A weekly” Business etiquette” to Anne of Koskinou. #iwu_business_etiquette

A heart-to-heart conversation is allowed between close friends, but in small talk there are forbidden issues that a well-bred person will never touch, so as not to offend and offend the interlocutor. I have compiled a list of the most important topics-taboos, for those who need to stay “on top” and not get into an awkward situation. So, forget about conversations and questions about these topics forever, unless it’s about a conversation in the kitchen with the closest person. And even in this case, it is worth thinking ten times, and whether to discuss…

⚫️ Theme of appearance and health.
The English say: “You don’t have to say out loud that a person doesn’t look good, he knows it himself.” Indeed, such observations can be a very frustrating and painful to hurt the interlocutor. Talking about health is so sensitive that it is sometimes unacceptable even in the home circle, because often people do not even want to advertise or discuss their ailments due to internal experiences.

⚫️The theme of age and everything related to it.
“What, you’re already 25?! What a young woman!” “Is It possible that you are soon 30, and you are not married yet?” “He’s 50, it’s time to retire.” All comments of this kind affect the personal space and self-esteem of a person of any age and position, touching with strange “obligations”. It is extremely tactless to ask about the age of anyone, regardless of gender. If you are asked to guess the age of the interlocutor, then always give 10 years less than it looks, and it is better to reduce everything to a joke.

⚫️Тема ограниченных возможностей и физических недостатков.
Даже если вы видите хоть какие-то недостатки в физическом состоянии человека, обсуждать их, а тем более, указывать на них — верх невоспитанности. Это также касается замечания: «Как ты поправилась!» или «Что-то ты похудела!» . Это может быть связано с болезнью. Воздержитесь от подобных «комплиментов».
Люди с ограниченными возможностями такие же, как и все остальные, с ними следует вести себя, как с полноценными членами общества, ни взглядом, ни жестом, ни словом не показывая, что вы заметили хоть какой-то изъян в их физическом состоянии. Если речь собеседника затруднена, не торопите его и терпеливо ожидайте ответа. Любые проблемы с лицом, руками, ногами, кожей, глазами и прочими частями тела не должны вас смущать, ведите себя так, словно бы их нет. Спрашивать же, откуда это появилось и, как собеседник думает лечиться — показатель полного отсутствия манер и такта.

⚫️A topic that touches on national feelings, origin, skin color, and racial differences.
It is not necessary to explain here that such conversations are conducted only by those whose upbringing is at the lowest level. Do not even try to hurt a person with a joke, because national and racial feelings are very strong, and such questions can lead to irreversible resentment. This also applies to anecdotes that some people like to tell about these topics.

⚫️The theme of religion and religiosity.
Tolerance and respect for the faith of another person, as well as for the traditions adopted in their religion, is the basis of education! Even if you do not consider yourself a believer, and you are read a prayer, you must stand up and listen to it with respect. It is unacceptable to discuss, condemn, or make comments about a person’s religion or degree of religiosity and will always be perceived as unethical behavior. In addition, such topics touch the most delicate strings of the soul and can cause a whole emotional flurry, which will never save you from conflict situations.

⚫️Children’s theme.
Do not talk about the achievements of your children, show photos and surprise your interlocutors with the genius of your child until you make sure that everyone involved in the conversation has children and there are no unpleasant moments associated with childbirth.

⚫️ Financial theme.
Never ask how much a person earns, how much, what costs, how much is spent, invested, etc. This topic is extremely sensitive and will expose you in the most unpleasant light, if you raise it. The discussion of prices, income and expenses is left to accountants and economists.it is not necessary to touch it in a “non-professional” environment.

Good topics for conversation are sports, Hobbies, interesting events, travel, local landscapes and attractions, Pets. Sometimes you can talk about your profession-but it is interesting and unobtrusive, so that the interlocutor is not bored. And, of course, a constant topic for small talk is the weather.