english speech etiquette

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Speech Etiquette: 17 Tips to Get Yourself Noticed

How well have you mastered public speaking? Feeling nervous before speaking in front of an audience gets to the best of us.

However, understanding speech etiquette can help you bridge any subject. Here are the mannerisms that meet proper speech etiquette.

Present Yourself as a Competent Speaker

Every message is as good as its messenger. You will need to have a criterion in mind to present your message so that you come off as a competent speaker. Thus, know what you want to accomplish and do exactly that.

Inspire, persuade, or inform without backtracking or going in circles. Understand your audience so you can structure your speech to meet your audience’s purpose.

When you present yourself confidently, you’ll command the audience’s attention. That’s why it pays to be passionate about the subject so you can pass the message with utmost clarity.

Understand the Demands of the Occasion

You’ll benefit from understanding the context. For example, you are the father of the bride and have been asked to give a speech at a wedding. You are naturally required to give a heartfelt story.

In this case, you’re going to have to rise to the demands of the occasion.

Know the difference between formal vs informal presentations .

Observe Politeness

It’s human nature to detect tone and attitude. Therefore, it will be difficult to fake politeness if your attitude is a bit off. For this reason, it’s best to recognize that you’re entering someone else’s personal space, and they expect you to respect it.

Whenever you’re presenting your speech, let your facial expressions mirror your words. You don’t want to smile when delivering a sad message and vice versa.

Furthermore, brush up on the best jokes for the occasion while considering that inappropriate jokes do not count as funny.

Maintain Eye Contact

Maintaining eye contact is a learned skill that follows good speech etiquette. You don’t have to read every single thing in your notes.

Losing eye contact will lose your audience engagement and make you feel like you’re presenting the message to yourself.

Present Yourself Confidently

Apart from maintaining eye contact, there are more things that you can do to present yourself confidently .

Practice good posture when approaching the stage, on the podium , and as you walk off. Do not slump, lean, or twist on the podium or table. Also, do not stand in the projector’s light.
Wait for the introducer to leave the stage before you start speaking. Remember to thank the introducer before commencing with the speech. This will prevent the scenario where the introducer has to acknowledge the thank you halfway between the podium and their seat – it’s very distracting and unnecessary.
Make special greetings to the guest of honor, dignitaries, and government officials.
Use the microphone provided and don’t readjust or tap it more than once.
Articulate your words by slowing down and speaking up.
Eliminate verbal crutches like ums and uhs and distracting habits such as fidgeting.
Use variations in force, speed, and inflictions to enhance meaning and hold the audience’s attention.
Never quit in between the speech or “lose your cool.”

Practice! Practice! Practice!

Practicing your speech is the only way to be completely prepared and show mastery of the subject.

For you to nail your speech, you have to be overwhelmingly thorough. A practiced speaker connects to their audience with 100% confidence in their speech.

Arrive Early

Don’t arrive five minutes before giving a speech. You’ll be unprepared; the MC will not know how long the speech will take, and you’ll likely sort any presentation in front of the audience.

Doing this will take away from the audience’s confidence in you.

Stick To Your Time Slot

It’s disrespectful to the audience and other speakers when you speak after your given time is over. Always pay attention to the timing and obey timing signals.

If you take your full time, skip a few low-priority topics. If you expect to answer questions, leave five to ten minutes from your time slot.

The best way to stick to your time slot is by recording yourself and seeing if the speech fits within the allotted time.

Encourage Q&As

Q&As make the speech lively, allowing you to interact with the audience. The audience can ask for clarification on the subject or how a product works if it’s a sales pitch .

In addition, Q&As give the audience the impression that their presence is valued and appreciated. It will also give them the courage to share their thoughts which is valuable when passing any message.

During Q&A, listen thoughtfully and patiently. Then answer the questions respectfully. Furthermore, acknowledge when you don’t have an answer by telling your audience you’ll check and get to them with the appropriate answer.

Move On After Technology Glitches

It would help if you did not rely solely on visual presentation . If something happens to your slides, move on with the rest of the speech.

Do not spend more than a couple of minutes fixing the glitch. Always have alternatives like flow charts or a practiced speech that you can complete without the help of technology.

Make Presentable PowerPoint Slides

Have you ever been at a presentation only for the PowerPoint slides to pass super-fast? Fast slides with a long message in small fonts waste time.

Ensure that the visuals are readable by everyone. Zoom in on the important points, pause and let everyone take in the message.

When presenting visuals, ensure that they are not duplicating the message you’re speaking. The audience gains nothing of value when they have to see slides that repeat the same information.

Don’t Apologize

It may seem counterintuitive, but apologizing draws attention to any mistake like fumbling or tripping.

Even more important, do not apologize for not being prepared. Practice mindfulness techniques to be aware of how much you apologize.

Watch Your Movements

Reduce nervous gestures by practicing the ideal gestures for emphasis.

While some speeches are better done with little movement , some can benefit from a little demonstration and moving around your space.

Avoid Too Many Statistics

The last thing you want is to come across as a statistician. You only require one or two statistics to support a point; any more than that, you’ll start losing audience engagement .

Again, speak your audience’s language , and share your insights and experiences.

Tell a Good Story

People want to relate to you. When you tell a story or inject a joke, the audience feels comfortable and captures their attention.

Adding humor makes the audience more likely to remember you and your speech. However, don’t tell the audience that you’re going to tell them something funny since it might sound awkward.

Dress for the Occasion

Tidy up and dress appropriately. Tie or slick your hair back to avoid strands getting in your eyes. Also, avoid wearing a hat or cap that could distract the audience.

Get Some Rest

Don’t compromise your energy level by over-exerting yourself before the day of the speech. It may impact your speech delivery since you will likely struggle to deliver a clear message.

In addition, avoid alcohol or caffeine the night before you deliver a speech.

Conclusion: On Speech Etiquette

Anyone can learn speech etiquette and present themselves with confidence. It takes practice to be good at something, especially public speaking. The next time you’re called to deliver a speech, follow these rules to speak for success. Good luck!

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Avoid Using These Rude Phrases (And What to Say Instead)

Being an effective communicator involves more than simply saying what’s on your mind. Your tone, body language, facial expressions, and, of course, the words and phrases you use have a major impact on whether others are open to hearing your thoughts, questions, and requests.

And while most people probably don’t want to come across as rude or condescending, according to one public speaking expert , certain expressions are largely perceived as “poor speech etiquette.” These are the rude phrases he suggests avoiding, and what to say instead.

Phrases that may come across as rude

In an article for CNBC Make It, John Bowe , a speech and presentation consultant and author of “I Have Something to Say: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking in an Age of Disconnection,” explains that when working with clients, he urges people to “think carefully about their listeners before speaking.”

While we don’t always have that opportunity, there are a handful of phrases that have the potential to come across as rude, which Bowe recommends avoiding in general. Here they are, and what he suggests saying instead:

“It is what it is”

According to Bowe, this phrase is typically used in place of “stop complaining.”

What to say instead: “That’s tough. I’m sorry you’re going through that.”

“Here’s the thing...”

This throat-clearing statement can come across as self-important, Bowe says, implying that “whatever follows will be the final, authoritative take on the subject at hand.”

What to say instead: “I think ...”

“Do you want to...?”

While this phrase is perfectly acceptable if you’re asking someone for their preference, or offering them a choice, Howe says that it comes off as rude and belittling if you’re using it to ask someone to do something for you (e.g. “Do you want to do the dishes after we eat?”)

What to say instead: “Will you do me a favor?”

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History Magazine

English Etiquette

A history of English etiquette and good manners

Ben Johnson

Whilst the English penchant for manners and socially appropriate behaviour is renowned across the world, the word etiquette to which we so often refer actually originates from the French estiquette – “to attach or stick”. Indeed the modern understanding of the word can be linked to the Court of the French King Louis XIV, who used small placards called etiquettes , as a reminder to courtiers of accepted ‘house rules’ such as not walking through certain areas of the palace gardens.

Every culture across the ages has been defined by the concept of etiquette and accepted social interaction. However, it is the British – and the English in particular – who have historically been known to place a great deal of importance in good manners. Whether it be in relation to speech, timeliness, body language or dining, politeness is key.

British etiquette dictates courteousness at all times, which means forming an orderly queue in a shop or for public transport, saying excuse me when someone is blocking your way and saying please and thank you for any service you have received is de rigueur.

The British reputation for being reserved is not without merit. Overfamiliarity of personal space or behaviour is a big no-no! When meeting someone for the first time a handshake is always preferable to a hug and a kiss on the cheek is reserved for close friends only. Asking personal questions about salary, relationship status, weight or age (particularly in the case of more ‘mature’ ladies) is also frowned upon.

Traditionally, one of the best examples of the British etiquette is the importance placed on punctuality. It is considered rude to arrive late to a business meeting, medical appointment or formal social occasion such as a wedding. As such it is advisable to arrive 5-10 minutes early to appear professional, prepared and unflustered as a mark of respect to your host. Conversely, should you arrive too early to a dinner party this could also appear slightly rude and ruin the atmosphere for the evening if the host is still completing their preparations. For the same reason an unannounced house call is often frowned upon for risk of inconveniencing the home owner.

Should you be invited to a British dinner party it is customary for a dinner guest to bring a gift for the host or hostess, such as a bottle of wine, a bouquet of flowers or chocolates. Good table manners are essential (particularly if you want to be invited back!) and unless you are attending a barbeque or an informal buffet it is frowned upon to use fingers rather than cutlery to eat. The cutlery should also be held correctly, i.e. the knife in the right hand and the fork in the left hand with the prongs pointing downwards and the food pushed onto the back of the fork with the knife rather than ‘scooped’. At a formal dinner party when there are numerous utensils at your place setting it is customary to begin with the utensils on the outside and work your way inward with each course.

As the guest it is polite to wait until everyone at the table has been served and your host starts eating or indicates that you should do so. Once the meal has begun it is impolite to reach over someone else’s plate for an item such as seasoning or a food platter; it is more considerate to ask for the item to be passed to you. Leaning your elbows on the table whilst you are eating is also considered rude.

Slurping or making other such loud noises whilst eating is completely frowned upon. As with yawning or coughing it is also considered very rude to chew open-mouthed or talk when there is still food in your mouth. These actions imply that a person was not brought up to adhere to good manners, a criticism against not only the offender but their family too!

Social classes

Rules of etiquette are usually unwritten and passed down from generation to generation, although in days gone by it was common for young ladies to attend a finishing school to ensure their manners were up to scratch. An attribute which was felt particularly crucial in securing a suitable husband!

Whilst today good manners and etiquette are seen as a sign of respect, particularly to those more senior (in either age or position), in Victorian England when the class system was alive and well, etiquette was often used as a social weapon in the interests of social advancement or exclusion.

The evolution of etiquette

More recently, a rise in multiculturalism, a changing economy and the introduction of social and gender specific equality laws have all played a part in Britain moving away from its rigid class system of old and therefore a more informal attitude to social etiquette has arisen. However, today – like the rest of the world – Britain has been influenced by the importance of corporate etiquette, with a shift in focus from the social or household setting to an emphasis on business etiquette and protocol. With the whole concept of etiquette being dependent on culture, for a business to succeed internationally it is important to be aware that what is considered good manners in one society may be rude to another. For instance the “okay” gesture – made by connecting the thumb and forefinger in a circle and holding the other fingers straight, is recognised in Britain and North America as a signal to question or confirm that a person is well or safe. However in parts of southern Europe and South America this is an offensive gesture.

Thus the etiquette of business has become a set of written and unwritten rules of conduct that make social interactions run more smoothly, whether during interaction with a co-worker or contact with external or international colleagues.

Indeed, the rise in online business and social media sites has even seen the creation of a worldwide ‘online society’, necessitating its own rules of conduct, commonly referred to as Netiquette, or network etiquette. These rules regarding the protocol for such communications as email, forums and blogs are constantly being redefined as the internet continues to evolve. So whilst the traditionally accepted behaviours of old may not have the influence they once did, it could be argued that etiquette is as crucial in today’s far-reaching society as it has ever been.

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Strange Phrases from the English Language

Have you ever wondered about the meanings and origins of common sayings, phrases and expressions in the English Language?

1. Practise your microphone technique

Correct spacing is key - you want to be heard but don't want to end up deafening your audience!

2. Keep it short

Be strict with yourself when it comes to timing.

Particularly at something like a party or a wedding, no one will be unhappy if your speech runs a little short; it’ll just give them more time to investigate the canapés. If you are giving a speech for a class in school, and it’ll be assessed, you need to prioritise keeping it within the required time limits. But even under these circumstances, if you’ve been tasked – say – with giving a 10-15 minute speech, it’s usually better to come in nearer the 10 than the 15 minute mark. Put simply, even if your speech is terrible, your audience can probably tolerate it for 10 minutes. Much longer, and they’ll be struggling. This shouldn’t limit what you can cover; in the film Up , the whole of Carl and Ellie’s heartbreaking love story is told in under 12 minutes. Do you really need longer to make your points? Achieve brevity by writing out the speech you would give if you had all the time in the world, and then cut anything that seems extraneous or boring.

3. Consider what your audience wants to hear

If you are giving a speech in class because it’s your assignment, what your audience wants to hear is likely to be “the bell ringing for lunch”; you can’t help them there. But under other circumstances, consider what your audience wants to hear and what you want to say, and strive for there to be as much overlap as possible. In the context of a political speech, for instance, what you want to say might be why your party should receive votes; what your audience wants to hear is what your party would do for them, if they won power. Hopefully it should be possible to write a speech that meets both sets of needs, rather than focusing solely on whatever it is that you want to say and leaving your audience disappointed.

4. Pick a theme and stick to it

Here’s a goal for giving a speech: someone sitting near the back, who’s messing around on their phone for at least two-thirds of it and focusing mainly on how long it will be until lunch, should nonetheless be able to give a reasonably accurate answer to the question, “what was it about?” If you’re supposed to be giving a speech in defence of the nuclear deterrent, for example, both the topic and your position on it should be clearly identifiable. This means – to stick with the nuclear deterrent example – not talking for a while about jobs, and then the wider economy, and then the North-South divide, and then Scottish independence, and then Ukraine with a brief digression into South Ossetia before rounding off by squeaking out “and that’s why we should renew Trident!” seconds before you run out of time – no matter how relevant that cornucopia of topics may feel (and they are all relevant, albeit tenuously). It means that even if you do have to take a while to explain a more complex idea, you need to be concise, and bring it back to your theme as quickly as you can.

5. Speak slowly

Most people speak more quickly than they realise when they’re on stage, especially if they’re nervous. But no one will be able to follow your speech if you’re jabbering it out. Thankfully, this one is easy to fix with a little effort and practise. First of all, figure out how quickly you’re actually speaking: do a word count for your speech and then time yourself saying it. A fast speaker will speak at maybe 160 words per minute, a slow speaker at 100 wpm and an average speaker at 130 wpm. For a formal speech, you want to be speaking on the slow side. While this will vary by culture and environment, 120 wpm is a reasonable target to aim for; slow enough that everyone should be able to understand you, and fast enough that you hopefully won’t be sending them to sleep.

6. Tell a couple of jokes

A touch of humour won't go amiss, even if you're not a natural comedian.

This is a tricky tip because there are lots of pitfalls in the world of telling jokes. For instance, there’s the temptation to include an in-joke that three of your friends will understand and find hilarious, that is utterly baffling to everyone else in the room. Avoid this – if you include any jokes, witty references or anything along those lines, make sure they are accessible to everyone present. All the same, if you can manage a joke or two, it can be a useful way to break up a speech and retain the audience’s interest. A little self-deprecation (not too much!) or the use of classic joke formats such as “the scene was chaotic; it looked as if a bomb had hit and we didn’t know where to start on repairs – but that’s enough about the hen party…” work nicely even if you’re not very confident. Don’t turn it into a stand-up comedy sketch if you’re not a comedian, don’t wait for ages for laughter that’s not showing up, and don’t make jokes at the expense of anyone who you don’t know for sure can take it.

7. Don’t be afraid to repeat yourself if you need to

If you follow US or UK politics at all, you’ve probably heard some of these phrases recently: take back control, make America great again, long-term economic plan, son of a bus driver. Three of these have already led the party or people they’re associated with to electoral victory; the fourth remains to be seen. To take the ‘son of a bus driver’ as an example, this refers to Sadiq Khan, now Mayor of London. There can be hardly anyone in London who doesn’t know what their Mayor’s dad did for a living. Meanwhile, many of them probably can’t remember his rival Zac Goldsmith’s name, let alone anything he said during the campaign. The point is that repetition works. In pursuit of point 4, if you want people to remember your key theme, you’re going to have to say it more than once. Don’t assume that everyone will have paid attention to everything you’ve said, unless you’re in a classroom setting where they’ll get told off if they don’t.

8. Only use the visual aids you need

Scratch the notes and speak directly to your audience.

This tip applies to two things: PowerPoints and notes. If you can do without either (and your assignment allows it), then do. Every time you’re glancing over your notes or up at the screen, fiddling with the laptop to get the slide to move on, fighting with a video that isn’t working or struggling to read your own handwriting, is time that you’re not spending engaging with your audience. A well-written, clear speech delivered without notes is always going to be better than someone awkwardly reading aloud the bullet points on their PowerPoint slides. If you must do a presentation – for instance, because there are photos that need to be included – have as little text on it as possible, preferably none. That way, if there are people at the back who can’t really see the screen through the sea of heads in front of them, they’ll still be able to follow what you’re saying.

9. Get a friend to check for awkward mannerisms

Mannerisms that are entirely fine in normal life become awkward and strange when you’re speaking in public. Perhaps you’re inclined to fiddle with your hair or your cuffs, you rock back and forth on the balls of your feet, or you have a habit of reaching your hand to your cheek when you’re talking. No one would notice in everyday conversation, but when you’re on a stage, it’ll become all they’ll see. Some of this is easily avoidable – for instance, if you have long hair that you’re inclined to twirl or otherwise fiddle with, tie it up. For other mannerisms, get the critical friend who helped you sort out your microphone technique to tell you what they are, and do your best to suppress the more annoying ones.

10. Look around the room

Overly intense eye-contact can easily feel intimidating.

Talking about eye contact usually has the effect of making normal eye contact a lot harder, and so does giving a speech. All of a sudden, you’re up on stage, and you have no idea what a normal way to look at a group of people is. Some speakers deal with this by picking a point in the middle distance and speaking to it; others by picking a particular person near to the back and addressing their entire speech at them. This is obviously no fun for that person, who probably spends the whole thing feeling extremely uncomfortable, but it’s not too weird for everyone else. Better still, though, if you can manage it, is to look slowly and steadily around the room, trying to make eye contact with a decent range of people, before returning to the middle distance for a while, rinse and repeat. This needs to be slow and steady, or you give the impression that you’ve just smelled smoke and are casting about for a fire exit before the stampede beings.

11. Don’t be scared of a good reaction

If your speech is genuinely engaging, funny, inspiring or any of the other things you might hope it would be, your audience will react to it. There might be laughter, or applause, or even a bit of cheering depending on the setting. This can be daunting because when you’re practising your speech in front of your bedroom mirror, there’s no way to prepare for it. And it’s where even the best speakers can go wrong, by launching straight into what they were going to say next without waiting for the laughter or applause to stop, or by looking painfully awkward while it’s going on. It’s a pitfall that’s mostly solved by being aware it might happen. If your audience is applauding you or otherwise reacting well, it’s OK to smile, look up, wait for them to stop and then keep going with your speech – it’s as simple as that. You could even throw in a “thank you” before you continue in the knowledge that it’s all going well. Image credits: microphones ; audience ; boy with microphone ; clock ; winding road ; enjoy a joke ; sticky notes ;

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Conversational Etiquette Tips: Do’s and Don’ts in English

Conversational etiquette Tips are key for communication. Mastering it helps build meaningful connections. Polished English language skills are a must! Being mindful of words, tone and body language is essential. Plus, cultural nuances and context should be taken into account. Active listening skills, avoiding interruption and speaking over someone are all crucial.

A story illustrates this point. A young professional went to a networking event. People disengaged quickly from their conversations with him. After reflecting, he realized he dominated discussions, hindering others from expressing themselves. He adapted his approach, practiced better conversational manners, and forged more meaningful connections at subsequent events.

The Importance of Conversational Etiquette

Conversational etiquette tips are vital for successful communication. To make it work, politeness, listening actively, and respect are essential. Adhering to these principles can create meaningful conversations and strong relationships .

Active listening is an art. Paying full attention to the speaker is a sign of respect and interest. It helps in understanding the message. It also boosts a person’s confidence to talk openly.

Politeness is another key element. Using polite words like “please” and “thank you” shows courtesy. Also, don’t interrupt or talk over someone. Respect their opinions and ideas.

Non-verbal cues matter too. Looking in the eyes, using facial expressions, and having open body language all show sincerity. It makes the atmosphere comfortable.

To illustrate, I recently attended a business meeting. One person kept interrupting. This ruined the discussion. It also hurt the relationships between team members. So, this is how important proper conversational etiquette really is.

Do’s in Conversational Etiquette

When it comes to having a pleasant conversation, there are certain rules of etiquette you must abide by. These dos are vital for creating a good impression and developing rapport. Key dos to keep in mind include:

Active listening: Pay attention to the speaker and show interest with nods or questions.
Good body language: Keep eye contact and open stances to show attentiveness and openness.
Clear, concise speaking: Express your thoughts simply and coherently, without rambling.
Respect personal space: Give others room and don’t invade their personal bubble.
Be understanding: Put yourself in the other person’s position and respond sensitively.
Be mindful of culture: Know cultural norms to avoid offending anyone.

Note that conversational etiquette tips aren’t just about following these dos. Each conversation is unique and can be affected by factors like context or relationship. Adapting your approach accordingly can impress people.

Pro Tip: Communication works best when it’s a two-way street. Focus on the dos to improve your conversational skills , but also be ready to adjust when necessary. This will help you form strong connections with people through meaningful conversations.

Don’ts in Conversational Etiquette

Conversations have certain etiquettes that help them run smoothly. Here are some don’ts you should keep in mind:

No interrupting – let someone finish speaking before you chime in.
Avoid dominating the conversation – listen actively and let others talk too.
Don’t raise your voice or talk over others – respect each person’s turn.
Pay attention to non-verbal cues – take note of body language and facial expressions.

Other aspects of good conversational etiquette tips include:

Using respectful language – be mindful of your tone and choice of words.
Taking turns – give equal opportunities to everyone to express their ideas.
Active listening – make eye contact, nod, and ask relevant questions.

These tips help create an atmosphere of respect and understanding. This fosters positive relationships and improves communication.

Also Read: 5 Effective Ways to Learn English

Non-Verbal Communication Etiquette

Eye contact: Show interest and engagement with appropriate eye contact. Don’t stare too intensely or look away constantly.

Gestures: Use gestures to support your message, but be mindful of cultural differences. No excessive or confusing gestures that may distract from the conversation.

Body language: Display open and welcoming body language by facing the person you are speaking with and leaning slightly forward. Do not cross your arms or display defensive postures.

Be aware of your tone when non-verbally communicating. For instance, a warm smile can make a friendly atmosphere. On the other hand, a serious facial expression signals attentiveness.

My friend Jane once attended a business meeting where her nervousness caused her to display negative non-verbal cues. She had no eye contact and her body language was closed off, giving the impression of disinterest. Thankfully, her colleagues understood her anxiety and gave her another chance to present confidently.

Remember, fine-tuning your non-verbal communication etiquette can help you effectively connect with others and avoid miscommunication.

Cultural Differences in Conversational Etiquette

To get an in-depth understanding , let’s investigate some main cultural variations in speaking etiquette.

For example:

In the U.S., direct communication is important. Personal space differs based on the area. Strong eye contact is a sign of attentiveness.
In the U.K., politeness is highly prized. British people prefer more space than other cultures. Moderate eye contact shows attentiveness without being annoying.
In Japan, indirect conversation is used to stay in harmony. Keeping personal space is essential, especially in public. Prolonged direct eye contact can be seen as rude or aggressive.

Other details must be taken into account, such as:

In some Middle Eastern countries, interrupting someone while they’re speaking is considered disrespectful.
In Chinese culture, it is normal to address others by their title/surname and professional position.
In India, nodding your head from side to side doesn’t mean disagreement but rather understanding.

To have smooth, respectful conversations across cultures, here are some tips:

Be aware of different cultures. Learn their values and expectations to prevent unintentional offenses.
Adapt your style. Pick up on the person you are talking to and adjust your tone, formality, and body language.
Listen actively. Show genuine interest by listening and responding in the right way.
Respect personal boundaries. Give individuals enough personal space and don’t invade their privacy.
Use nonverbal communication correctly. Be mindful of your eye contact, gestures, and expressions to show respect and understanding.

By following these tips, you can handle cultural differences in conversational etiquette with ease and make meaningful connections with diverse people. Remember, competent communication is more than language. It requires cultural understanding and sensitivity.

Also Read: Top 100 Commonly Used A to Z Phrasal Verbs for English Fluency

Conversational etiquette tips are a must-know in English. Greeting people right, making eye contact – these are key for successful communication .

We’ve looked into how to talk properly. Listening actively, being empathetic, body language – all of this is essential.

Using these strategies makes conversations more meaningful.

But there’s another, often overlooked, aspect – cultural awareness. In today’s globalized world, it’s important to understand and respect different cultures. Doing research can prevent misunderstandings and foster respect.

To be a pro in conversational etiquette, practice and refine skills. This requires effort. Meaningful conversations will help improve abilities and bring personal growth. Know More – The Fluent Life

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1: How should I greet someone in a formal English conversation? A: In formal English conversations, it is polite to greet someone with a handshake and say “Nice to meet you” or “Hello, how do you do?”

Q 2: Is it appropriate to use slang or informal language during professional conversations? A: It is best to avoid using slang or overly informal language in professional conversations. Stick to standard English to maintain a respectful tone.

Q 3: What is the proper way to interrupt someone during a conversation in English? A: It is considered rude to interrupt someone while they are speaking. Wait for a pause or politely raise your hand to indicate that you have something to contribute.

Q 4: How can I show active listening during an English conversation? A: Show active listening by maintaining eye contact, nodding in agreement, and responding appropriately to what the other person is saying. Avoid distractions and give your full attention.

Q 5: Should I use formal or informal titles when addressing others in English? A: When in doubt, it is safer to use formal titles such as “Mr.”, “Mrs.”, or “Miss” followed by the person’s last name. If they prefer to be called by their first name, they will let you know.

Q 6: Is it acceptable to ask personal questions during a casual English conversation? A: While casual conversations allow for a friendly atmosphere, it is important to respect boundaries and avoid prying into personal matters unless the other person voluntarily shares such information.

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Basic Public Speaking Etiquette

Mannerofspeaking.

June 18, 2010

How good is your public speaking etiquette?

The next time you give a speech or presentation and are introduced by someone, wait until that person sits down before you start talking.

Too often, many speakers overlook this most basic aspect of public speaking etiquette. The result is usually something along the lines of the following scenario:

Jane gives a nice introduction to Joe who is giving the main talk.
Joe walks to the podium , shakes Jane’s hand and gives her a warm smile.
Jane smiles back and turns to leave the stage.
No sooner has Jane turned than Joe starts talking to the audience. Often the first words out of Joe’s mouth will be a “thank you” to Jane.
Jane – who is still on stage, with her back turned to Joe and moving away from him – looks back and signals her recognition of Joe’s thanks.
Joe continues with his talk.
Jane tries to get to her chair as quickly as possible.

This is awkward, distracting and unnecessary.

Perhaps Joe does this because he is nervous; perhaps he does it because he is eager to share his talk with the audience. It doesn’t matter; Joe is demonstrating bad public speaking etiquette.

Whenever you are introduced by another person, have the courtesy and the poise to wait until that person is seated before you begin speaking. It might seem like a long wait to you, but in reality it will only be a few seconds.

What do you do while waiting? Smile at your audience. Take a deep breath. Get used to the atmosphere. You will appear calm and in control, and will make a good first impression. And your audience will not be distracted by the movement of the person who introduced you.

If you are particularly concerned about this aspect of your presentation, speak to the person who will introduce you beforehand. Let him know that you will not begin your talk until he has taken his seat. Coordinating with him beforehand will help ensure that he does not dawdle on the way back!

Like this article?

Well stated John, and it goes right along with clapping/applauding a speaker until s/he reaches the lectern or returns to her seat.

Indeed, Bob. It is the “little” things that add extra “spit and polish” to a speech. John

Such a simple but important point. Thank you!

Thanks, Sarah. Simple indeed! John

It good to note these basic rules we take for granted. Thanks.

Thanks, Eric. John

great revelation

Thanks, Daniel.

Am glad to have read this. Some mistakes I have done unknowingly and am glad now I know. I will share with others.

Thank you, Liz. Glad that you found the post useful.

It was great and now I am glad to know this simple and useful thing. THANK U

Glad you liked it.

It was great Thank you for sharing.

Thank you for the comment, Sushma.

Testimonials

John delivered a keynote address about the importance of public speaking to 80 senior members of Gore’s Medical Device Europe team at an important sales event. He was informative, engaging and inspirational. Everyone was motivated to improve their public speaking skills. Following his keynote, John has led public speaking workshops for Gore in Barcelona and Munich. He is an outstanding speaker who thinks carefully about the needs of his audience well before he steps on stage.

Karsta Goetze

TA Leader, Gore and Associates

I first got in touch with John while preparing to speak at TED Global about my work on ProtonMail. John helped me to sharpen the presentation and get on point faster, making the talk more focused and impactful. My speech was very well received, has since reached almost 1.8 million people and was successful in explaining a complex subject (email encryption) to a general audience.

CEO, Proton Technologies

John gave the opening keynote on the second day of our unit’s recent offsite in Geneva, addressing an audience of 100+ attendees with a wealth of tips and techniques to deliver powerful, memorable presentations. I applied some of these techniques the very next week in an internal presentation, and I’ve been asked to give that presentation again to senior management, which has NEVER happened before. John is one of the greatest speakers I know and I can recommend his services without reservation.

David Lindelöf

Senior Data Scientist, Expedia Group

After a morning of team building activities using improvisation as the conduit, John came on stage to close the staff event which was organised in Chamonix, France. His energy and presence were immediately felt by all the members of staff. The work put into the preparation of his speech was evident and by sharing some his own stories, he was able to conduct a closing inspirational speech which was relevant, powerful and impactful for all at IRU. The whole team left feeling engaged and motivated to tackle the 2019 objectives ahead. Thank you, John.

Umberto de Pretto

Secretary General, World Road Transport Organization

I was expecting a few speaking tips and tricks and a few fun exercises, but you went above and beyond – and sideways. You taught me to stand tall. You taught me to anchor myself. You taught me to breathe. You taught me to open up. You taught me to look people in the eye. You taught me to tell the truth. You taught me to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. I got more than I bargained for in the best possible way.

Thuy Khoc-Bilon

World Cancer Day Campaign Manager, Union for International Cancer Control

John gave a brilliant presentation on public speaking during the UN EMERGE programme in Geneva (a two days workshop on leadership development for a group of female staff members working in the UN organizations in Geneva). His talk was inspirational and practical, thanks to the many techniques and tips he shared with the audience. His teaching can dramatically change our public speaking performance and enable us as presenters to have a real and powerful impact. Thank you, John, for your great contribution!

HR Specialist, World Health Organization

John is a genuine communication innovator. His seminars on gamification of public speaking learning and his interactive Rhetoric game at our conference set the tone for change and improvement in our organisation. The quality of his input, the impact he made with his audience and his effortlessly engaging style made it easy to get on board with his core messages and won over some delegates who were extremely skeptical as to the efficacy of games for learning. I simply cannot recommend him highly enough.

Thomas Scott

National Education Director, Association of Speakers Clubs UK

John joined our Global Sales Meeting in Segovia, Spain and we all participated in his "Improv(e) your Work!" session. I say “all” because it really was all interactive, participatory, learning and enjoyable. The session surprised everybody and was a fresh-air activity that brought a lot of self-reflection and insights to improve trust and confidence in each other inside our team. It´s all about communication and a good manner of speaking!"

General Manager Europe, Hayward Industries

Thank you very much for the excellent presentation skills session. The feedback I received was very positive. Everyone enjoyed the good mix of listening to your speech, co-developing a concrete take-away and the personal learning experience. We all feel more devoted to the task ahead, more able to succeed and an elevated team spirit. Delivering this in a short time, both in session and in preparation, is outstanding!

Henning Dehler

CFO European Dairy Supply Chain & Operations, Danone

Thanks to John’s excellent workshop, I have learned many important tips and techniques to become an effective public speaker. John is a fantastic speaker and teacher, with extensive knowledge of the field. His workshop was a great experience and has proven extremely useful for me in my professional and personal life.

Eric Thuillard

Senior Sales Manager, Sunrise Communications

John’s presentation skills training was a terrific investment of my time. I increased my skills in this important area and feel more comfortable when speaking to an audience. John provided the right mix between theory and practice.

Diego Brait

Director of the Jura Region, BKW Energie AG

Be BOLD. Those two words got stuck in my head and in the heads of all those ADP leaders and associates that had the privilege to see John on stage. He was our keynote speaker at our annual convention in Barcelona, and his message still remains! John puts his heart in every word. Few speakers are so credible, humble and yet super strong with large audiences!

Guadalupe Garcia

Senior Director and Talent Partner, ADP International

11 Speaking Etiquette Tips

Table of Contents

1. Active Listening Wins

A good public speaker demonstrates respect, empathy, and understanding when actively listening to someone. Being a good listener helps to build stronger relationships and foster better communication.

One important aspect of active listening is avoiding the urge to interrupt or talk over the speaker. Interrupting is rude and disrespectful, disrupting the flow of the conversation.

You should practice patience and self-control to avoid talking over others. You can also use nonverbal cues, such as nodding, to show you are actively engaged in the conversation.

2. Cut Filler Words

Filler words and phrases are words or sounds we use when thinking of what to say next. Common filler words and phrases include “um,” “uh,” “like,” “you know,” “ah,” and “well.”

While these filler words may seem harmless, they can make you appear unconfident or unprofessional in your speech.

Here are some tips on how to reduce or eliminate them from your speech:

Identify filler words . Record yourself speaking or ask a friend to listen to you speak and identify your filler words.
Instead of using filler words, try pausing. A brief pause can give you time to think about what you want to say.
When you speak quickly, you are more likely to use filler words. Slowing down your speech can give you time to think and reduce the use of filler words.

3. Speak With Clarity

Proper diction and pronunciation ensure your message is clear and easy to understand . Your message may be lost or misunderstood if you mumble or slur your words.

For effective communication of ideas, you should:

Take your time when speaking, and pronounce each word clearly.
Avoid using complicated or technical language that your audience may not understand.
When presenting information, use visual aids such as charts, graphs, and images to help illustrate your points.

4. Watch Your Tone

The tone of voice can emphasize the importance of certain words or phrases, making them stand out and highlighting their significance in the message. Your audience can interpret your message in various ways depending on your tone.

It can convey emotions such as anger, frustration, joy, or sadness. These emotions can impact the message, influencing the listener’s response.

It also conveys your attitude towards the listener or the subject matter. For example, a friendly and engaging tone can convey warmth and openness. This can help grab the audience’s attention.

Tips for ensuring the tone matches the intended message:

Be aware of your emotions and how they may influence your tone.
Think about the person or people you’re speaking to and how they may interpret your tone.

5. Mind Your Body Language

Body language is a powerful tool that can impact the message. It includes gestures, posture, facial expressions, and other nonverbal cues accompanying verbal communication.

When used effectively, body language can help convey the intended message clearly and strengthen the impact of the spoken words. Inappropriate or inconsistent use can undermine the credibility and clarity of the idea, just like text messages .

Body language can reinforce or contradict the verbal message. For example, if someone says they are happy, but their facial expression and tone indicate otherwise, the audience may not receive the message as genuine.

Here are some tips for using body language effectively:

Eye contact with the person you communicate with shows interest and attentiveness. It also demonstrates confidence and sincerity.
Appropriate hand gestures help reinforce the verbal message and make it more engaging.
Stand or sit up straight with your shoulders back and avoid slouching, which can convey a lack of confidence or interest.
A genuine smile conveys warmth, friendliness, and openness.

6. Show Respect And Politeness

Showing respect and politeness when speaking is crucial for maintaining positive relationships, building trust, and avoiding unnecessary conflicts . It helps create a harmonious and welcoming environment where people feel valued and respected.

Tips on how to show respect and politeness when speaking to others:

Always use polite language when speaking to others. This includes saying “please” and “thank you,” and using respectful titles such as “Mr.” or “Ms.”.
Listen actively to others and give them your full attention when they speak. This shows that you value their input and respect their opinions.

7. Steer Clear Of Controversial Topics

Conversations about controversial topics can divide people into groups, creating an “us vs. them” mentality .

To gracefully steer conversations away from controversial topics, consider the following basic rules:

Change the subject to something more neutral. Ask about the person’s hobbies or interests or a recent movie or TV show.
Use a light-hearted joke to change the subject or to lighten the mood.

8. Keep It Balanced

Give everyone a chance to speak and participate in a conversation. This ensures everyone’s perspectives and ideas are heard and valued , leading to a more comprehensive and well-rounded discussion.

Promote inclusivity and diversity. Foster respect and equality so everyone can express themselves equally.

Tips on how to balance a conversation and ensure everyone’s ideas are heard:

Before starting a conversation, clarify that everyone is welcome to share their thoughts.
Invite all participants to contribute to the conversation, especially those who may be more reserved or introverted.
When someone is speaking, actively listen to what they are saying. Avoid interrupting or talking over them, and ask follow-up questions to clarify their points if needed.

9. Use Proper Etiquette in Professional Settings

Proper etiquette is a must in professional settings. It can help you make a positive first impression, build relationships, and advance your career .

One element of public speaking etiquette is the use of formal language. Avoid slang and colloquialisms in favor of formal forms of speech. When addressing others, use appropriate titles such as Mr., Mrs. or Dr. Use last names and avoid nicknames and first names.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when navigating professional conversations:

Keep things short and simple. Make sure your comments are relevant to the topic.
Don’t interrupt other people when they’re speaking.
Don’t dominate the conversation. Ensure everyone has an opportunity to share their thoughts.

10. Apologize When Necessary

Owning up to mistakes and apologizing when necessary is crucial in maintaining healthy relationships in personal or professional settings. This helps build trust, respect, and empathy between people.

Tips for apologizing effectively and gracefully:

Make sure your apology is genuine and that you truly understand the impact of your actions.
Avoid making excuses or shifting blame onto others.
Show that you understand how your actions have affected the other person. Express empathy and understanding for their feelings.

11. Show Gratitude And Appreciation

When we show gratitude towards others, we acknowledge and value their efforts, strengthening bonds and building trust. It also makes the other person feel valued and appreciated, boosting their confidence and motivation.

Tips on how to show gratitude and appreciation in different situations:

In personal relationships:

Whether for a gift, a kind gesture, or simply being there for you, saying thank you is a simple yet effective way to express gratitude.
A handwritten note or letter can be a meaningful and personal way of expressing appreciation.

In the workplace

Whether in a team meeting or emailing the entire office, publicly acknowledging someone’s hard work and accomplishments can help them feel appreciated.
A quick email thanking someone for their hard work or assistance can be a simple yet effective way to show appreciation.

In the community:

Volunteering your time and resources for a cause you care about is a great way to show gratitude and appreciation for your community.
Donating to a local charity or organization is another way to show appreciation for your community and the people who make it a better place.

Tabitha is a curious and enthusiastic writer who believes in the power of words and the importance of good manners. Etiquette is her passion, and she enjoys sharing her knowledge with others. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.

The Art of Conversation: 5 Dos and Don’ts

Vintage two older men talking at the party.

I think we’ve all encountered men who have a knack for good conversation. They can talk to anybody about anything in a laid-back, casual manner that sets people immediately at ease. A complete stranger can walk away from these conversational maestros feeling like he’s known known them for years.

It’s easy to think that the art of conversation is a skill that the gods bestow on a happy few, while cursing most men with turbid tongues.

While it’s true that some men simply have a greater portion of innate natural charm, the art of conversation is a skill in which all men can become competent. You may never have a silver-tongue, but you can learn to converse in ways that make you a valued party guest , set you apart at company functions, impress the ladies, and win you new friends. Below, we provide some tips and guidelines as an introduction (or reminder) on properly engaging in conversation.

5 Dos of Conversation

Listen more than you talk. Ironically enough, the key to the art of conversation is not in the talking , but in the listening . Avoid conversational narcissism . Ask those you converse with interesting and thoughtful questions. People love to talk about themselves. Don’t ask what someone does and leave it at that. Ask them what the hardest part of their job is, how the future of their profession looks. Then ask follow-up questions to tease out more details. Act genuinely interested by focusing on who’s talking, nodding your head, and adding “hmmms” and “uh-huhs” at appropriate moments.

Come to an occasion armed with topics at the ready. On the way to a party or dinner, I think about the people I will be seeing that night and brainstorm stories I can tell and questions I can ask. “George will like to hear about how the woodshed is coming along. Grace just got back from seeing her folks in Minnesota, so I’ll ask about that, and I’ll see what Tyler thought about that book he just finished.”

If you don’t know the people you will be conversing with, think about the things that will probably interest those you meet. Ask them about the unique aspects of their locale (“I saw an interesting statue in the way into town. What’s the story behind it?”), read up on the company they work for (“I hear you will be expanding into China soon; when will that be happening?), and ask those who do know the others better for some background information.

Tailor the conversation to the listener. It’s easy to say, “Don’t talk politics, sex, or religion.” And when in any doubt, don’t. But a much better rule is simply to tailor your conversation topics to those you are conversing with. Talking about politics, religion, and sex with new acquaintances can be awkward; arguing with the same buddies you’ve been arguing with for ten years at your weekly poker night can be the highlight of the week. Talking about motorcycles in mixed company will bore half the room; not talking about them with your riding posse would be unthinkable.

Take your turn. A conversation is a group project, with each person weaving in a tidbit here and there. It’s no time for monologues. If you notice that you have talked for a few minutes without any questions, comments, or general signs of life from other people, you are likely sucking up the air in the room. Cede the floor to someone else.

Think before you speak. Most foot-in-mouth moments occur because of a failure to think before speaking. You rant about the war and then remember your friend’s boyfriend just returned from Iraq. To avoid offending, don’t throw out statements laden with value-judgments. For example, instead of saying, “The mayor sure is a moron, huh?” Ask, “What do you think of the mayor’s rebuilding proposal?”

5 Don’ts of Conversation

Don’t interrupt. There are actually two forms of interrupting, as 1954’s Esquire Etiquette explains:

“The obvious one, interrupting the speaker in mid-sentence, is easy to avoid: just wait until the other has stopped talking before you start. (And don’t ever say, “Have you finished?” You might as well say right out that he’s a windy numskull and you thought he’d never run down.) The other kind of interruption, equally culpable, is often prefaced by “That reminds me…” or “By the way.” Such phrases usually signal a digression or irrelevancy. When you interrupt another’s train of thought, or send a discussion off into a tangent, you indicate that you are either stupid or rude, either unable or unwilling to stick with the speaker’s point. Even if everyone observed these rules, telephones, doorbells and new arrivals would always conspire to interrupt you in mid-point. When you are interrupted, the politest thing to do is the hardest thing: shut up. Don’t go back and finish a story — don’t excavate a buried point — unless you are asked to do so. If a new listener has come up in mid-story, a polite someone else will brief him on the subject and ask you to go on; the polite newcomer will second the nomination; only then, with the briefest possible synopsis of what you said before, can you go on. If you are not given these cues, it may be because your story is not appropriate for the newcomer’s ears or because the situation gets beyond control; it’s not always because your audience was bored. So, if you get a chance to make your point later on, don’t air your annoyance with a petulant, “As I was trying to say a little earlier…”

Don’t talk to only one person when conversing in a group. This leaves the others dangling and awkward on the periphery. This is not simply a matter of whom you are physically conversing with — you can also ice people out by choosing subjects on which they have no interest or knowledge, such as the intricacies of your job that only your co-worker understands and inside jokes and “remember whens” with your buddy. Bring up topics on which everyone can chime in.

Don’t engage in “one-upping.” The one-upper not only makes a lousy friend , he also makes a highly annoying conversationalist. You say you just bought some new boots; he raises you one by talking about the shoes he cobbled together himself with leather he got by killing a deer with only a bowie knife. The one-upper believes that his stories show his superiority; on the contrary, they reveal his naked insecurity.

Don’t overshare. We’ve all met the man who pours out his life story as soon as you meet him. Within two minutes you know why his girlfriend dumped him, how worried he is about losing his hair, and why he’ll never be promoted at work. This instant unburdening reads as desperation and repels people faster than water off a duck’s back. You have to cultivate a little mystery; leave people intrigued and wanting more.

And at the same time, you don’t want to dig too deeply into the personal life of other people either. Respect the privacy of others. To avoid inadvertently touching on a sensitive spot, instead of asking someone about X, volunteer that information about yourself. A person who is comfortable talking about X will typically offer up their own experience in turn. If they don’t respond in kind, change the subject.

4 Things Not to Say

“Am I boring you?”

An embarrassing question — the person will never answer no, it comes off a bit accusatory (the person will feel as though they were looking at you with an uninterested expression), and even if you weren’t previously boring them, the power of suggestion will plant the idea in their head that the conversation had been rather tedious after all.

Instead of asking a question like that outright, simply pay attention to the person’s facial expressions and body language. If they look bored, they probably are. Time to switch things up.

“Huh?” “What?” “Say What?” “Eh?” (The latter is okay if you use an ear-horn.)

Too abrupt. The speaker will feel awkward. Instead ask, “What was the last thing you said? I didn’t catch it.” And don’t nod and smile when you don’t know what was just said. Sometimes it works; sometimes the person just said, “A dingo made off with my baby last night.”

“Actually, you should say ‘between you and me,’ not ‘between you and I.'”

If grammatical mistakes make the hair on the back of your neck stand up, you may find it difficult to restrain yourself from correcting the errors of others. But a conversation is no time to be pedantic. You’ll come off as smug and patronizing and bring any rapport you were building with a person to a screeching halt. Don’t miss the forest for the trees.

Actually, if grammatical mistakes make the hair on the back of your neck stand up, you might want to look into taking up some new hobbies .

“Stop me if I’ve told you this story before…”

No one will ever stop you. So your question just prolongs the time they have to act like they’ve never heard the story of the time you almost ran over Barry Switzer while he was riding his fixed gear bicycle near the OU dorms.

Read up on 5 more things you shouldn’t bring up in conversation.

The Number One Rule of Conversation: Be Natural

As with most matters of etiquette and sociality, once you understand the ground rules, stop thinking about them so much and let things flow. You can follow all the above dos and dont’s, but if it seems to others like your conversating by a checklist, then you might as well be waxing poetic about your butt hair. It doesn’t matter how polite you are if you come off as a phony. Drop the affectations. Talk about things that you’re comfortable talking about; use words that you’re comfortable using. As Esquire Etiquette advises:

“You’ve often heard that what you say and how you say it is a first impression give-away to your character and your background — but there’s a sleeper in that bromide: It’s a bigger give-away to pretend to be something you are not than to be what you are without apology. No matter what the lady-books say about “cultivated speech,” a man’s speech had best not be cultivated; it ought first of all to be natural…The pretty politeness of speech you find in the girls’ books are not for you, sir. If you mean “Sorry,” say “Sorry” — not I’m so sorry,” not “I beg your pardon.” If you mean that the dinner was damned good say so; don’t mince around with uneasy words like “exquisite” or “lovely.” Leave the “my dears” to the aged, and “ do comes” to the feminine gender. And forget about the supposedly gallant phrases like “Allow me” and “After you.” It is not etiquette to say things the long way or the fancy way. Be yourself. Be a man.”

Read Part II of the Art of Conversation: How to Avoid Conversational Narcissism

What are your tips for mastering the art of conversation? Share them with us in the comments!

A group of men engaging in civil conversation in a room.

Politeness is an important aspect of effective communication in English. It can help you build positive relationships, avoid misunderstandings, and convey your thoughts and feelings in a respectful manner. Here are 10 ways to express yourself politely in English, along with explanations and examples:

Explanation: “Please” is a simple and effective way to make a request or ask for something politely. It shows that you respect the other person’s time and effort.

Example: “Could you please pass me the salt?”

Explanation: Expressing gratitude is a fundamental aspect of politeness. It shows appreciation for someone’s help or actions.

Example: “Thank you for helping me with this project.”

Explanation: “Excuse me” is used to get someone’s attention or to apologise for interrupting. It is a courteous way to initiate a conversation or correct a mistake.

Example: “Excuse me, I didn’t mean to interrupt you.”

I’m sorry:.

Explanation: Apologising is crucial when you’ve made a mistake or unintentionally hurt someone’s feelings. It demonstrates empathy and responsibility.

Example: “I’m sorry for the misunderstanding; I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Explanation: “May I?” is a polite way to request permission. It acknowledges that you respect the other person’s authority or consent.

Example: “May I use your phone to make a quick call?”

Could you please:.

Explanation: This phrase is a more formal and polite way to make a request. It conveys politeness and a sense of deference.

Example: “Could you please send me the report by the end of the day?”

If you don’t mind:.

Explanation: This phrase is often used to seek permission or confirm that a suggestion is acceptable to the other person. It shows consideration for their preferences.

Example: “I’d like to sit here if you don’t mind.”

I was wondering if…:.

Explanation: This is a polite way to introduce a request or ask a question. It softens the tone and makes the interaction more courteous.

Example: “I was wondering if you could give me some advice on this matter.”

Could you possibly…:.

Explanation: Using “could you possibly” adds an extra layer of politeness to your requests. It implies that you understand the person’s willingness may be limited.

Example: “Could you possibly spare a few minutes to discuss this issue?”

I’d appreciate it if…:.

Explanation: This phrase is a gracious way to ask for assistance or a favour. It clearly communicates your gratitude in advance.

Example: “I’d appreciate it if you could help me with this task.”

At English Al Fresco we try to help you learn when it’s best to use these phrases in real life situations. It could be at home, in the shop or at the local restaurant. Why not test your skills in the birthplace of being polite and join one of our courses!

Additional Tips for Politeness:

Use titles and names: Addressing people by their titles and last names (e.g., Mr. Smith or Dr. Johnson) is a sign of respect, especially in formal settings.

Be mindful of tone: Politeness is not just about the words you use but also the tone of your voice. Maintain a friendly and respectful tone in your conversations.

Avoid negative language: Instead of saying, “You’re wrong,” try “I see what you’re saying, but I have a different perspective.” This helps in presenting your point without causing offence.

Wait your turn: In group conversations, wait for an appropriate moment to speak rather than interrupting. This demonstrates respect for others’ contributions.

Listen actively: Being a good listener is a polite and considerate behaviour. It shows that you value the other person’s thoughts and feelings.

Say “please” and “thank you” sincerely: These phrases should be used genuinely. Empty or insincere politeness can be perceived as artificial.

Give and receive feedback with care: Constructive criticism should be delivered politely. Instead of saying, “This is terrible,” try “I think there might be room for improvement in this area.”

Use non-verbal cues: Politeness is not limited to words; your body language and facial expressions also play a significant role. Maintain eye contact, smile, and use open postures to appear approachable.

Consider cultural differences: Different cultures have varying norms for politeness. What’s polite in one culture may not be in another, so it’s essential to be aware of cultural sensitivities.

Be patient: Sometimes, people may not respond positively, and that’s okay. Be patient and give them space to react or respond to your polite communication.

In conclusion, expressing yourself politely in English is an essential skill for effective communication. Politeness not only helps you convey your thoughts and feelings respectfully but also fosters positive interactions with others. By using phrases like “please,” “thank you,” “excuse me,” and employing additional tips for politeness, you can enhance your ability to connect with people and navigate social and professional situations successfully.

Politeness Importance:

Politeness plays a significant role in our daily interactions and relationships. It is a fundamental aspect of effective communication, ensuring that our conversations are respectful, considerate, and harmonious. Being polite not only reflects well on the speaker but also contributes to a more positive and pleasant atmosphere in social, professional, and personal settings.

How to Be More Polite:

To enhance one’s politeness, it’s essential to understand how to be more polite. This involves learning how to speak formally and developing polite language skills. Speaking formally involves using appropriate titles, addressing people respectfully, and adhering to established social conventions. Polite language skills encompass using courteous phrases, such as “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me,” to express oneself with respect and consideration.

Polite Examples:

Learning from polite examples is a valuable way to grasp the nuances of politeness. When we see or hear others using polite language and behaviour, it provides a clear illustration of what politeness looks like in practice. For instance, phrases like “May I please have your attention?” and “Thank you for your assistance” demonstrate how to communicate politely in various situations.

How to Talk Nicely:

Talking nicely is a core element of politeness. This involves maintaining a friendly and warm tone while interacting with others. Politeness extends beyond just the words we use; it includes how we say them. By speaking with kindness, empathy, and a pleasant demeanour, we create an environment where people feel respected and valued.

How to Be More Diplomatic:

Diplomacy is another crucial aspect of politeness. It involves carefully choosing words and phrases to navigate sensitive topics or disagreements. Being diplomatic means addressing issues with tact and sensitivity, often by finding common ground and avoiding confrontation. This approach not only promotes a harmonious atmosphere but also helps to resolve conflicts more effectively.

How to Talk Formally:

Speaking formally is necessary in certain situations, such as business meetings, interviews, or official interactions. It includes using titles, addressing people respectfully, and adhering to established norms of communication. Mastering the skill of speaking formally allows one to convey professionalism and respect for others.

How to Speak Politely:

Speaking politely involves using courteous expressions and phrases that show respect for others. Phrases like “Could you please?” or “I would appreciate it if” are examples of speaking politely. It demonstrates a considerate attitude and can help avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.

Speaking Politely:

Speaking politely means consistently using respectful language and behavior in all conversations. It’s a habit that leads to better relationships and more effective communication. It’s about making a conscious effort to consider the feelings and perspectives of others while expressing your thoughts and ideas.

How to Be Polite in English:

Politeness transcends language, but when communicating in English, it’s essential to be aware of cultural and linguistic nuances. Being polite in English involves using phrases like “please” and “thank you,” understanding when to use formal language, and respecting the conventions of the English-speaking world.

In conclusion, politeness is a cornerstone of effective communication and positive relationships. It encompasses speaking formally, diplomatically, and nicely, using examples to learn, and applying polite language skills. By consistently speaking politely and being aware of cultural and linguistic considerations, one can create an environment of respect and consideration in English and beyond.

Please join us at English Al Fresco to learn practical examples of politeness in daily situations. It will help you to sound more like a native speaker!

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Good Manners: What to Say and Do (Polite English)

Test your understanding of this English lesson

185 comments.

Hi rebecca thanks for the lesson.Can you please add some videos about letter writing regarding various subjects.:)

THERE ARE THE SAME GOOD MANNERS IN ARGENTINA. IT´S NOT DIFFICULT TO REMEMBER.

THANK FOR LESSON

Hi, I have seen than that you are using ‘would ‘in several times rather than requesting. Actually i would like to know that usage.Thank you

About good manners you can add : Never talk politics and definitively about the country that you visit. Of course no religion also

Hi, I also think manners are good point to communicate with people. Thank you for your great lesson :)

Great, great Rebecca, this is a fantastic class you have taught us and is very useful. Thank you so much for it. Aclésio from Brazil

Thanks a lot!

After you take a shower you must use towel before using deodorant .do you agree with me,teacher Rebecca?

I agree with you.You cant use deodorant directly .You have to follow the order after showering

Thank you for these perfect idea :)

Thank you very much <3

Thanks teacher REBECA, 7/10 lesson very useful

THERE IS THE SAME GOOD MANNERS IN CHILE

thank you.these questions are more important for us.because these are be used in our talks.that is why we prefer these a lot.we must know in which cases we must use of them.

Today’s good manner’s class good .These may seems simple words there are very useful in our life stytle .Thank you

One of the best video lessons. It’s very useful. THANK YOU VERY-VERY MUCH MS. ROBECCA!

IT’S BEEN ALMOST THREE YEARS SINCE I’M WATCHING ENGVID VIDEOS.

HOPE THERE’S NO MISTAKES IN ABOVE LINES[EXCEPT SMALL LETTER AND CAPITAL LETTER MATTER.]

DEAR MA’M ROBECCA I’M HAVING ONE OF QUESTIONS WOULD YOU PLEASE ANSWER ME?

MY QUESTIONS ARE BELOW….

1- I’M ABOUT TO GO TO CANADA, VERY SHORTLY FOR SOME BUSINESS MEETINGS AND I’M AFRAID OF MY ENGLISH THOUGH I CAN SPEAK FINE BUT I’M NERVOUS THAT HOW I’M GOING TO TALK TO THEM AND ETC..

WOULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHAT TO DO TO BE PREPARED FOR THAT? HOPE YOU WOULD ANSWER ME! THANK YOU VERY -VERY MUCH !

AND WISH YOU A VERY-VERY GOOD DAY!

AND OF COURSE IF I CAME TO CANADA I’D SURELY SEE/MEET[PLEASE TELL ME WHICH ONE IS CORRECT]YOU OVER THERE AND IT WOULD DEFINITELY BE MY GREAT PLEASURE.

AND PLEASE PLEASE DO ANSWER MY QUESTIONS.

Don´t worry about that, people like us who aren´t native speakers get nervous very easy because we don´t like to make mistakes when we speak, but remember: Mistakes are our friends, we have to make mistakes to improve our english. My advice would be: don´t try to speak quickly.

From your writing, it seems like your English is quite good, so don’t worry too much. Be warm, be friendly, be genuine. The most important difference may be your accent, so please do speak slowly so people can understand you clearly. Canadians are known for being polite, and so are Indians, so keep the points I have mentioned in mind in social or business situations. I wish you a lot of success.

Hello Sonu, I understand you probabily do this to call attention with the capital letters, but after a video of good and bad manners, I think you should not do that :) Success in your conversation :)

Thsnk you Ma’m .

Many thanks. Please could explain when use be being

Very clear and important lesson, thank you

i really enjoyed this video & it was so useful so thank you a lot & i wish you can help us with more great videos ^^

Thank you for the lesson but I think everyone should do these things in every where

I agree with you and they do in many parts of the world. All the best to you.

Ma’mm Rebecca My english is very week and i not a confident person.once i applied for the job and they called me back and just disconnect the call because i cn’t answer them :( this website is very helpful for me :(

I differ with you Rawan, for example in India people shit and pee in the street and it is normal behavior for them but we consider those habits bad and disgusting. So these things ” in my opinion” aren’t standard but relative.

actually, i agree with you to some extent as i am also an Indian and every Indian is not like that what do you think about Indians. shitting, peeing or spiting at any kind of public place is considred as a really very bad habit.I never do that and those who do are not educated people and if they are educated people that they have no moral values.these kind of people can be seen everywhere aeound the world, not only in India. and how many times i have seen those who do that kind of things on public places(which is very often)than i always let them remember a good behaviour.. and if possible, call the authority. so please, remember one thing that places or a specific religion or group of persons are not bad, what bad is their thinkings, and everyone is not a bad thinker. have a good day. :)

THANK YOU VERY MUCH REBECCA, THIS LESSON LEARNS US ENGLISH LANGUAGE, AND LEARNS US HOW TO BE POLITE.

I’m glad this video teaches you valuable lessons and that you enjoyed learning them.

All the best to you!

I got 8/10 .. :D

thank you very much for the lesson Rebecca!

That’s vrey usefull information. In my country we have a bit diffrent rules. So thanks Rebecca for a great lesson!

Thank You very much Please If You can I need a lesson about Phrases (participial, gerund and infinitive phrases) Thank You ^^

Thank you for your good lesson

You are a nice person.I like your teaching.Thanks a lot.

I ‘m very unfortunate i got 90. I missed one which is deodorant or perfume

Thanks you very much

What a helpful lesson! Thank you so much.

Thank you for your the lesson!

Rebecca, Good lesson. Almost a guide to good manners. Thank you

thank you for this class

Thank you, Rebecca.. I’m doing all these manners, you are 100% right. I got 10/10 in your Quiz.

Hi Rebecca. Of course I totally agree with you about good manners. But are you sure those are only the English speaking societies’ privilege? Don’t you think that good manners are most of the time the long legacy of generations of parents and ancestors and not a question of language. Civilized behavior come from the old countries like England, France, Spain, Italy etc and also from some Asian countries like China, India or Japan. Of course, the rules can be very different according to countries but one can say that in Europe the politeness criteria are about the same despite the many different languages spoken in those countries. I can assure you that most of people do not smell bad like if they were just out a barn and they yawn very discreetly. Indeed, you can bump into some very unpleasant persons whether they speak English or not. I met some in France, my country, or in England and in the European countries I visited but also in the US and even in Canada (I just know a little Toronto – the airport), Gander – the airport and Niagara Falls – I’ve not found the airport yet ;). This said I’m delighted with your lessons.

I totally agree with you! :)

It is just a topic for an English lesson…

Please see my general comments below. Thanks for your input in any case.

our teacher teach good lesson and i am happy from my teacher

Thank you teacher, Jesus bless you!

Thank you Rebecca for your lesson. :)

Thanks for your Lesson…. Great

10/10 Thanks for all you lessons!

“your” Sorry!

Thanks!!!!!!

Useful lesson for all people in the world!

This is the most important lesson. And I really titter on some answers when I was answering the question. :)

Hi BianLei!!! How are you? I think there is someone problem with the Skype. So, I think it’s possible to talk by hangout from google. What do you think? Try to find me there. If you have gmail, is very easy. Did you put new photos in your blog? See you and take care! ;)

Haha, I’m good as usual. Thanks. I’m not using Skype neither. Google Hnagouts is a good idea~ See you on Hangouts then

I tried to search by your name but there is so many people had same name as you.

thanks, now i can expect the same attitude from others.

Rebecca first of all thank you to speak so clearly: if every english speaker were like you I’d understand almost every single word… Secondly, I’m Italian and I see the unwritten rules are quite similar, just obvious in some sense, maybe except for the rule number 10. I don’t know why, but sometimes (not always)we have messy lines with people going lateral and ahead as well. But the other is very same…

One day when I opened the door to my car to get my client to see a property, she told me she was married 15 years and her husband, never opened the car door for her. Thanks for the beautiful lesson.

Thank you Rebecca for your lovely and useful lesson

To all who have written on the subject, yes, all countries have rules regarding manners and many of these formal or informal expectations may be similar to the ones I have explained in the lesson. I just wanted to make it clear what was expected in North America, mostly. Thanks for all your comments and for giving us cross-cultural insights into your own cultures as well.

oh..my..correct 7 out of 10. I`ll be the polite person ㅜ. Thank you Rebecca teaching for us~

Thank you! very funny quiz =)

Thank you, Ms. Rebecca ! 10 correct out 10. But it’s natural to be like this. It means 7 years from home, school – house. Unfortunately, english language is not native for all of us ! :-) All your lessons are very valuables, thank you again.

Thank you :-)

Thanks Rebecca. I believe some societies are much more advanced in expressing and showing politeness than English speaking societies. Regarding body odor I tend not to agree with you. I have actually lived in a English speaking country for quite a while and noticed that native citizens don’t observe the rule of body odor as presented by yourself. Moreover people usually have a stereotype about natives of that country. By and large that stereotype seems to be correct. (May I kindly request you to comment on my English )

Really helpful lesson Thank you very much ^^

Thank you very much Rebecca. This is very useful lesson. I really admire most of your lessons, and I learn from you more and more everyday.

hi rebbeca thank you very much . i like you way theaching .i undestand all your lessons .i have some problems in writing and speaking what should i do ?

Hello Rebecca, thank you for this lesson, it was very useful. This was my first class with you and I consider it very nice.

really use full teacher

Hi Rebecca, would show me or teach me about linkers and connectors. I still have some doubts. like how to used it and when. Aloha.

Hi Rebecca! I’m here again!!! haha… Excelent class! I got 9 out of 10! Tks! Bye!

Hi Rebecca, thank you for your lesson. I heard you say expressions like ‘quite different’ or ‘rather rude. Could you explain in a lesson the difference between “quite”, “rather”, “fairly” and “pretty”? Thanks in advance and best regards.

They all mean the same thing! The differences are very slight. “Quite” and “rather” are a little more common in British English, and “pretty” is more casual (you wouldn’t use it in an essay), but they mean the same thing.

Thanks so much!!! This lesson and the test are really great!

great lesson. very useful. that’s very importante when we are living in a different culture. thanks a lot Rebecca.

hi REBECCA PLZ SUGGEST ME.. HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY ENGLISH SPEAKING AND WRITING SKILL…

Thank you very much for that useful lesson.

very clear and useful lessons

thanhks rebecca! This video is very useful:)

That is a fantastic thin realize that you share your comment in this space with us. All you have said in this video we use to say here in Brazil. Regards

Thank you teacher. I really like all topics that you make on your video lessons. It not only teach me about culture but also help me improve my listening skill. Thank so much.

Now I know thank you very much

it was very helpfull, even in vocabulary like the word to yawn, i is a new verb to me, so thank so much my lady

Thanks…. :D

heloooo i like to improve my English language especially on speaking .so aim looking for a person who can practice with me on Skype or yahoo my skype account is [email protected] pls i have more passionate to improve English so lets do something

Mine is [email protected] from Colombia South America, I’d like to practice too, as you know “practice makes perfect”

thank you Rebecca! it was a great lecture!

Good lesson, thank you:) a lot of this kind of manners are also used in my country.

Thank you Rebecca.

thank you Rebecca

why not”too bad”?

i did it again and…….100!

thank you so very much.

Thank you so much! Let me learn more and more Lovely

Thank you very much. It’s a useful lesson take care

got 10/10 Thank you so much, Rebecca!

This lessen is good for me. Thank you so much.

Thank you so much Rebecca.. God bless u more.. I’m from the Philippines but currently in Thailand.

Thank you, teacher!

Thank you for the lesson. These are very useful tips in business situations. I’m also interested to know what we should be careful about when speaking opinions in business meetings in English-speaking culture. There are differences about rules in each culture.

Great,thanks for the knowledge.

Thanks Rebecca. From the culture point of view, we are completely submerged in your teaching.

Thanks every day I learn , God Bless you

Thanks, Rebecca! Your English is quite easy to understand!)

thanks, hehehe! I do understand what u say althought I not yet focus clearly lol but The point is high

Thanks Rebecca for your lesson . It was wonderful :) I have learned very useful tips that me or anyone needs in daily life . hope you all the best Rebecca . Please … would you give us a lesson about passive voice with all its situations . It would be a fantastic lesson :) My regards

it is a matter of baseball ,rules of american football . graduation party , house warming , jewish holiday ,arab or middle east , bachelor party . let him know before you go his house . your friend or neighbor . call her on the phone. arab calendar .cold softdrink with ice cubs they serve in the restaurant. can of soda. six pack . dont be late in the meeting .

In Brazil, when we meet a person (formal and informal ocasions) who was introduced for other one (a friend in comon), we usually kiss ech other on the faces. But there is no problem if you don’t do that. Otherwise, if you start a conversation and indroduce yourself (a flert) we just shake our hands. The last advice (about body odor) is very important for people who lives in cold coutries and come to Brazil (or other hot coutries), because most of the year it’s too hot and foreigns sometimes smell not god.

That’s so funny quiz! Thank you a lot:)))

Great! after almost 14 years, I have accquired how to pronouce “yawn” from you, Rebecca. In my country, many non-native EL teachers only focus on writting & grammer other than speaking skill. I can easily sharpen my skills while absorbing all lessons here, engvid.com. Speciall appreciation for all of you.

it was good lesson about English and culture both very interesting

Thank you very much for you lesson.I got 100 :)

my first lesson… u are a very good teacher thanks a lot …

Thanks teacher .I always watch your video.

There are the same good manners in Colombia :)

Thank You Rebbeca, exelente advice!

THX Dear Rebbeca :)

Dear Rebecca, It is always useful to recall the good manners. Best regards.

Excellent lesson!

Great! please I wonder if you can tell me what is the difference between the verb “tell” and the verb “say”. Thanks in advance

rebecca my quiz: 100 You got 10 correct out of 10. :D

Thank you for good lesson :)

thank you for a good lesson.:)

thank you for a great lesson…I enjoy the way you teach

Thank you so much Rebacca. I will remember this lesson.

Thank you so much Rebecca. This is very nice lesson.

Thanks so much!

It’s a very useful session,and thanks Rebecca.

Hello my dear professor Rebecca. Thanks for this amazing lesson. I agree with you in everything… actually, the first time that i saw this lesson i didn’t have time to copy something in my notebook because i was hurry… but in my country some of these manners people do… personally i’ve been doing all that you are recommended and the true is that i can see the change immediately in the behavior of people.

Thank you rebbeca is very useful I got 100%

Thank you very much

Thank you so much :)

Good Manners and Right Conduct best subject during my primary school. I have got good grades on it. When I took this quiz even without listening the lecture of Teacher Rebecca. 10/10.. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

Thank you Rebecca. In Germany there are nearly the same rules. But the topic of sneezing is a little bit bigger.

About saying “Gesundheit”, a german wish to get healthy after someone sneezed.

Contra: Adolph Knigge, the writer of “Über den Umgang mit Menschen” (On Human Relations), a book of the treatise on the fundamental principles of human relations… He said that you don’t have to say “Gesundheit”, you have to ignore sneezing because it is a little and unimportent incident and the one who sneezed feels uncomfortable enough and you don’t have reveal or make a big deal out of it. In case you sneezed you can excuse for it because you have frightened someone around of you.

Pro or better: the public usage of “Gesundheit”. Many people ignore the Knigge-idea because it feels cold and careless to leave an unwell person alone. Sneezing is a thing that nobody can control. And maybe someone is ill or is getting ill or has an allergy, thats not a thing someone has to excuse for it. ;)

For most people sneezing is embarrassing or they feel a bit uncomfortable because of the noise of it. Normally they won’t sneeze and wants to be healthy :). So in Germany we give wishes to get healthy and we say “Gesundheit”. It shows that you care about the other. If you do not say it, people can think you don’t care about them.

How to use “Gesundheit”.

Mainly: – Say it always to your friends and family ( in an appropriate volume at the current situation ) – If someone wishes you “Gesundheit”, you have to thank for it ;)

“Gesundheit” for Strangers:

Case 1: If someone speaks to a crowd and sneezes: In this point the Knigge-solution will be a good option. The speaker will excuse for it and continues to talk. Nobody have to replay “Gesundheit” because they shouldn’t be intrusive or interrupt his speech. Maybe the people who stands very close to the speaker can say “Gesundheit” quietly. But don’t expect an answer, they have to do their job or they don’t realised you. If you where the speaker and you recognized someone who said “Gesundheit”, smile and nod to the person thankfully.

Case 2: If you where in a crowd, meeting, concert or something like that: All people where listening to some music or speech, you also can handle it Knigge-like. Only if someone very close sneezed, you can say “Gesundheit”. If you sneezed you can quitly excuse for it to your neighbors but i bet you got back a “Gesundheit” ;).

Case 3: If someone talks to you and sneezes: That one will excuses for it but try to say “Gesundheit” before they can apology. You show that the health is more important than the apology and the person don’t have to excuse for it :). If you see that someone sneezes successively, wait till they are ready ;).

Case 4: If someone sneezes in a public room or train or subway: If the person is in a square of a view meters you can say “Gesundheit” it’s not obtrusive. If you sneezed you don’t have to apology. Everyone knows it was not intended ;).

Case 5 ( funny ): If someone meters away sneezed extrem loud, you don’t see this one but you heard the sneeze, you can also shout “Gesundheit”. Maybe the one thanks that same loud way but didn’t see you, that will a funny moment for all. But realise: that kind of doing “Gesundheit” is unduly for some people. But funny anyway :D. ( even in case 1 it could be funny if the last man of the crowd wishes extreme loud “Gesundheit” :D )

Pardon or not Pardon: If you sneeze realy quit you don’t have to apology. If you sneeze normal you can apology in very closely and filled rooms ( elevator ). If you sneeze while you talking to someone you can apology. If you sneeze very loud, lost control of your body, totally freak-out, rip clothes of people, transform in a sneezemachine and smashes the whole world… Than you realy have to apology. But in 90% you got back a “Gesundheit” ;)

Regards from Germany :)

When you should not sneeze! [ fantasymode : on ] -When you bite of your food -When you diving -When you are a man and you are peeing -When you try to hold a fart -When you still sneeze -When you burp -When you puke after you sneezed while you burp -When you pet a Tiger -When a Tiger pets you . . .

I love this comment. Thank you for teaching us about “Gesundheit” today :)

Although same in the Middle East would like to say thank you for ur efforts

Is there anyone for chatting with me,, +8801913964101 Watsapp, Viber , or imo

Hi, Excellent teacher, thank you so much.

Thank you Rebecca. In this lesson, some tips are obvius, but it is good remember them. See you.

100% … Thanks Rebecca

Thank you! This will be useful – and surprising – for many students of mine.

Excellent teacher

Thank you Rebecca , I am very happy to learn by you. Very easy to understand the lessons from you. That is the normally and nice habits which should be reflected in all our life. It is very nice and polite lesson , hope all people will follow . Thank again, I got full mark.

Thank you Rebecca, that’s awesome.

Thank you so much Rebecca.Could you please elaborate on this lesson.

Good to know those ways of behavior, this way one learn from other culture.

I like “keep the distance” story, thank you, Rebecca.

I got 100% D. Thank you very much Rebecca. This video has been very helpful! Could I ask you a question? Do you have any video about body signs?

Nice lesson, thank you.

You got 10 correct out of 10.thanks…

Thanks Rebecca.

Thanks Very helpful video

Very useful, thank you!!

Hi Rebecca your English classes are very interesting.

10/10, thanks a lot, Rebecca!! Very useful lesson!!

Thank you Rebeca, yogur clase was very crear

I’ am so sorry I write wrong, Rebecca is with two c not with one c.

I got 90/100. Thank you.

Thank you so much Rebecca.

Got 10/10..Thanks a lot

Rebecca, thank you!

Hi rebecca thanks for the lesson.

Thank you Rebecca!

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Speaking more doesn't mean speaking well sorry to burst your bubble -.

There’s learning English and there’s learning how to SPEAK English! Learning English is not the same as learning to speak English. Usually the native English teachers do not have the necessary skillset to help you to change your accent, they aren’t the best accent experts. This is a very specialised area! The truth is not everyone in England speaks RP, i t is highly likely that these English teachers speak with local regional accents too. Can you differentiate these regional accents?

Mumbling is not attractive. Can you express yourself clearly? Do you want to be understood? Never underestimate the power of speaking well, it will get you far in life.

Learn to read, write, speak & communicate in British English with Speech Etiquette. We have different teams covering different areas of expertise. We are different, we are not the traditional English language school: we are one of a kind! Our classes and contents are carefully crafted to target different language-learning needs. Mindset and communication skills are the keys to success. Your mindset will dictate what you say and the tone of your voice is everything. That is why we focus on these two elements for all of our clients. We don’t just teach, we mentor! Putting the magic in learning and speaking.

Team Speecheti is changing the world one sound at a time! Be part of the change, be more confident and articulate your future with the best team in town.

About Speech Etiquette

At Speech Etiquette, we will help you to articulate your future, we understand the importance of personal growth and development to take you to the next level. Not only will we help you improve your articulation and learn to have clear diction, we are here to create confidence.

SPEECH ETIQUETTE

At Speecheti we prioritise speaking well as part of our English classes, we believe that being able to communicate well verbally is a key part of learning a new language. It doesn’t matter what your background is, with the right mentors your hard work and effort will pay off. It is never too late to learn.

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Language barriers _

Different languages, Accent, Literacy, Pidgin & Dialect, Jargon & Slang, Grammar & Spelling, Limited Vocabulary & Word Choice, Misconception, Speech Comprehension

Accent discrimination _

Have you been laughed at, looked down on or bullied for having an accent when speaking English? Are you feeling excluded?

The term accentism describes prejudice against and unfair judgement of an individual due to the way they speak, sound and communicate. As a result, those individuals might feel belittled, excluded, sad or confused.

While we cannot control people’s behaviour, at Speech Etiquette, we can provide you the tools to speak English with a British accent with confidence.

Goal - READ, WRITE & SPEAK

Confidence clear diction - rp communication skills _.

Good communication needs the right words. Well spoken words touch the heart and mind: from that will flow confidence and success.

Be the whole package, trust who you are becoming. It’s more than fancy cars and flashy clothes. Let your voice be your lifestyle and the words you speak create the reality you deserve.

Articulate with class, Breathe confidence, Speak with elegance!

Every detail matters, you matter!

Articulate your future

It's more than learning english: it's brain training _.

When English is not your first language, pronunciation alone won’t change or improve your accent. From our founder’s experience, even elocution is not enough!

“To learn a new language and speak like a native, it requires specific training to re-wire the brain and re-train the muscles we use to speak to create the correct sound. This training is very specific in order for the Learner to articulate accurately.” – Amanda Ng

Learning to speak a new language takes training, just like an athlete being trained for a specific sport, they will repeat the same training exercise daily in order to master their skill.

It’s more than learning English: it’s brain training! It’s mentorship, it’s leadership and communication skills. Learn English as a foreign language and speak like a native with Speech Etiquette.

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Self-awareness is the core component for growth. Self-expression is a key skill we should all master. Having identified our weak spots and underlying fear, we can carefully target and work on our personal development.

Old keys can’t unlock new doors! Change your mindset, it will change your life.

At Speech Etiquette, we share the same mentality as strivers, we choose to Face Everything And Rise. This is the winning mentality that we need, to combat all uncertainties that life throws at us.

Speak up, don’t be afraid to have your say! Life is too short, your voice matters!

Your words matter, your grammar matters, your tone matters. It's your voice. It matters!

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How can I reduce my accent when speaking English? You need to focus first and foremost on your English pronunciation. In short, you will need

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50 Polite Words: Mastering English Language Etiquette – A Comprehensive Guide

July 9, 2023

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By Derek Cupp

Politeness goes a long way , especially when it’s peppered into our everyday language. I’m here to help you master the art of being courteous with words, introducing you to 50 polite expressions that’ll elevate your English etiquette.

In this digital age, it’s easy to forget the importance of politeness in communication. But trust me, using polite words can often be the difference between a bland interaction and one that leaves a positive lasting impression.

Ready to take your conversational skills up a notch? Let’s dive right into these phrases which are not only sophisticated but also steeped in good manners. Stay tuned as we navigate through the nuances of English language etiquette together!

Understanding Polite Words in English Language Etiquette

When I delve into the world of linguistics, particularly the English language, it’s clear that politeness plays a significant role. Polite words are those that show respect and courtesy when we interact with others. They’re not just about etiquette; they reflect our character and how we perceive other people.

In English, there’s an array of polite words to use, making conversations more pleasant and respectful. For instance, simple courtesies like ‘please’, ‘thank you’, and ‘excuse me’ go a long way in exhibiting good manners. These expressions are universally acknowledged as markers of politeness.

A distinguishing feature is the indirectness often associated with polite language. We tend to pose requests or orders as questions or suggestions instead of direct commands. We might say “Could you pass me the salt?” rather than “Pass me the salt.” Here’s a comparison:

Direct Command	Indirect Polite Request
Pass me the salt.	Could you pass me the salt?

Other forms include deferential language such as using titles (Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.) before names, or employing honorifics in professional settings – for example – using ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’.

It’s important to note that word choice can greatly affect how our messages are received by others. Even slight changes can alter tone significantly:

Less Polite	More Polite
Shut up!	Could you please keep it down?

Finally, let’s tackle conditional phrases which express hypothetical situations or polite requests: ‘If you could…’, ‘Would it be possible…’, ‘I’d appreciate if…’. These soften potential demands thus maintaining harmony during interactions.

To sum it up: mastering polite words enhances communication skills significantly while promoting respectfulness between interlocutors.

Remember learning these 50 polite words isn’t about following strict rules but adopting social norms that make interactions more enjoyable for everyone involved. As I explore this topic further, my aim is to help shed light on each one of them in subsequent sections.

Fueling Conversations with 50 Courtesy Phrases

Let’s dive into the world of polite language! Utilizing courteous phrases can elevate your English conversations and make a strong impression. I’m here to guide you through 50 polite words that’ll enrich your vocabulary.

First off, let’s tackle greetings – they’re the first impressions in any conversation. It’s important to acknowledge others warmly and respectfully. Here are some examples:

Good morning/afternoon/evening
How do you do?
Pleased to meet you.

Responding politely is just as essential as initiating conversations courteously. You might find these phrases handy:

You’re very kind.
That’s very thoughtful of you.

Now, it’s not all about direct communication; our actions speak volumes too. Apologizing for mistakes and expressing gratitude are crucial aspects of maintaining respectful relationships. These phrases can assist in such situations:

I apologize.
Please accept my apologies.
I’m grateful for…

Sometimes we need help or want to offer assistance ourselves, and there’s a polite way to express this too:

Could I possibly…?
May I help you with…?

And finally, ending a conversation well leaves a lasting positive image in people’s minds. Consider using these closing phrases:

Have a great day!

Remember, being polite isn’t solely about the words we use; it also involves how we use them – tone plays an integral part too!

To sum up this section: politeness goes beyond ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. There are abundant ways to express courtesy in English, each suited for different situations yet carrying the same underlying message – respect for one another.

So why not give these expressions a try? They could be just what you need to spice up your English conversational skills!

Roundup: Mastering Your English Language Etiquette

Now that we’ve dug deep into understanding the importance of polite words and how they can influence your communication, let’s round up everything we’ve learned. With careful selection of words, you’ll be on your way to mastering English language etiquette.

First off, I’d like to remind you about the power of “please”, “thank you”, and “sorry”. They’re simple words but their impact is profound. These are what I call the “golden trio” in polite conversation.

Next up is addressing people respectfully. This includes titles such as Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Dr., followed by their surname. It’s an age-old tradition that still holds water today and speaks volumes about your manners!

Now, let’s talk about making requests politely. Softening your language using phrases like “Could you…”, “Would it be possible…” or even just adding a simple “please” at the end of your request shows consideration for others.

In addition to these tips:

Remember to use appropriate greetings depending on time of day
Always show gratitude when someone has done something for you
Avoid using slang or colloquial terms in formal situations

While this list isn’t exhaustive, it gives a good starting point for anyone looking to improve their English language etiquette. Keep practicing these points and soon enough they’ll become second nature!

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Welcome to the VerbaCom® Blog for individuals interested in topics relating to public speaking, presentations, leadership and communications for professional development as the basis for personal success.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Public speaking: 10 keys for correct lectern etiquette.

Do not lean on the lectern. The lectern is there to hold notes, hide awards, and to support the microphone and other electronic devices. It is not a leaning post. Holding on to it with a white-knuckle grip announces to the audience you are nervous. Stand straight, a few inches away from the lectern, with both feet firmly on the ground.
Gentlemen button coats. A buttoned suit jacket is a must for male speakers. During the speech, keep it buttoned if the speech is formal and/or does not require any arm waving or extreme body movement. Women may also button their jackets, however, because women's styles vary, a buttoned jacket is not required; women suffer enough having to wear high heels.
Shake hands with the person who introduced you. In days gone by, when a person approached the lectern after the introduction, the introducer handed over control of the meeting by passing the gavel to the person being introduced. Today, with a handshake, control of the lectern occurs symbolically while giving an appearance of continuity and friendship. It is rude to both the speaker and audience to introduce a speaker and then leave the lectern unattended as the speaker approaches. The lectern or podium is the focus of the audience's attention; do not jeopardize the professionalism of your event by leaving it unattended.
Always thank the introducer and greet the audience. Proper etiquette requires good manners. Before beginning your speech, it is polite to thank the person who introduced you and to greet the audience making a special greeting to dignitaries, government officials, and other special attendees. Remember you were invited and consider it a privilege.
Familiarize yourself with proper introduction techniques. Learn proper introduction techniques and practice choreography at the lectern before-hand, if possible. The introducer and the guest speaker should not appear to be dancing as they exchange positions.
Do not apologize for lack of preparation. There is no substitute for preparedness, however, there are times when preparation is not possible. Never apologize for lack of preparation! This insults the audience who will be wondering why you showed up and why you are wasting their time if you are not prepared. Cancel or postpone the engagement or, when this is not possible, take a few minutes to gather your thoughts, outline them on paper, and proceed with your speech. Chances are no one will even notice you are unprepared so why make it a point to tell them? If you are frequently called upon to speak at a moment's notice, prepare a "pocket" speech you can pull out and give anytime, anywhere, with variation.
Eliminate distracting habits and verbal crutches. Those uhs, ahs, and ums can be very distracting and annoying. Practice your speech and record it to identify verbal crutches. Jitters can create havoc on your nervous system without you even knowing it. Nervous distractions like jiggling, tapping, hand clutching, etcetera, can detract from your talk. Learn good speaking posture, slow down, take a few deep breathes, and exhale any uneasiness. If you have a great speech and have practiced it, concentrate on relating your message to the audience, rather than how it is going to be received. Your delivery will appear natural and effortless if you concentrate on delivering your message with enthusiasm and sincerity.
Every gesture, look, motion, and sound should have a purpose. Although body movement can enhance a message, movement that is made for the sole purpose of movement appears unnatural and awkward. Use hand and body movement to emphasize a point or to help the audience visualize. Naturalness comes with knowing your speech and practice. Practice relating the concept of your speech rather than practicing gestures. This technique brings out the natural you.
Do not lose eye contact. Some talks are made to be read, others are not. Whether your notes are for reference only or meant to be read, poor eye contact is distracting. Good eye contact is a learned skill; practice.
Do not thank your audience. As children, we were taught that it is polite to say thank you. It still is but, after a speech, it is erroneously used to fill in the space after the last word has been uttered. As you have already thanked everyone at the beginning of your speech, deliver a powerful closing, then simply turn it over to the next person with a smile and a handshake.

5 comments:

You forgot the part where you should not show even the slightest fear of public speaking . No one will bother with a speaker who can't speak straight.

This comment has been removed by the author.

You should do more focus on practice for your Effective Presentations skills.

I think nerves have a big part to play in poor lectern etiquette. Sometimes people are so scared of public speaking the simple things such as hand movement and stance are thrown out the window. Fear of public speaking is more common than you may think

Barry, nervousness is certainly apparent while you're at the lectern if you are not familiar with what to do and how to do it (lectern etiquette) while at the lectern. Knowing and practicing proper etiquette and protocol really does make a positive impact on your nervousness and in how you appear to the audience. -iz

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This article was updated by the Great British Mag content team on 12 October 2021

Knowing how to act appropriately in social situations can be difficult at the best of times. It’s made harder still when visiting a new country like the UK which is famous for its strict British etiquette rules.

While much can be learnt from books and television, nothing helps one comprehend a culture quicker than interacting with local people and observing their customs. So, to get you started, here are a few quick tips in negotiating the minefield of British etiquette.

1) Complaining

Brits love to complain! They will happily moan to one another about bad weather and overpriced food. They’re not, however, as accomplished at complaining when they have an actual problem with a product or receive poor service. When they do, they do it in an apologetic way. You’ll find Brits are polite even when they are actually complaining!

Brits across the UK will often be seen forming neat and tidy queues. Whether at the supermarket, train station or a concert, they will be awaiting their turn at the front. The worst mistake one can commit is queue-jumping – pushing ahead in the line. This will always be met with disapproval from those who have been waiting patiently.

3) Being polite

Saying “please” and “thank you” are two important things to always remember in British etiquette. It doesn’t matter who you’re speaking to, politeness and good manners are always welcome.

4) Table manners

Table manners vary all over the world. From slurping to burping, each country has different ideas about how one should act during a meal. Although formal occasions have their own rules, you should remember to eat at a relaxed pace, put your cutlery down between bites and never talk with your mouth full.

A brief picture guide to British table etiquette.

Sometimes even Brits find it difficult to know how much to tip a server in cafes and restaurants, or if they should tip anything at all. Always check your bill after your meal. If it reads “service not included” then this means that you can leave a tip for the person that served you and the amount is at your discretion. If the service was good, it is customary to add an extra ten per cent on top of the bill total. Many Brits tip taxi drivers and hairdressers too, but the exact amount is the customer’s preference.

6) Using mobile phones in public

Mobile phones might be part of daily life but it’s still important to observe some unwritten etiquette about handheld devices. Using a mobile phone at the dinner table is considered impolite, as is speaking loudly when making a call, especially on public transport .

7) Good sportsmanship

Nobody, the adage goes, likes a bad loser. Sulking, arguing or complaining if you have lost at any form of competition is considered poor manners. Whether you’ve been outdone on the sports pitch or exceeded in the classroom, congratulate your opponent with good grace, no matter how upset you feel underneath.

8) Drunkenness

Depending on the situation, consuming alcohol is often fraught with dos and don’ts. Moderation is always advisable . And if you have consumed one drink too many – try to avoid aggression, over-emotion or impoliteness. Yes, that means no crying!

9) Chivalry

Chivalry and traditional etiquette guidelines still stand. For instance, holding a door open for a lady and standing up when one enters the room for the first time are still considered good manners for the men of Britain.

10) Apologising

No guide to etiquette would be complete without mentioning the Brits’ love of apologising . Although one would expect to say sorry for stepping on a shopper’s toe or bumping into a passer-by, many will be surprised to find that when two Brits engage in a stand-off, both will offer their apologies for being in the other’s way. They don’t care who is at fault. Apologising is a default reaction to many of life’s little incidents. This is a quirk Brits are famed for!

You may also want to read

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Etiquette and Manners for Your Success

The Etiquette That People Most Want to Know – The Most-Read Etiquette Posts of the Year

Enjoy these most popular etiquette topics people want to know about (based on the top ten most-read posts of 2017).

By: Maralee McKee, Manners Mentor

I always find it fascinating to see what interests people. With that in mind, I looked up the top ten most-read Manners Mentor posts of 2017 to discover the etiquette that people most want to know. At this time of year, when we’re all reflecting back and looking forward, I thought it would be fun to share with you what I found.

What were the most common etiquette questions this year? What manners topics peaked readers’ interests? What social skills did people Google?

Here’s a list of the ten most-read posts on Manners Mentor this past year, in order from one to ten.

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An interesting fact about number three is that I wrote it for the July 4 holiday in 2016. It was well-received, but not like many of my other posts. More than a year later, I woke up one day and discovered that over 3,000 people had read it in just one evening! People kept coming to it by the thousands each day for several months this fall after a few football players decided to protest by not standing for the playing of The National Anthem. More players followed suit, some Presidential tweets were sent, and suddenly I was doing radio and print interviews from small towns in the U.S. to European capital cities. Who says etiquette isn’t exciting?!

What I find lovely about the list is that people were looking for ways to take care of people (#1), pay ultimate respect (#10), graciously do hard things (#2, 6, 8, and 9), and celebrate others’ milestones (#4 and 7). These are all things that help draw us together by interacting with thoughtfulness, compassion, kindness, and graciousness. It’s a pretty great way to live the new year and all the future ones too!

Without further ado…

The Most Popular Etiquette Topics — The 10 Most-Read Posts of the Year

1.) How to Be a Great Friend To Someone in the Hospital

2.) Three Ways to Nicely Say No Without Feeling Guilty

3.) U.S. Flag, Pledge of Allegiance, and National Anthem Etiquette

4). RSVP Etiquette for Guests and Hosts: The Newest Manners for This Fading Art

5.) Which To-Go Orders You Tip and Which You Don’t

6.) How to Graciously RSVP That You Can’t Attend

7.) Graduation Etiquette — The Top Eleven Manners for Grads, Guests, and Families

8.) How to Apologize: The 7 Steps of a Sincere Apology

9.) How to Graciously Answer Nosy Questions

10.) The Etiquette of Visitations and Funerals

My Favorite Post on the Blog

If I had to limit the blog to one post, it would be this one:

The Gracious 5-Step Formula for Writing Thank You Notes

It’s surprising that it never made The Top 10 List. I believe it’s because too many people don’t want to slow down enough to express gratitude. Yet until we do, what we have will never be enough. It’s while we’re expressing gratitude, and afterward as we think back on it, that our heart is focused on the contentment that the gift or kind act gives us.

What’s Next?

Happy New Year! May the next 12 months bring you health, contentment, and joy!!! Thank you for reading this blog and being part of the Manners Mentor family! Keep doing what only you can do: make your portion of the world a better place by being you at your authentic best!

Blessings galore,

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About Maralee McKee

Maralee McKee is dedicated to helping you become the person you most want to be and to live a confident, kind, and generous life! She is a contemporary etiquette, manners, and people skill expert and the founder of the prestigious Etiquette School of America. She's in the top one percent of experts in her field, and her etiquette skills blog is the most read in the United States. Maralee presents business etiquette seminars to corporations large and small and coaches individuals one-on-one virtually and in-person. Her book on how moms can teach their children to become the best version of themselves (Harvest House Publishing) earned the prestigious Mom’s Choice Gold Award for excellence in parenting books.

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Speech on Good Manners for Students in English [3 Minutes*]

December 10, 2020 by Sandeep

Good Manners Speech: Good manners play a vital role in shaping the personality of children. Good habits and manners reflect on a person’s upbringing, culture, social behaviour and value towards society. They lead to success in life and inculcate values of honesty, truthfulness, loyalty and sincerity in individuals.

Speech on Good Manners 500 Words in English

Below we have provided Good Manners Speech in English, suitable for class 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 students.

Good morning everyone presents here. Respected teachers & my dear friends. Today I am going to tell you all about good manners & its importance. We all live in a society, where the way of thinking, talking & acting must be following social norms. Right Manner is a part of human nature & life. We all must know how to behave well & perform good manners. It helps us to earn respect & dignity in society. People always love a man of good manners.

Good manners are incorporated by parents to their children so that they start adapting to it from a very young age. They teach them how to behave with the family, friends, neighbours, relatives & people around them. Modesty, humbleness & kindness are few of the essential traits of a good manners person. Greeting people with a ‘Namaste’ or handshake with a smile is one of the primary manners which all of learning from a very young age.

Reverting people with ‘thank you’ is one of sweet gesture. Saying ‘sorry’, ’excuse me’ are very common which we practice in our lives. Besides all these treating elders with respect & juniors with love & care is also a trait of good manners. We must take permission from other before using any property of others, offering seats to elders in public transport, being humble & polite, not using any offensive or abusive language are also the characters of a well-mannered person.

Good manners always open up the new doors for good connections in life. It also helps us ease of living life. It allows a new conversation with people which is essential for success in life. Good manners create an effective interaction & healthy discussion. Good manners create positivity in the environment. It is a vital part for the individual as well as for society. However, it is observed that the new generation is forgetting the importance of good manners day by day.

They are becoming rude & arrogant. The cases of indiscipline & irregularity are on hike. Good manners are the rudiment elementary education which starts from home. We all must stress on the fact that children are learning it from the very beginning itself. It is a part of life which impacts our existence in society. So we all must practice & follow good manners in our day to day life.

Short Speech on Good Manners

Below we have provided a short speech Good Manners, written in easy and simple words for class 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 school students.

Good morning to everyone present here. Today I ……. of class….. is going to deliver my speech on good manners.

Good manners are an integral part of our life & society. We all learn it from a very young age from our home. Teachers also teach us all good manners in school. It is essential for all of us as it helps in having a good impression on people around us. Being respectful, humble, caring, kind is few of the example of traits which is included in good manners. I will tell you a few of the traits which we all must practice in our day to day life.

Firstly wishing & greeting people whenever we meet them. We must acknowledge people with ‘Thank You’ whenever anyone does any favour for us. If we are wrong somewhere, we must say ‘sorry’. We all must respect our parents, teachers & all elders as well as must show care & love to the juniors. Maintaining cleanliness must be practised not only in-home or school but everywhere we go to. We must not use any offensive or abusive word ever.

Supported by

How Disinformation Fed a Far-Right Riot After a Deadly Stabbing in England

More than 50 police were injured in an outbreak of violence driven by false reports that the suspect in the stabbing attack on a children’s dance class was a migrant.

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Police officers in riot gear line up on a street with a fire burning behind them.

By Megan Specia

Reporting from London and Southport, England

Less than two hours after mourners gathered in Southport, England, on Tuesday evening to honor three children killed in a brutal stabbing attack, hundreds of rioters flooded the streets of the already traumatized town.

More than 50 police officers were injured in the ensuing violence, as demonstrators threw bricks at a mosque, attacked the police, set cars on fire and damaged a convenience store.

Although some details of the unrest remain opaque, one thing is clear, according to the police, lawmakers and experts in online extremism: Disinformation and far-right agitators fueled the violence.

Supporters of the English Defence League, an extremist anti-Islam organization, were part of a large group that attacked a mosque in Southport around 7.45 p.m., according to a statement from the Merseyside Police Service , which covers the region.

The targeting of the mosque, and the subsequent riot, came after false rumors circulated on social media on Monday, soon after news emerged that a man had stabbed multiple children and two adults at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

The rapid spread of misinformation about the attacker’s identity left the authorities fighting a two-pronged battle on Tuesday: one on the streets of Southport, where the police were pelted with bricks and other objects, and another online, where lawmakers, local officials and the police seemed powerless to halt viral falsehoods.

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Speech Etiquette: 17 Tips to Get Yourself Noticed
Use the microphone provided and don't readjust or tap it more than once. Articulate your words by slowing down and speaking up. Eliminate verbal crutches like ums and uhs and distracting habits such as fidgeting. Use variations in force, speed, and inflictions to enhance meaning and hold the audience's attention.
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English Etiquette and good manners
Every culture across the ages has been defined by the concept of etiquette and accepted social interaction. However, it is the British - and the English in particular - who have historically been known to place a great deal of importance in good manners. Whether it be in relation to speech, timeliness, body language or dining, politeness is ...
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If you don't want to inflict the same sort of experience on others, here are our top tips for giving a great speech. 1. Practise your microphone technique. Correct spacing is key - you want to be heard but don't want to end up deafening your audience! Nothing ruins a speech more than bad microphone technique.
Conversational Etiquette Tips: Do's and Don'ts in English
Don't raise your voice or talk over others - respect each person's turn. Pay attention to non-verbal cues - take note of body language and facial expressions. Other aspects of good conversational etiquette tips include: Using respectful language - be mindful of your tone and choice of words.
Basic Public Speaking Etiquette
Take a deep breath. Get used to the atmosphere. You will appear calm and in control, and will make a good first impression. And your audience will not be distracted by the movement of the person who introduced you. If you are particularly concerned about this aspect of your presentation, speak to the person who will introduce you beforehand.
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11 Speaking Etiquette Tips. Written by Tabitha in Social. When speaking, be polite, respectful, and concise. Listen actively, avoid interrupting, and maintain eye contact. Use appropriate language and tone, and cut filler words. Take turns speaking, and don't monopolize the conversation. Remember to express gratitude and apologize if needed.
If you use any of these 9 phrases, you have 'better etiquette skills
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5 Dos of Conversation. Listen more than you talk. Ironically enough, the key to the art of conversation is not in the talking, but in the listening. Avoid conversational narcissism. Ask those you converse with interesting and thoughtful questions. People love to talk about themselves.
The Art Of Being Polite: Your Ultimate Guide To Social Etiquette
Listen actively: Being a good listener is a polite and considerate behaviour. It shows that you value the other person's thoughts and feelings. Say "please" and "thank you" sincerely: These phrases should be used genuinely. Empty or insincere politeness can be perceived as artificial.
Good Manners: What to Say and Do (Polite English) · engVid
Learning English? Then you must learn about English culture and etiquette too. Ill tell you the one secret you MUST know to be accepted in North American and British cultures. Youll also learn 12 other good habits if youre studying, working, living, or traveling overseas. This is a cross-cultural English lesson you cannot afford to miss.
Etiquette Tips for Public Speaking
When I was a high school speech and debate teacher, etiquette was not something that we ever stressed. However now, as an etiquette educator, I understand how etiquette offers an easy bridge to the subject of speaking when an audience is present. And this is true whether you are speaking to a large audience, a small group, or sharing your views at a neighborhood get together.
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50 Polite Words: Mastering English Language Etiquette
With careful selection of words, you'll be on your way to mastering English language etiquette. First off, I'd like to remind you about the power of "please", "thank you", and "sorry". They're simple words but their impact is profound. These are what I call the "golden trio" in polite conversation. Next up is addressing ...
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Stand straight, a few inches away from the lectern, with both feet firmly on the ground. Gentlemen button coats. A buttoned suit jacket is a must for male speakers. During the speech, keep it buttoned if the speech is formal and/or does not require any arm waving or extreme body movement. Women may also button their jackets, however, because ...
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2) Queuing. Brits across the UK will often be seen forming neat and tidy queues. Whether at the supermarket, train station or a concert, they will be awaiting their turn at the front. The worst mistake one can commit is queue-jumping - pushing ahead in the line. This will always be met with disapproval from those who have been waiting patiently.
The Most Popular Etiquette Topics
The Most Popular Etiquette Topics — The 10 Most-Read Posts of the Year. 1.) How to Be a Great Friend To Someone in the Hospital. 2.) Three Ways to Nicely Say No Without Feeling Guilty. 3.) U.S. Flag, Pledge of Allegiance, and National Anthem Etiquette. 4). RSVP Etiquette for Guests and Hosts: The Newest Manners for This Fading Art.
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Speech on Good Manners for Students in English [3 Minutes*]
December 10, 2020 by Sandeep. Good Manners Speech: Good manners play a vital role in shaping the personality of children. Good habits and manners reflect on a person's upbringing, culture, social behaviour and value towards society. They lead to success in life and inculcate values of honesty, truthfulness, loyalty and sincerity in individuals.
Teaching speech etiquette in English lessons
Speech etiquette is an important element of any national culture. In language, speech behavior, stable formulas of communication were made from a rich national experience, originality of customs, a way of life, conditions of life of each people. Speech etiquette is a set of verbal forms of courtesy, which you simply cannot do without it.
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