10 Business Meeting Decorum Guidelines

Applicable tips for any formal meeting

Lets talk!

In the business world, how can business decorum (manners) be essential in building relationships with colleagues, clients, or customers? How can improving your business manners ensure your chances of success?

1. Be prepared
Prepare well for the meeting. If you are using statistics, reports, or any other information make sure it has been handed out at least three days prior to the meeting.

2. Make a good impression

Dress well - Appropriate business attire is required. Punctuality is a must - Arrive in good time.
Your professionalism is linked to both of these.

3. Switch off cell phones and *PDAs Strive to ensure that there will be no distractions during the meeting. It is ill-mannered to use these devices while in a meeting.

*PDA- personal digital assistant

4. Observe proper seating arrangements

If there is an established seating pattern, accept it. If you are unsure, ask. Make sure that you are comfortably seated within hearing distance.

5. Recognize the presence of others

Acknowledge any introductions or opening remarks with a brief recognition of the chair and other participants.

Display courtesy to other members of the meeting.

6. Let the senior figures go first

When discussions are under way, it is good business manners to allow more senior figures to contribute first.

7. Never interrupt anyone.

Even if you disagree strongly, note what has been said and return to the issue later with the chairs permission. Always wait for your turn to speak and ask permission before doing so.

8. Be clear and concise.

When speaking, be brief and ensure that what you say is relevant. Be considerate of the time others give in listening to you.

Express what you have to say in a reasonable way and time.

9.Always address the chair unless it is clear that others are not doing so

The chair must make the purpose of the meeting clear to the attendees, for example, how long it will last and what is expected of them, etc. Failing to relay the proper information is bad business decorum and could cause embarrassment.

10. It is confidential.

It is a serious breach of business manners to divulge information to others about a meeting. What has been discussed should be considered confidential. What has transpired in the meeting should always stay within the four walls of the room.

Vocabulary
Decorum Statistics
dignity or good taste that is appropriate to a specific occasion data, figures, numbers, information

Prior Appropriate Professionalism

former, earlier, previous

suitable, correct, proper the skill, competence, or character expected of a member of a highly trained profession

Vocabulary
Contribute
to give something such as money or time, especially to a common fund or for a specific purpose

Considerate mindful of the needs, wishes, and

feelings of others

Established Divulge

recognized, well-known to reveal information, especially information that was previously secret

Confidential private and secret

RECAP

Do you agree that comfort, trust, attentiveness and clear communication are examples of the positive results of demonstrating good manners? Why? Why can poor manners in the workplace have a negative effect?