How to Command Respect through Body Language:PART 7

A matter of manners...

Practicing common courtesy is a basis for earning respect from others. If you're rude, people will avoid talking and working with you. Be polite to ensure you're putting your best foot forward.

What to do:

1. When you need to offer comfort, a one-armed squeeze, gentle hug, or a pat on the shoulder helps, depending on how close you are to the other person.

2. Open doors and allow others to walk before you.

3. Cough and sneeze into your hands or a handkerchief, not into the face of the people around you.

What not to do:

1. A handshake that goes on for an extended period of time may be considered inappropriate.

2. Ruffling someone’s hair may seem like you’re being genuinely affectionate, but in a formal setting, it suggests you’re being condescending.

3. Don’t shout when you’re on the phone. Talk in a calm, volume-controlled voice.

4. Don’t huddle into a corner with your mobile phone while in a crowd of people. Get out and mingle instead. Keep your private conversations for a time when you’re alone.

5. Don’t mock someone’s mannerisms when you think they’re not watching.

6. Avoid taking a phone call when you're in the middle of a discussion.

7. If you have a cold, don’t blow your nose loudly in public.

8. Never wipe your nose with your hands or sleeves.

9. Don’t scratch your itches, not matter how much you’re tempted to. You'll make people wonder if you have a rash.

10. Don’t multi-task in the middle of a conversation. It doesn't show dexterity, only callousness.

11. Don’t slam doors, no matter how angry you are.

12. Don’t snap or clap your hands to call someone over.

13. Don’t burp/belch loudly in public.

14. Don’t lick your lips too often. You may jut be wetting them, but it indicates nervousness, or worse, sexual aggression.

15. Don’t make faces or stick your tongue out behind someone’s back. It’s childish and rude.