Steps To Have Good Manners

1. Think things out before speaking, especially if you are poor at finding the right words.

Don’t start sentences with awkward ‘ums’ and ‘ers’ in between. Practice speaking to a mirror, it works! It increases confidence in speaking, and it sounds much clearer; you may find you’ll be using fewer ‘ums’ and ‘ers’ next time!
2. Always respect all elders, listen to them, and learn.
They have been around, and can teach you plenty.

3. Using the terms ‘Thank you’, ‘Please’, and ‘You’re welcome’ indicates good manners.
People lacking in manners avoid these terms.
4. Hold open a door for anyone, male or female, following you closely.
This is good manners and will never change.
5. Speak highly of your parents and show respect for them, even if you don’t always feel that way.
If you can’t, avoid speaking about them at all. It’s tacky to insult those who brought you into this world or raised you. Don’t air family dirty laundry: it’s tacky and rude.

6. Do not swear, use filthy language, or tell sexual jokes.
It can make you sound cheap and disrespectful sometimes. People doing this are usually very immature and lack self- control or respect for themselves and others! Curse words not appropriate and you’ll begin to feel more comfortable avoiding them. Profanity indicates an angry person and it puts people off immediately as it’s distasteful and offensive. Using decent vocabulary gives the impression of intelligence, self-respect, and character.
7. Greet others appropriately even if you know someone well.
If you are a man, you do not want to greet a woman by saying, “Hey baby, what’s shaking?” Instead, try something like, “Hello or good morning/evening [name],” anything making you appear respectful.
8. Pay attention to how you carry yourself.
Have some class, which is the same as manners. Don’t slouch; have a neat appearance; shake hands firmly; be and smell clean; hold your head high and don’t hide behind sunglasses inside or wear other “trying to be cool” looks at the wrong time: it gives the impression of arrogance and immaturity.
9. Ask for clarification properly.
If you missed something someone said, or if you need clarification, ask “Could you say that again for me, please?” or “I’m sorry?” “Pardon?” also sounds polite enough. Avoid solely using the words “What?” or “Huh?” as it’s often brash and unrefined.
10. Think about phone manners and observe appropriate phone etiquette at all times.
If you need to use the phone, excuse yourself outside or to a quiet room/hallway.
11. Make meaningful introductions.
If someone tells you their name, either by shaking your hand and saying their name or by saying “Nice to meet you, I’m John!” etc., do not just say “Okay!” or “Hi!”. State your name too! This may seem obvious, but people overlook this and come across as not wanting to know the other person.
12. If you are visiting a friend’s parents’ home, offer the parents help with anything needed there, such as taking out trash or preparing the table for dinner.
Don’t forget to thank them for their hospitality and opening up their home, as well as allowing you to eat with them. Then they will be sure to have more respect for you when you return.
13. Improve your manners when speaking.
Here are other common etiquette mistakes and their solutions:
• Never say “Yeah”. It’s “Yes” or preferably “Yes, please”.
• It’s never “Huh?” or “What?”, it’s “Pardon?”
• Instead of “Nah”, say “No, thank you.”
• Always use “May I…?” instead of “Can I…?”
14. Don’t send letters or notes written in red ink or pencil.
It’s a sign of disrespect. You can use red ink for lists, or notes to yourself. It’s different when it’s part of the job, like teachers who may use it for grading.
• Give gratitude and be thankful. If someone gives you a gift, goes out of their way for you or provides an appreciated service, write a thank- you note. Not an email unless you are at work, and you should still write a thank-you note for a gift. Saying “thank you” is just not enough. Always keep thank-you cards in your office and home. Be thankful for what others do or have done for you.
15. Use proper grammar and spelling. Use a dictionary or the computer’s spell check when composing a note, letter, or email. It’s essential. Your words and the context of your message will be understood and not require re-reading.