ETIQUETTE IN BUSINESS

For instance, when at school I couldn't understand why it was the okay for the teacher to call me by my first name when I had to call them Mr or Miss Whatever; especially when I hadn't given my consent to this (it was taken for granted that I would find it acceptable).

It was more confusing when there was more than one Sandra or Tracey in the classroom or just as embrassing when they couldn't pronounce your name - they should take a leaf out of Toastmaster's training.

Whilst in secondary education, an all girls school, we were asked where we would like to go on a visit for the day. I didn't want to attend anymore art/theatre shows although I had enjoyed them, I wanted something that was more practical in the long term to be remembered by the class.

I suggested a day at a finishing school with instructions on deportment, good manners etc. The headmistress agreed to the idea, and was the first one she ever give her blessing to without quibberling about the budget, no other class group got to go, we were the only ones given the first class go-ahead.

The day was spent learning to walk with confidence, how to greet people and to make them feel comfortable in your presence, how to courtesy (never had a chance to use that one), how to get out of a car gracefully, and being well presented with our personal image.