A real gentleman will master the art of etiquette under any circumstances with impeccable manners. The informal or formal address follows the same rules as greeting somebody in business life. The key to this is a company’s hierarchical criteria. In German and French-speaking areas, the more senior person offers the more junior person the use of the informal address. It may confuse English-speaking partners if you and your superior are on formal terms. You should demonstrate esteem for your counterpart even when you use the informal address by using the correct attitude, choice of words, facial expression, and gestures.

You may also reject the use of informal address

If you feel that the informal address is not appropriate or you do not (yet) wish to use your contact’s first name or the informal address, you can tactfully forego the informal form. With a comment such as “Thank you for the friendly offer; please give me a little more time. Maybe we could come back to this within an appropriate setting at some later time.” Although a partnership-based attitude admittedly improves the working climate, leading to positive results faster, it does not depend exclusively on the use of the informal address.

Beware of stumbling blocks
Irrespective of whether in everyday business or private life – try not to put your foot in it with regard to style. A touch of foresight and reservation is also correct at merry company parties – because the same colleagues and superiors will once again be sitting opposite you on the day after. If you at any time regret the decision to use the informal address, wait for a quiet moment, approach the person concerned, and explain your reasons briefly. Do without exchanging kisses and drinking to your friendship in working life. Shaking hands is absolutely adequate for introducing the use of informal address in business life.

Addressing the work colleague during a customer meeting
What is the correct form of address if you use the informal address with your work colleague and hold a meeting at a customer’s location? Always use your colleague’s first name during direct conversation, not, however, if you are referring to her in the same sentence with your customer. Example: “Ms. Gerber will now present our project report.” You then turn to your colleague with whom you are on informal terms and say, “Sarah, please give the presentation, thank you.” And should you ever be at a loss: simply be polite, respectful, and use your healthy common sense.

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A real gentleman has mastered the art of etiquette under any circumstances and always shows impeccable manners. Hierarchy is all that counts during introductions, not only in the business world but also in private life. Gender no longer plays a role in ranking. A junior person is always introduced to a senior person – the new employee, for instance, is introduced to the departmental manager. When introducing yourself, state your first and last name – ideally accompanied by handing over or exchanging a business card.

Noblesse oblige

Academics never use their titles during introductions, whereas the title of the counterpart is always mentioned. Even if you do not have a title yourself, it is polite to specify the counterpart’s title. Avoid flowery phrases. Instead of saying, “Excuse me, may I introduce myself”, you should use the direct “My name is Blacky Sockmann, I am responsible for personnel management”.

Beware of stumbling blocks

Irrespective of whether in everyday business or private life – try not to put your foot in it with regard to style. Hierarchical relations are often difficult to assess in introductory situations, especially in a group. Instead of quickly blurting out names you should observe and listen carefully. Polite reserve also gives you time to think.

Introducing third parties

When introducing in a group, it is always the newly arrived member who is introduced to the group first, whereby women and men introduce themselves. Example: “My name is Marco Sulser. I am Jutta Carstens. My name is Josef Burgleitner” To give last names only seems too short and impersonal. That is why men always combine their first and last names; women may also introduce themselves with “Hello, I am Mrs. Buzzera”. And should you ever be at a loss: simply let politeness and common sense guide you.

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A real gentleman has mastered the art of etiquette under any circumstances and always shows impeccable manners. A toast can be raised at practically any occasion, from a barbecue to an engagement party to a highly official festivity. It is usually raised by the host – as an expression of gratitude for the attendance and to the health of his guests. Raising a toast can also be the task of the toastmaster, who leads through the event on behalf of the invitee. Everything from witticism to a songs of praise is possible, depending on the event, the number of guests, and the setting.

Humorous and pointed

The popular time for a small toast to invited guests is immediately after serving the appetizer and before the first sip of wine. Simultaneously, this is the host’s signal that the official meal can now begin. A small after-dinner speech is usually made after the main course and before dessert – it should be short, to-the-point and should congenially address the event or the celebrated person, ideally accompanied by humorous gestures, facial expressions and choice of words in a moderate volume.

Beware of stumbling blocks

Irrespective of whether in everyday business or private life – try not to put your foot in it with regard to style. Although there are an almost immeasurable number of toasts, they should always be adapted to the event and the class of the invited guests. No ego trips for the sake of witticisms. Neither indiscrete innuendos about a guest’s privacy nor any talk about internal business matters or gossip about staff members. The worst-case scenario for guests: long-winded, boring or impersonal babble.

Always authentic and heartfelt

A toast often lifts the spirit of all those around. The celebrating guests are usually thanked and wished happiness, health, wealth, and success, whereby the toast is usually dedicated to one person or an entire group. A personal toast on the occasion of a birthday usually does not require elaborate preparation. The toasting person can spontaneously express what he feels in his heart. And should you ever be at a loss: simply let your discretion and common sense guide you.

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A real gentleman has mastered the art of etiquette under any circumstances and always shows impeccable manners. In a business context, the greeting order is based on position, age and gender. If you find it difficult to define the greeting hierarchy, you may of course deviate from this rule and just shake hands with one person after the other. In private society life, the arriving party always greets first – while on the road, it is the person who first sees an acquaintance. A simple nod or smile is sufficient for a casual encounter.

Accommodating no matter what

The protagonists, circumstances and situations at the location ultimately determine the greeting order: position – age – gender. The most senior or oldest person or the lady is greeted and welcomed first.

Beware of stumbling blocks

Irrespective of whether in everyday business or private life – try not to put your foot in it with regard to style. This includes prematurely extending your hand while simultaneously disregarding any hierarchies, leaving your left hand in your skirt or trouser pocket, or introducing yourself with your academic titles or honors.

Esteem at all levels

A correct greeting denotes esteem. Getting up from a sitting position not only means good manners but is an absolute must – for both men and women. A short, light handshake creates closeness and trust. Looking your counterpart in the eye with a friendly smile can break the ice. The correctly pronounced name will definitely help in opening the doors of trust even wider. Talking about doors: a customer or visitor should never have to open or close the doors – this is always the host’s job. And should you ever be at a loss: simply let your respect and common sense guide you.

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A real gentleman has mastered the art of etiquette under any circumstances and always shows impeccable manners. Having to listen to a telephone conversation at close quarters is an imposition for many uninvolved parties. That is why it is better to mute your calls when visiting a customer, during a conference, an interview, or a business meeting; but also privately in resting zones, public buildings and public transport. If you are expecting an important call – set the vibration alarm, accept the call and go outside if possible – and make a short apology when you return. Internal company matters, confidential and private information should not be exchanged via cell phone.

Blessing or nuisance

No question about it: these days, modern life without cell phones as a means of communication is unthinkable. Used correctly, they are ingenious guarantors for mobility and availability. However, if resting, concentration, privacy, or relaxation periods are continuously disrupted with bizarre ring tones, the fun stops. It is important to communicate as clearly as necessary and as quietly as possible. And keep it short. When making a call, ask the recipient whether he can speak freely. And you can of course simply switch off your cell phone or mute it with a vibration alarm.

Beware of stumbling blocks

Irrespective of whether in everyday business or private life – try not to put your foot in it with regard to style. Cell phone free zones must be respected: civil registry offices, churches, cemeteries, the opera, concerts, movie theatres, exhibitions, lectures, speeches, seminars, doctors’ waiting rooms, restaurants (cell phone on the table = faux pas). Also observe all security areas such as airplanes, hospitals and gas stations. Should your cell phone ring at an inopportune moment, do not accept the call and switch off your phone. Decorum calls for a return call and an apology (at the next opportunity).

Tolerance and sensitivity

Tactfulness when handling cell phones is part of modern etiquette. Most people feel irritated, harassed and bothered, especially on public transport, when they unintentionally have to listen to loud telephone conversations. At social occasions, the cell phone should only be used in case of emergency, as otherwise no decent conversations can take place at parties, cocktail parties and during aperitifs. And should you ever be at a loss: simply allow serenity and your common sense to guide you and thoroughly enjoy the nice call or the peace and quiet.

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