I remember those days in the primary school during
exchange of words as kids. When your peer calls you “Lack of Etiquette” it
sounded like such a big grammar that others will start clapping and you will
feel so bad and humiliated. Now looking back, I smile at our ignorance which is
not totally out of place though.
Juxtaposing this with what the several event circles
has become today, I feel like digging into the acceptable etiquette in an
event. First let me define etiquette. From the Oxford Advanced Learner’s
dictionary, it means “formal rules of correct or polite behaviour
in society or among members of a particular profession” Following this
definition, it implies that there are ways that guests are expected to comport
themselves during an event.
Are you concerned about your behaviour or how you
should behave during an event? Here is a guide to some links and write up that
will help you fashion out an acceptable attitude during occasions.
The type of event to a large extent may determine what
the minimum acceptable etiquettes are for that occasion however the classics
still apply.
1.
Table Manners: During social dinners, the host leads the
activities. Do not sit down or begin eating before the host. Watch the host
closely and be observant to follow the signal from the host. (http://www.etiquettetrainer.com/category/social-events/
)
2.
Dress Code: Many event organizers may emphasis the dress code
for a particular event, do not look like a fish out of water by dressing
differently. You do not want to become the major topic of gossips after the
event. (http://eventplanning.about.com/od/eventplanningbasics/tp/business-etiquette.htm
)
3.
Colour Code: In some localities, colour, pattern, design or
uniform (asoebi) are very important. Don’t be left out. Flow with the occasion
and identify with the host.
4.
Entrance: The way and manner you enter into the event place is
very significant. Everybody’s attention is usually focused on the entrance, so
endeavour to make an entrance that is dignifying by walking straight in. Take a
few seconds to look around to identify key people if possible before
circulating. (http://etiquette-ny.com/corporate-holiday-party-etiquette/
)
5.
Arrival: Arrive on time and avoid coming late
6.
RSVP: This is another acronym that takes me back to my
primary school days. We used to say that RSVP means Rice and Stew Very Plenty. No it is not. It is a French acronym (repondez s’il vous
plait) for guest to send responses to the host. Most occasion have RSVP
contacts. Respond within days of receiving an invitation. If you are not
attending, notify the host early enough. You could be denying another person
the opportunity to attend if you cancel attendance in the last minutes. This also
may have cost and wastage implication on the host. (http://www.forbes.com/sites/robasghar/2014/04/22/27-etiquette-rules-for-our-times/#704bf10b61dc
)
7.
Meeting the Host: It is important to meet the host during
the event to show appreciation for the invitation. So make deliberate effort
during the event to search out the host for this purpose. If you cannot do that
during the occasion, it will not be out of place to do it the follow day. Don’t
let it linger. (http://www.etiquettescholar.com/dining_etiquette/business_etiquette/corporate_events.html
)
8.
Introductions: When introducing people during an event, try and
introduce the less important people to the more important ones. Taking time to
include titles such as Dr., Chief, Mr., Mrs., Ms., etc. is very respectful.
9.
Handshaking: Shake firmly making direct eye contact as you do so.
Avoid holding drinks or food item on your right hand as it hinders the process
of shaking hands. In some climes, shaking with both hands is patronizing while
in others, it shows more respect. Keep it simple and shake with your right
hand. And it is also not good to have
both hands holding stuff. Where this becomes inevitable, a head nod with a warm
smile will suffice. (http://www.debretts.com/british-etiquette/special-occasions/event-etiquette
)
10. Networking: Meeting people is an important part of
any event. Pay more attention to meeting new people. Quickly greet old friends
and search out new people. Make short conversations and steer clear of
sensitive issues like religion, health, personal finance and politics. Focus on
arts, sports, food, travel and other general issues. Limit phone calls or
switch off the phone entirely. Collecting tons of business cards is not the
goal but making the right connection that will boost your business. (http://www.etiquetteoutreach.com/blog_new-york-etiquette-guide/bid/76057/The-Golden-Rules-of-Etiquette-at-a-Business-Networking-Event
)
11. Eating: It is a good practice to eat a little
food before attending an event. Do not walk in hungry and heading straight to
the food.
12. Drinking: Watch what you drink and don’t get drunk.
You could miss a great opportunity to meet a very important contact for your
business. And avoid that wall. Engage yourself as much as possible. (http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/relationships/etiquette-manners/proper-networking-etiquette
)
It is up to you now.
Have a good week ahead.
