Wednesday 2 March 2011

David Morgan-Hewitt's Modern Manners - On the Telephone


It is strange that as email has taken over our lives so many of us are beginning to get a little sloppy about how we use a telephone! So I have a few dos and don’ts for this most important of instruments.

Do remember that the other caller cannot see your face, so it is important to be clear and use tone much more carefully to convey messages. Also, irony and sarcasm always work better with facial expressions.

As for humour - this is fine with friends and family, as they know just who you are and how warped or normal your sense of humour is. However, strangers and business contacts may not and humour does not always travel down a phone that well.

Do not leave messages on voicemail for someone who you are trying to contact because you want them to do something for you. There is nothing worse than a message asking you to call somebody who wants to sell you something! Messages should only be left for friends, family or if you want somebody to know you tried to contact them.

Beware the speaker phone. Only use when really necessary and always ensure that the other person knows they are on a loudspeaker – so they can be more careful with what they say.

Finally do not type all the way through a phone call - the tell tale tapping will give you away!


Wednesday 16 February 2011

David Morgan-Hewitt's Modern Manners - Office Parties


Oh boy, this really is minefield for those who want to get it right! There are so many things which can go wrong so you really need to be aware of what you are doing.

Think about your company. Is it quite conservative or a little more informal? Are your co-workers older or younger? Do you colleagues gossip a lot to each other? Will anything you do be on the internal email by 9am the next morning? Are your secrets going to be shouted out in the office canteen? All of this needs to be considered!

Start by dressing appropriately. Your idea of casual maybe rather more racy than your colleague’s idea. If in doubt, err on the side of caution. Also do ensure that whatever clothes you have decided to wear do actually stay on all night...

Do not get drunk. Stop drinking as soon as you reach the point of tipsy if not before. You will regret it in the morning if you drink too much.

Join in and have fun but do not let your tongue get too loose. Telling everybody your personal thoughts about a colleague will always be a very bad idea.

Just take care!


Tuesday 1 February 2011

David Morgan-Hewitt's Modern Manners - IS LOVE IN THE AIR?

How to cope with Valentines Day

This is one day filled with potential pitfalls so do be very careful right from the word go!

Do: Before making a reservation at an expensive restaurant for you and your loved one decide whether you both want to be out in a crowded restaurant packed in with lots of other cooing couples. If you do not want this, or your partner does not, then save your pennies and stay put at home.

Do: Give your undivided attention to your loved one on this special day. Spend time talking and sharing. This means your mobile should be off and if you need to be in contact with the babysitter give them the restaurant number in case of emergencies.

Do: Always buy flowers and chocolates. They are never a bad idea.

Don’t: Try and go Dutch. If you want to take your partner out, then pay for them.

Don’t: Believe a lady when she says she does not believe in Valentines Day – she does.

The more romantic the better but do bear in mind what your partner likes and, more importantly, does not like. Good luck.

Tuesday 18 January 2011

David Morgan-Hewitt's Modern Manners - Part TWO.... Lifts!

Riding in a lift (or an elevator to our friends over the pond)

It is always a complete joy to have the lift completely to yourself. You can use the time to switch off for a moment or two or to gather your thoughts ready for your next meeting if working.

However, most of the time we are sharing our lift with a lot of other people. In fact at certain times we will find ourselves squashed like sardines into them. So what are the dos and don’ts of lift etiquette?

Do: Hold the door open for anybody who is running to catch it. There is little worse than missing a lift when you are running late. Also if you travel that lift regularly, they might do the same for you on another occasion.

Do: Use the stairs if only going up one floor. The lift is more use to those on the 40th floor!

Do: Press your own button, do not expect another passenger to act as the lift operator. Unless they offer to do so.

Don’t: Put on your make up when sharing a lift. It is rather common!

Don’t: Cough, splutter and sniff unless you really have to - it is most off putting to other travellers.

Don’t: Sing or talk to yourself – it can be very disturbing on so many levels.

Wednesday 5 January 2011

David Morgan-Hewitt's Modern Manners - Part ONE

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!

Every two weeks this year, I will be letting you in on some of the most important tips on etiquette that I have learnt along the way - David Morgan-Hewitt's Modern Manners. I do hope you enjoy them.

Thank You Letters

Well it is certainly the time to think about sending out those thank you letters – if you have not already done so. What are the rules of etiquette that apply in such situations?

Do hand write your thank you letters whenever you can. It is so much more personal to receive a handwritten note. These days so much comes via email and texts or computer generated letters which just makes your handwritten note all the more special.

Timing is important as with most things. Certainly you should write within 7-10 days of receiving the gift. I knew someone who was a little late with theirs one year and she ended up having to forfeit a summer holiday in Barbados as a punishment. So you have been warned.

The golden rule is never underestimate the joy a thank you card brings the recipient. It actually reminds us of the manners of days gone by.