handshake is also appropriate.

when meeting

In most cases, a person cannot introduce himself: he must be introduced. A man is supposed to introduce himself to a woman. Those who are younger in age - those who are older. A person occupying a higher position in society is introduced to someone who is at a lower level. This is considered an indicator of good manners. If you need to introduce your family to colleagues or friends, then they call your spouse and children, and introduce friends or colleagues to them as a sign of respect for older age. Who shakes hands first when meeting? He is the person to whom others are introduced, regardless of gender and age.

Is it possible to introduce yourself?

Are there situations when it is appropriate for a person to introduce himself to strangers? Yes, this is possible, for example, at a business dinner, banquet, party in order to establish a relationship. In this case, it is permissible to approach the person of interest, introduce yourself, name your field of activity and company and extend a business card.

If you need to introduce yourself to a woman who is in the company of a man, you should first meet her gentleman and then only be introduced to the lady.

Getting to know each other is not just about shaking hands. A good-natured, inviting smile and a direct look into the face of the interlocutor are very important. Averting your eyes to the side during a meeting is considered bad manners.

A few “don’ts”, or How not to be considered ignorant

Yes, yes, ignorance of these seemingly trifles can make a person look ignorant in a matter of seconds. So, when meeting and at any meeting, according to generally accepted rules of politeness, you should not:

• do not shake an outstretched hand (this may be perceived as a deep insult);
• when giving your hand, keep the other in your pocket;
• hold a cigarette in your hand (it is generally undesirable to hold anything in your hands, especially when shaking hands);
• leave your hand in a glove when greeting a lady (a woman can leave a glove if it is part of the toilet; a glove, but not a mitten!);
• look around, at the floor or up, show indifference;
• when meeting a group of people, give your hand to only one of them;
• remain seated when meeting a lady or older person, especially if they are standing;
• not knowing the simple rules about who offers their hand first for a handshake.

Greetings at an unexpected meeting

Almost every hour we greet someone: neighbors, the saleswoman from whom we buy coffee every morning, colleagues, close or barely familiar people, relatives... Who is the first to offer their hand when greeting? How not to put yourself or your interlocutor in an awkward position? Let's consider several cases.

If you meet friends on the street or in a public place, you should not express your emotions too violently and attract the attention of others. Seeing a familiar person in the distance, you can limit yourself to a nod or wave of your hand. If the distance allows, a handshake and a short exchange of phrases are appropriate (you should not start a long conversation, because the person may be in a hurry). Who shakes hands first when meeting? Etiquette prescribes this initiative to someone who is older in age or occupies a more important social position.

When unexpectedly meeting a loved one, short hugs, pats, and in some countries even kisses on the cheek or the cheek-to-cheek gesture are appropriate. But if you have met a business partner, a person older than you, or a distant acquaintance, such displays of emotion can be regarded as familiarity.

Can a woman offer her hand first?

Who shakes hands first, man or woman? Only a lady can shake hands. A man is supposed to either shake the outstretched hand or bring it to his lips for a kiss. In past centuries, it was permissible to kiss the hand of only a married lady, but in modern rules of good manners there are no such restrictions.

Greeting someone you barely know

Should you greet people you barely know? Yes! Even if you don't remember the person's name or can't remember where you saw their face, it's still best to be polite and say hello. Of course, in this case it is enough to say a greeting, nod or raise your hat. Violent manifestations of joy will look unnatural and therefore completely unnecessary.

Greetings at a scheduled meeting

Let's say we are talking about meeting friends at a party, in a restaurant, at a social reception, in a theater, or any public place. This is not a random meeting on the run, and when going to an event, a person knows who he will meet there. How should one behave and who is the first to offer their hand when meeting? In this case, the one who is younger or holds a lower position is supposed to come up and say hello first. But when it comes to who is the first to offer a hand - the elder or the younger - then this initiative is shown by the one who is older.

Rules for welcoming guests

When you come to visit, you must say hello to the owner of the house and the guests present. The owner should shake hands, and when greeting others, you can limit yourself to a bow and greeting phrases. It is more appropriate for the hostess to kiss her hand.

When meeting a group of people, it is not necessary to shake hands with everyone; a general bow is sufficient. But if you shake hands with one of these people, you should shake hands with everyone else. Who shakes hands first when greeting in this case? The one who approaches the group. Before shaking hands, gloves should be removed, as should headwear.

If you have to say hello to people sitting at a table, it is considered a sign of bad manners to extend your hand across the table. It is more polite to limit yourself to a verbal greeting or a slight bow.

In a situation where there is a noticeable age difference between people greeting each other, the question often arises: who shakes hands first - the elder or the younger? The rules of etiquette state that only the eldest in age can take the initiative to shake hands. The same rule applies to people at different levels of the career ladder: the one with the higher rank extends his hand.

Rules for greetings in business

The rules of politeness in business are subject to the same principles. The person of lower rank is supposed to say hello first. If a person enters a room where a group of people is already present, then the person entering greets first - regardless of position or age.

Who is the first to offer their hand when greeting during business communication? In reverse order, according to the "top to bottom" principle. We must not forget the general rule: shaking hands with one person implies the same gesture in relation to other persons. Otherwise, you should limit yourself to polite words and a general nod of the head.

In the case when a subordinate enters the boss’s office, the latter may not interrupt his business or conversation, but according to the rules of politeness, he must greet the newcomer with words or at least a gesture. In the opposite situation, when a boss comes to a subordinate, it is necessary to interrupt the conversation or business (if any, and this will not be incorrect in relation to a third party) and pay attention to the manager.

Let's summarize what has been said

Etiquette is a delicate matter, but quite logical, because all the rules of good manners are subordinated to one thing: not to offend another person, to behave in such a way that communication is mutually pleasant. If you happen to be confused by rank and age, if you are afraid of seeming impolite or accidentally offending, you should remember one more rule: the more polite person will be the one who offers his hand first when shaking hands, who is the first to say hello, who is the first to show attention. If you are in doubt whether to say hello or not, say hello, whether to extend your hand or not, extend it. You may be known as a person who has forgotten any subtlety of etiquette, but you will show cordiality and respect.

But there is one simple diagram that helps you remember who should be the first to say hello and who should be the first to shake hands according to etiquette. We greet each other according to the principle “from least to greatest” (junior - with senior, subordinate - with boss, man - with woman). We extend our hand according to the principle “from most to least,” since a handshake is a kind of privilege, an honorary sign of attention, and this gesture is supposed to be made by a more “important” person (a senior extends his hand to a junior, a boss to a subordinate, a woman to a man).

In addition to a handshake, do not forget about kind words of welcome, inviting gestures and a friendly smile - an absolute trump card in any communication!

Today, the rules of etiquette have been greatly simplified and are easy to remember. It's easy to figure out who should say hello first. According to established custom, the man greets the woman first, the subordinate greets the boss, and the junior greets the elder. But, if you think about it, there are a lot of situations in which it is difficult to understand from whom the greeting should come.

Who says hello first: basic rules of etiquette

A well-mannered person should know a few simple rules regarding greetings.

1. It is not customary for a woman to greet her boss first if he is the same age as her or younger.
2. If you need to ask a stranger for any favor, you first need to politely say hello, and only then state your request.
3. When you come to visit, you should first greet the lady of the house, then the rest of the women, and finally the men. You should also pay attention to children by having a small conversation with them and shaking their hand.
4. When greeting acquaintances on the street, it is important to be polite. There is no need to call out to them loudly or start long conversations.
5. When a company gathers in one house, the newcomer must greet everyone present. If there are a lot of guests sitting at a large table, it is better to say a general greeting loudly, and you can say additional greetings to close friends and your neighbors at the table.
6. If a woman is much younger than a man, she should say hello first.
7. When meeting, the woman is the first to shake hands with the man, and the younger one shakes hands with the older one.

Who says hello first according to business etiquette?

Modern business etiquette is based on standard rules, but has important amendments. At work, greeting rules vary depending on the positions people occupy. If you follow business etiquette, who says hello first?

According to everyday rules, the first person to say hello is the one who sees the other person first. The subordinate, regardless of age and gender, is always the first to greet the boss. At the same time, it is the senior person who extends his hand first for a handshake. In a situation where a boss enters a room with subordinates, he should be the first to greet the employees.

If, according to the rules of social etiquette, a man must stand up when greeting a woman or an older person, then in a business setting the rules are different. A female subordinate should greet the incoming boss by standing up. But there may be exceptions, if people of higher positions show good manners and politeness.

Despite the apparent simplicity of all modern rules of etiquette, you need to be able to follow them, depending on specific situation, and also understand whether to observe secular or business etiquette when communicating with certain people.

Knowing good manners will help you effectively network, make useful contacts, establish long-term relationships and enjoy communicating with different people.

Many perceive etiquette as something archaic, believing that behind it there are far-fetched rules and ceremonies that only complicate life - but we already know that we should not wipe our hands on the tablecloth. But, alas, basic knowledge is not enough - especially for people who are building a career and planning to promote themselves and their business. Here are 10 rules of business etiquette.

1. Greeting: who says hello first?

If in modern secular etiquette issues of gender are more important than subordination, then in business etiquette the opposite is true: here communication is conducted between professionals, and not between men and women. The first to greet is the one who is lower in official position - for example, an elderly female accountant should be the first to greet a young male boss.

If there are other people in the office of the person you are visiting, limit yourself to a general bow and greeting. Then shake hands with the person who invited you. It would seem that everything is simple and logical, but etiquette is a delicate and sometimes difficult matter.

During a conversation, you should not peer closely at the interlocutor’s face or lean over him.

Don't tilt your head to the side unless you're trying to flirt.

2. Proper handshake

If you walk up to a group of people and shake hands with one person, you need to shake hands with the others. Advice from Igor Mann: “It is very important to be able to shake hands correctly: not for long (one or two strokes); moderately weak; if you want to demonstrate superiority, keep your palm on top when shaking hands; show respect for your interlocutor (for example, a lady) - your palm should be under the palm of your interlocutor. And, by default, the palm should be dry and clean.”

Do not smoke while shaking hands. You need to throw away the cigarette, then shake hands. If this is not possible, apologize for being with a cigarette. Never extend your left hand to shake hands. Even if you are left-handed, use your right hand. They don't shake hands in the restroom.

3. Be prepared for small talk

Business communication often involves elements of informal conversation. The ability to conduct a so-called small talk (light, casual conversation on an abstract but fascinating topic) is a very useful skill.

Good topics for conversation: sports, cars (for men), children (for women), hobbies, gourmet cuisine and pets, art and literature, interesting events and scientific discoveries, travel and attractions, local landscapes, nature and weather, landmarks.

Forbidden topics for conversation: Illnesses, problems, conflicts, income, high prices, debts, politics and religion, personal life of interlocutors or other people, age, position and nationality, “sore topic” of the interlocutor.

4. How to introduce yourself?

When introducing people of equal status, introduce the one with whom you are better acquainted with the one with whom you are less acquainted. A man is introduced to a woman, and someone younger in age or position is introduced to a woman. When a person is introduced to you, focus on remembering their name - use their name often during the conversation.

It happens, of course, that new names fly out of memory. The most reasonable thing in such a situation is to honestly admit your forgetfulness and, without losing your sense of tact and sense of humor, ask your interlocutor to remember his name.

5. Etiquette when saying goodbye

When leaving strangers, it is not necessary to say goodbye to everyone personally. And if you leave a crowded reception before the rest of the guests, say goodbye only to the hosts of the meeting. Otherwise, your departure may serve as a signal to party participants that it’s time for everyone to go home.

If the conversation lasts too long, invite the interlocutor to meet new people, introduce them to each other, apologize and take your leave.

The farewell should be short - for example, shaking hands, as at a meeting. End the conversation politely, using universal phrases, for example: “It was nice to meet you.”

If new people join the conversation, introduce your interlocutor to them. Don't leave without introducing them.

If you need to leave a meeting early, wait for a pause in the conversation, stand up and say goodbye, expressing your hope for a new meeting.

6. Negotiation etiquette

Both the protocol and content parts should be carefully prepared. Partners should be invited to negotiations at least two weeks in advance so that they can also prepare - this will save time and create conditions for effective communication.

As for the composition of the delegation, there must be parity at the negotiations, that is, an equal number of participants on both sides and the correspondence of the positions of representatives on each. Only those employees whose presence is really necessary are invited to the meeting. The place for negotiations is proposed by the inviting party, but the invitee has the right to either accept or reject it.

7. How to meet foreign guests?

The head of the delegation of appropriate rank must meet guests at the airport. He usually arrives accompanied by two or three people. The head of the receiving party introduces himself first. Then he introduces the spouse, then the employees (in descending order of position). When escorting a delegation to the hotel, part with the guests not on the street, but in the lobby. You can also arrange a protocol visit there.

There is an unspoken rule (not categorical, but desirable) - if a guest arrives with his wife, then the host manager comes to the first meeting accompanied by his wife.

8. Ability to listen to your interlocutor

Bernard Baruch, an American businessman and statesman, said: “Those successful people The people I know listen more than they talk.” Dale Carnegie went even further, stating that “The secret of influencing people is not the ability to speak, but the ability to be a good listener.”

Advice from Igor Mann: “Remember that different peoplĕ different speech rates. Women tend to speak faster (there is even a joke: “Women talk twice as fast as men listen”). Adapt your conversation to the pace of your interlocutor’s speech - this way you will make a more favorable impression.”

Listen more than you talk. If you disagree with the other party's proposal, argue your position before saying no.

9. Telephone courtesy

Even if you are in a bad mood, do not let it be understood, smile, and the tone of your voice will take on a cheerful tone. Do not forget about the three pillars of a business telephone conversation - conciseness, precision, clarity. Don't forget to introduce yourself by saying your first and last name. Then state the purpose of the call. It is impolite to wait more than 6 rings - it is better to hang up after the fifth ring. The one who started it ends the conversation.

If the connection is interrupted, the person who called will call back. It is best to answer after the second or third call - if you pick up the phone right away, the caller may not have time to concentrate.

Don't take pictures of people who don't want to. Avoid talking on the phone during business meetings in a restaurant. This makes others think that you have more important things to do than this meeting.

10. Dress code business man

The leader must be an example for employees. He has the right to demand that they comply with the dress code. Strictly and elegantly dressed employees are always a plus for the company's reputation. Your image should create the impression of natural well-groomedness with a barely permissible touch of negligence, refined in itself.

A business person should have at least two or three suits. The shirt should fit you well and have quality cuffs and collar. The trousers should reach the heel of your boots when you stand, and form one soft fold in the front above the instep. A businessman can only wear one ring - a wedding ring. The cost of hours should not exceed two (maximum three) monthly salaries.

And remember: In the business world, even at parties, elegance is encouraged, not extravagance.

Based on materials from the book “Good Manners and Business Etiquette” by Elena Ber, Mann, Ivanov and Ferber Publishing House

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