Etiquette for PR II

Here are some tips on the right words to express on different occasions.

Birthdays: ‘ Happy Birthday’ is the best and safest thing to say. If you know that the birthday girl has fallen and fractured her leg on that day, avoid saying ‘Many Happy Returns of the Day!

Weddings: Please don’t wish the couple ‘Many Happy Returns of the day!”  Wishing them A Long and Happy Married Life will be in order, or ‘Congratulations!

Wedding Anniversaries: This occasion permits ‘Many Happy Returns of the day!” May you have many more’ is fine too and a simple ‘Happy Anniversary’ conveys a lot.

What does one say on the not too happy occasions?  I once read a card, which said.  “Our hearty condolences to the bereaved”!  It should be ‘heart-felt because ‘hearty goes with; Congratulations’ or ‘Welcome’.  When you pay a condolence visit, the golden rule is silence.  The less said the better.  If the bereaved person is a close friend, a firm clasp of the hand or a warm hug will give more solace than routine platitudes like “I am sorry…” etc. If the bereaved is a formal acquaintance, you can say ‘I am sorry to hear about… “

Speeches call for the right choice of words too. “On behalf of my wife and myself .I thank you.” This will sound better if worded this way, “ My wife and I thank you.” This is an archaic expression. Said sincerely, a ‘Thank you ‘ conveys a lot more than any other embellishments. An obnoxious way of greeting a visitor is” “Oh!  You’ve come at last!  Thought you had forgotten where we live!”  Worse still is the sarcastic, ‘”I am so glad you found time for us at last!”  There’s no greeting like a warm, “Hello!  Come in “.  Say, “I ‘m so glad you came”, when the person takes leave.  When you are at a loss for words, it means you have nothing worthwhile to say.  So don’t say anything.

Dress Code: There is a dress for every occasion and it does not speak well of your taste if you are not attired apply.  The basic principle in dressing is to wear clean and well-ironed clothes.  Then follows the right dress for the occasion.  If you don’t blend with the environment, you can feel very conspicuous and self- conscious.  First, draw out a broad category based on seasons.  Summer calls for cool and casual clothes, winter will see you in woolens and silks and monsoons in waterproof material.  Having thus sorted out the requirements, see what each occasion calls for. For formal functions like a sit- down dinner with dignitaries, receptions and official parties, avoid wearing T-shirts, sandals and faded jeans.  These are strictly for picnics, informal meets and day-to-day outings.  Leather shoes with socks go well with a suit.  Shoes are a must if you sport a Tie.  Socks and Tie should match.  Combinations are interesting too.  If your suit is gray, you can wear a deep red Tie.  If you are wearing a Jodhpur coat or Sherman, button up to the top.  If you want to roll up the sleeves of your shirt, either roll it up till way up your elbows or button it up at the wrist.  Don’t roll it up midway.  Check your socks for their elastic.  It is most clumsy to let them droop at the ankles.

For women, the golden rule is ‘never overdress.  If you are going to a party, don’t be mistaken for going to a funeral and vice versa.  Before you decide what to wear, consider what the occasion is, what kind of people will be there and how best you can fit into the whole thing.

FOR WOMEN

If your hostess is a simple lady and the other guests are likely to be the same, dress accordingly

If you are working, choose clothes for comfort

If you are a Receptionist or Secretary, be colorful but not gaudy.

If a teacher, cut out too much glamour, as it will distract the attention of the students.

If you work in an office, be well groomed but not loud, avoiding garish colors and prints.

Before you step out of the house, ask your self a simple question- am I dressed right for the place I am going to and the people I Will be with?  Your dress sense can reveal your character.