BUILDING A PROFESSIONAL IMAGE AND GOOD ETIQUETTES.  

The brush up class on Etiquette by Ms. Ifeoma Nwabachili highlights various aspects of good manners and proper etiquette. It emphasizes the significance of first impressions by stating that people will form their initial impression based on the way one looks. It further explains that manners complete the picture and should be practiced consistently, even at home. The further information was given about the significance of good manners in social interactions, emphasizing the need to avoid any feelings of inferiority or insecurity when meeting people who are well-mannered and civilized.

Regarding specific scenarios, Ms. Ifeoma Nwabachili provides guidance on etiquette in different situations. In terms of introductions, it suggests that the more important person should be introduced first. For example, when introducing a client to a boss, it is best to say, “Mr. Two, I would like you to meet our Vice President of Development, Ms. One”.

In a dining setting, we were advised to use the spoon provided to eat a thin soup served in a cup with no handles. Additionally, it was suggested that we should allow champagne to be poured even if you cannot drink it, without drawing attention to the fact. When leaving a table during a business dinner, it is recommended to leave the napkin on the chair. When attending a dinner in a private home, it is recommended to wait for the host or the oldest person at the table to take their napkin before taking yours. If waiting for a business associate who is late for a scheduled working lunch, it is acceptable to order your lunch and eat after 30 minutes of waiting.

Regarding arriving at a reception, it is considered impolite to arrive early, and the suggested options are to arrive at the stated time or between the stated time. Shaking hands is appropriate when greeting or saying goodbye to someone, whether it is upon being introduced, at their home or office, or even on the street.

In terms of eye contact during a conversation with a group of four people, it is advised to make eye contact with each person, moving your eye contact from one to another. When greeting a visitor in your office, it is polite to indicate where they should sit.

Ms. Ifeoma Nwabachili also highlights the importance of good table etiquette and manners and gave example of beauty pageants. She mentioned that good manners and proper table etiquette are essential for a beauty queen, as beauty alone is incomplete without them.

In the Nigerian culture, she emphasized the significance of building personal relationships prior to conducting business. It recommends spending time getting to know people on a personal level, as attempting to bypass this protocol may hinder business success. She also provided guidance on greetings, meeting and greeting protocols, attire, and communication practices in Nigeria.

Overall, the key learning from the class included the importance of first impressions, the significance of consistent practice of good manners, and the role etiquette plays in different scenarios such as introductions, dining, business settings, and other forms of human interactions.

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