7 On Assignment: Manners

Jodi Smith, Mannersmith.com
"You see it everywhere people using the wrong forks, people not putting their napkins on their laps."

And in this new millenium learning the art of refinement is a skill worth mastering.

Joyce Gordon, J. Gordon Designs
"It's really important too, when you are dealing with people to deal effectively and to be respectful of them and not turn them off in ways that you are totally unaware."

That's why artist Joyce Gordon and many businesses like her's are having experts polish up the company's presentation.

Jodi Smith
"I go into a number of corporations and talked to everybody, mailroom person, all the way up as to how they present themselves as part of the corporate image."

Beginning with a handshake, what is the right way to greet with a grip?

Jodi Smith
"A good strong, but not a crushing hand shake is the way to go."

Don't let this technological age be an excuse for bad behavior.

Jodi Smith
"Etiquette evolves to keep pace with the changes in society, with the changes in culture, and with the changes in technology."

Treat e-mail as if you had written a letter.

Jodi Smith
"When we communicate face to face you're evaluating my body language, my tone, and the words that I am using. When you talk by e-mail you only have the words."

So choose them carefully.

Jodi Smith
"If someone is being sarcastic or if they're joking or their laughing, you can get yourself in such trouble."

But work doesn't end in the office. At a business lunch or dinner one wrong move can cost you.

Toby Unger, Attorney
"When I am dining with clients and someone is clearly unaware as to the dining rules, it's just like a red flag in my mind."

And attorney Toby Unger doesn't want to be the one to make a mistake.

Toby Unger
"My pet peeve is actually when people grab the wrong roll because then it throws the entire table off."

Here are the basics:

When in doubt, always move from the outside in with your silverware.

When it comes to picking up the check?
If you did the asking, then you do the paying.

And number one thing to remember, across the board, no matter how big or small a gift or gesture, always write a thank you note.