Etiquette Awareness

Tips, suggestions and stories...

Things to keep in mind as you interact with others


"Etiquette is not about
being 'stuffy.'   
 
It's about putting yourself forward in the best possible way, using courtesy and respect for others as your guide, while still allowing your
own personality to shine!

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individuals, organizations and businesses of all sizes, helping amateurs and professionals alike  

polish their ability to stand out among their competition.

 

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Have you noticed how uninhibited people can become when posting or commenting on-line -- how they will write things to and about others that they would never say if they were face to face?

 

According to Sherry Turkle, a psychologist and professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, our inhibitions are lowered because we don't see the reaction of the other person -- we aren't focusing on our commonalities -- and thus there is a tendency to dehumanize each other.


In other words, we forget we are interacting with a person, not a screen.

 

One of the benefits of some social media programs, such as Facebook, is the ability to connect with friends and family members. Yet I often hear how an on-line disagreement or a difference of opinion has forever changed - and sometimes ended - these relationships, in large part because of a lack of courtesy and respect in someone's writing.

 

Keeping in mind that you cannot control what other people do, you can only control how you react to them, here are options for you to choose from when facing this situation: 

 

1. Respond in a thoughtful way. Ask for additional information to clarify that your interpretation of the comment is what the person intended. In order to avoid adding fuel to the fire, you may wish to do this via a private message rather than a public posting. Thank the person for commenting and agree to disagree on the matter.  

 

2. Ignore it. There is no need to lower yourself to the other person's level with a response; what someone says reflects back on them, not on you, so just leave it out there for everyone to read.

 

3. Delete the post. Some people will post comments for the purpose of drawing you into an emotional discussion and will then only continue to frustrate you by calling you out on your responses. Don't let people take up space in your brain if they aren't paying rent!

 

4. Block the person. Your social media site is just that - yours. You have the right to choose who has the ability to see and respond to your posts.    

 
Remember...

When you go to make a comment on someone's social media site, take a moment to consider the context. Are you responding to a posting made by someone you know, or is it something that originated elsewhere and was shared by your friend or family member? Are you actually contributing to a discussion or are you stating a fact or opinion? Is your action going to cause hurt to anyone?    

  

Most people aren't interested in seeing negative responses to things they post. Social media provides us with wonderful opportunities to interact with others. Use it thoughtfully, be courteous and respectful of those you know - you never know who might see what you are posting.

 

Last Chance to Register! 

 

The ability to distinguish yourself can be key to your success in any professional or social situation. Any time you interact with someone, you have the opportunity to build your reputation or diminish it. You never know who you may be interacting with... or who they may know! Does your presence project confidence, polish and approachability?     

 Make An Outstanding Impression  

Tuesday, 2/5/2013    6:00 - 9:00 PM   $49

  

This class is offered through Clark College in Vancouver, WA. If you are interested in attending or would like more information, please contact me at jodi@jodiblackwood.com  Thanks!  

 


Jodi Blackwood
Business Etiquette & Customer Service Specialist
Speaker & Seminar Leader

"Etiquette is about polishing your approach,
not changing who you are."

mailto:jodi@jodiblackwood.com
360-798-4912 
www.jodiblackwood.com