Online Course: Business Etiquette for Professionals

Students gain an understanding of why etiquette matters in business today:

• Why etiquette matters in business today
• A brief introduction of Emily Post and her philosophy on etiquette
• The concepts of “The How Matters” and “Other People’s Perspective Matters”
• The 3 Goals and how they can help guide students toward building better relationships at work
• An example problem illustrating how to use the 3 Goals

Students learn the concept of etiquette, the 3 principles governing all etiquette, and the Five-Step Method for Solving Problems:

• A deeper understanding of what etiquette is
• The difference between etiquette and manners
• The 3 Principles that govern all etiquette: Consideration, Respect, and Honesty
• The Five-Step Method for Solving Problems

Students learn The Four P’s, which are the foundation for all communication etiquette:

• The Four P’s – Public or Private, Proofread, Pronunciation, Patience
• The Bulletin Board Rule
• Examples of The Four P’s illustrating why they matter

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Students are exposed to both the broad concepts and finer points of written communications and to be on guard for common pitfalls:

• Why written communications can cause problems
• When to use written communications versus verbal communications
• Seven tips for good written communications focused on emails: The “To” Field, The “Subject” Field, ALL CAPS, Emoticons & Text Speak, Formality, Salutations & Closings, BCC, Reply & Reply All

Students discover how the many aspects of verbal communications are both within their control and can be used to their advantage in business:

• Office phones – how to answer a call, loud phone voices, excusing yourself to take a call, and when to send a call to voicemail
• A list of office phone tips
• Conference calls
• Speakerphones
• Cell phones, smartphones, and texting
• Personal calls at work

Students learn foundational workplace etiquette and utilize the Five-Step Method for Solving Problems with multiple examples of workplace situations:

• Five general office manners explored through sample problems: Saying hello upon arriving at work, giving privacy when needed, interrupting in an open office environment, multi-tasking without being rude, and arriving late
• 3 Fire-able Offenses
• Grooming at work
• 3 Workplace Guidelines

Students learn best practices for meetings, both internal and with clients, prospects and suppliers:

• Why your behavior during meetings can make or break your career
• Sample problem: What to do when a colleague isn’t paying attention during a meeting
• Sample problem: What to do when you’re leading a meeting/presentation and someone asks overbearing questions or makes difficult comments
• 7 Guidelines for Meetings
• The 2 Block Rule

Students explore why image matters in business and how to be intentional about building your image:

• Why your image matters in business
• What your image is comprised of: Appearance, Actions & Words
• Appearance: From grooming to the clothing you choose, no matter the industry, you need to be aware how your appearances affecting your relationships
• Actions: How posture, eye contact, nervous habits, fidgeting, and even gum chewing can all affect how others perceive you at work
• Words: It’s not just the individual words we use, but HOW we use them that helps or hinders the impression others have of us in the business world
• Tone of voice, speed, and accents/pronunciation all contribute to how well we are understood and received by others
• Tips for being a good listener
• Sample problem: You’re too casually dressed for a last-minute meeting with a client. What are your best options in the moment and for the future?
• Company dress codes

Students gain perspective on how social media can positively or negatively impact their business image and relationships:

• 3 Tips for Business Social Networking
• 5 General Social Networking Tips
• Sample problems and specific tips for LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter
• Tips for how to review your online image

Students learn the finer points of introductions, small talk, thank-you notes, and how to variegate business social events:

• Why business social skills and events matter
• Invitations and R.S.V.P.’s
• 4 Steps for Introductions and who introduces whom
• How to handle forgetting someone’s name
• 5 Tips for Small Talk
• Sample problem: How to handle it when you hear a colleague throw a team member under the bus when speaking with a client
• 5 Tips for Business Social Situations
• When and how to write a thank-you note and what method you should use to send it

Students learn the Top Ten Business Dining Tips to successfully navigate business meals:

• The most important dining etiquette tips for business meals
• Be on time, holding utensils, conversation, sneezing, one-drink rule, when to begin, deal breakers, Fast and slow eating, grooming at the table, thank-yous, place settings
• Sample problem: How to handle electronic devices at the table
• Review the 3 most important dining tips

Students gain perspective on why actions outside of work have the potential to affect business relationships:

• Sample problem: A rude gesture outside of work comes back to bite you when you arrive at the office
• How actions outside of work affect you at work
• When social situations become business social situations
• Why it’s important to maintain a professional image during business trips
• Program review of the two key concepts, three goals, three principles, and the Five-Step Method for Solving Problems

Peter brings knowledge and humor to E-Learning

PETER POST is the great-grandson of Emily Post and the managing director of The Emily Post Institute. As the creator of the Emily Post Business Etiquette seminars, he leads business seminars for companies both in the United States and abroad. Author of the New York Times bestseller Essential Manners for Men and co-author of The Etiquette Advantage in Business, 3rd edition, he writes a weekly question-and-answer business etiquette advice column, “Etiquette at Work,” that appears in the Boston Sunday Globe.

Contact Us

Find out how The Emily Post Institute online courses can teach your audience to use etiquette as a tool for professional improvement and personal growth. Cultures of civility and respect begin with small actions.

Please contact Daniel Post Senning for more information on group sales and pricing by filling out our contact form. eLearning@emilypost.com