10 Pro Tips for Modern Etiquette

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Another Year in the Books!

It’s hard to believe I’ve been at this for 21 years now. Helping people speak as well as they think never gets old!

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Greg

President & CEO

greg@dardiscommunications.com

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10 Tips for Modern Etiquette

Etiquette is more than simply the placement of your forks. It’s deeper than mere “courtesies.” It’s a pattern of behavior that shows you care. How do you greet others? Where do you place your phone at a meeting?

Etiquette is the polish on your personal brand. And because Dardis Communications shows clients how to nail first impressions and strengthen existing connections, teaching modern etiquette falls squarely in our wheelhouse.

“In today’s hyper-rushed and ultra-casual workplaces, small gestures of etiquette help you stand out from all of the noise,” said Vice President Tyson Greiner, who is an international etiquette consultant.

Here are 10 etiquette tips that make a big difference.

1. Be on time. Plan ahead, and make it happen. Err on the early side. This is a powerful way to show you’ve got your act together and you respect others’ time.

2. Have a firm handshake. This projects confidence and decisiveness. It indicates that you’re genuinely pleased to see someone.

3. Remember people’s names. Calling someone by name goes a long way. Don’t be afraid to ask for someone’s name a second time if you didn’t catch it the first time. (The other person may well ask you, in turn, to repeat your name.) Or seize a discrete moment to ask someone in the know for that person’s name. Then commit it to memory: write it down, snap a photo, do something to help it stick.

4. Introduce others. Being a bridge between two strangers is a special form of hospitality. It puts people at ease and serves an important function, sparking new connections and conversations. If you’re familiar with both parties, don’t hesitate to make an introduction even if there’s a chance the two have briefly met before. People are always grateful for reminders, and your introduction might advance their connection or offer up new information.

5. Choose a simple ringtone. Keep it professional, keep it basic.

6. Limit phone use in public areas. This can take discipline, but it enables you to project warmth, composure and accessibility. If you need to use your phone, step into a private spot to do so.

7. Leave a voicemail in 30 seconds or less. There’s something painful about listening to a long, rambling voicemail. Be upbeat and brief. Skip the obvious: “I was just trying to reach you.” Cut to the main point: your purpose and your next step. “I’d like to discuss the year-end party, and I’ll follow up by email.”

8. Keep gadgets off the table. Whether you’re at a meeting or a restaurant, your phone does not warrant a place on the table. It’s distracting, and it implies that you prioritize anyone who may happen to call above the people you’re sitting with. If you need to be available for an important call, mention it at the onset of the meeting.

9. RSVP within 1-2 days of receiving an invitation. This helps the host with planning and simplifies things for you. Waiting to respond is more to keep track of and can run the risk of inadvertently missing the deadline to RSVP.

10. Send handwritten thank-you notes. A simple handwritten thank-you will not be forgotten! Keep a box of elegant all-purpose notes in your office and mail them out liberally. The message can be short. A few sentences, an address and a stamp—the most impactful five minutes of your day.


Recommended Reading

I love reading business books, but summer is the perfect time to broaden my scope. This book bends toward the philosophical and is best read outside with a cool beverage and a light breeze. It’s based on a popular Yale course called “Life Worth Living.” I have no doubt you’ll be inspired—and you may come up with surprising professional applications for these big questions.

Learn More Here >

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