Social Etiquette 101
Do not manifest impatience. Be present in the conversation.
Do not engage in argument.
Do not interrupt someone else while they are speaking.
If you must, gently critique.
Do not talk of your private, personal or family matters.
Do not appear to notice inaccuracies of speech in others.
Do not allow yourself to lose your temper or speak excitedly.
Do not allude to peculiarities of the people present.
Do not introduce topics the people you are with have no general interest in.
Do not speak loudly.
Do not try to force yourself, or be intense, into the confidence of others.
When they give you their confidence, don't betray it.
Keep it light. Do not aspire to be a story teller. Tell short, light stories, appropriate with the current temperature of the rest of the party involved.
Use clear, distinct, gentle and firm words to express your ideas.
Be cool, collected and poised, using respectful and appropriate language.
Always defend the absent person who is being spoken about, as far as truth or justice is concerned. If you have nothing positive to add, leave the conversation.
Allow other people to share.
Don't talk about yourself so much. Your merit will be found in your expression of a subject without having to constantly praise yourself.
Slight mistakes and inaccuracies should be overlooked for the sake harmony and natural flow.
Adapt your conversation to the flow or level of the people you are speaking with. Do not under or over value them. Speaking to them how they understand, will provide more trust and comfort.
