English etiquette: types, rules and features

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:40

The British are considered to be the most polite people. A true gentleman or lady never, under any circumstances, loses his temper and always looks very dignified. For them, following the rules of English etiquette is one of the basic norms of social life. It has been formed over the centuries. All we althy and educated people were required to master the peculiarities of English etiquette. This was part of the education of all who aspired to success.

Features of communication

The English are always distinguished by a restrained manner of communicating with other people. It may seem that they are too stiff and unemotional. In fact, this demeanor is dictated by English communication etiquette. Speaking loudly, accompanying your speech with gestures is considered a sign of poor education. It is not customary for the British to express their opinion by interrupting the interlocutor. They never leave a polite smile on their faces, no matter how they treat you.

According to English etiquette,the interlocutor needs to compliment and even flatter. Complaining about life or asking for help from the British is not accepted, as this is considered humiliation. A demonstration of fortitude is welcome. Boasting about your virtues or achievements is a manifestation of bad taste. This will negatively affect your reputation. On the contrary, the British present themselves modestly, reducing their role. So, in modesty, they bring up their children. That is why the British are non-conflict. They do not raise their tone, as this is considered a scandal provocation. It is not recommended to look closely into the eyes of the interlocutor, as well as to look at others.

The rules of English etiquette forbid keeping hands in pockets when communicating, as this is considered a sign of distrust, secrecy.

Top Topics

The British are characterized by the ability to maintain small talk. One of the most convenient topics for communication is the weather. In addition, you can discuss news, art and other things that are not significant. Even in business negotiations, everything begins with a discussion of a neutral topic. Personal life, illness and financial well-being are not discussed here, as the British consider this a closed topic for outsiders. English etiquette allows you to answer a question with a counter question, which makes it possible to avoid an unwanted answer, while maintaining politeness.

Greetings and farewells

The British are very reserved in physical contact. They greet the interlocutor with a slight short-term handshake, and the ladies only slightlytouch their cheeks, imitating a kiss. Patting on the shoulder or ruffling the hair is not allowed under any circumstances.

The British shake hands in parting. If they leave a meeting or a party where there are numerous guests, they say goodbye only to the hosts.

English speech etiquette is of particular importance. It involves the use of phrases and expressions that correspond to a certain time of day. For example, good morning can be wished before lunch. At a later time, as a farewell, you can say "Goodbye" or simply "Bye." At the end of business meetings, it is customary to wish you a good day.

Mimicry and gestures

Since English etiquette does not provide for the manifestation of emotions, facial expressions and gestures are kept to a minimum. The manifestation of a true attitude to what is happening is not welcome. Cold dignity is a sign of a good upbringing. Instead of an affirmative nod of the head in agreement, the British blink. Raised eyebrows are a sign of skepticism about what is happening around. If an Englishman taps his nose with his index finger, it means that he wants to say something, but does not want to interrupt the interlocutor.

Introduction

It is not accepted in England to start dating people without the participation of third parties who could introduce them to each other. The initiative of acquaintance here is also not welcome. It is no coincidence that people living in the neighborhood often do not communicate with each other and do not even know each other.

Business Etiquette

In England, formal communication is quite difficult andinvolves the possession of certain mandatory rules. The success of negotiations, partnerships and any other business relationship depends on this.

One of the basic rules of English business etiquette is the ability to avoid sharp corners. You can not openly show dissatisfaction. Humor is welcome here, but the jokes are subtle. For the British, it is unacceptable to show emotions during a discussion. They speak with concrete figures and facts. If the opponent is silent, this does not mean that he agrees with you. He just politely waits for the interlocutor to finish his speech in order to tell him his opinion. It is not customary to give gifts to colleagues at work.

You need to dress for a meeting in a business style, in accordance with the dress code. For men it is a suit, for women it is a strict dress.

British clothing

It is etiquette to change at lunchtime. The dress must be changed daily. Clothing with animal fur should not be used.

During the daytime, you can use casual clothes. But in the evening, elegant attire is required. Tourists should take this fact into account, as clubs and bars have a dress code.

English dining etiquette

It also has its own characteristics and requires compliance with the rules and regulations. English table etiquette suggests serving according to what is being served. During the meal, everyone at the table should participate in the conversation. Considered a signbad upbringing to slurp, put your elbows on the table, talk quietly with the person sitting next to you. You can’t leave the plate empty at the end of the meal, there should be something left in it.

It is not customary to make visits without first notifying the hosts. If the host raises a napkin at the table, this is a signal for the end of the meal.

It is indecent to pay money from hand to hand in cafes and restaurants. It is customary to leave tips for waiters under a napkin. When inviting a waiter to your place, you just need to raise your hand. Finger snaps are not allowed.

English tea ceremonies

Tea etiquette is the tea drinking culture of the English aristocracy. It originates in the 19th century and provides for the observance of certain rules. At the beginning of the ceremony, sitting at the table, you need to cover your knees with an unfolded napkin. After the person has risen from the table, the napkin should be hung on the back of the chair.

All ingredients must be added to tea in a specific order. First, sugar is added to the cup, then lemon or milk. After use, put a teaspoon on a saucer. Holding a cup with the little finger held back is considered a sign of bad parenting.