We always find limitations in behavior, both within a narrow scope such as family, and in a wider and more formal scope such as business meetings and organizational meetings. These boundaries can be in the form of  table manners , work ethics, and even etiquette in communicating.

In everyday life and in the profession, we often do not realize that we have behaved outside these limits. This can actually be self-defeating, especially if it happens at a formal meeting. Therefore, etiquette is very important for everyone to be aware of and understand, especially in formal communication.

Etiquette is not a set of rules, but rather about conveying a sense of social comfort and creating an environment where people feel comfortable and safe in interacting. In business activities and other formal activities, business etiquette can increase the level of  stakeholder trust .

One important aspect of business etiquette is  rapport . Rapport  is a relationship of mutual agreement and understanding that makes communication easy. Good rapport  can be built through warm and friendly body language, for example by giving an honest and natural smile.

Rapport  can also be achieved by observing similarities with the person you are talking to. Through these observations, you can adapt to the behavior of the person you are talking to. Apart from that, observing this behavior can also help  mirroring techniques  in communication. The mirroring  technique  is a method in conversation that is used to show interest or closeness to the person you are talking to.

Business etiquette is generally applied in formal meetings. Business etiquette can also be applied practically in several ways of communication, among others

1. Self introduction

Try to find out information about the interlocutor or  stakeholder  in a business meeting. When greeting, try to address someone by their title. In addition, when shaking hands, do it firmly with focused eye contact. However, if the situation does not allow it, for example the Covid-19 pandemic, greet with focused eye contact on the person you are talking to.

2. Business etiquette in meetings

One of the most important etiquettes for attending a meeting is to arrive on time, for example five minutes before time. Make a clear meeting agenda and don’t hold inappropriate meetings. Also pay attention to a polite and comfortable sitting posture so as not to disturb the focus of other meeting participants.

When communicating in a meeting, convey all ideas by paying attention to the existing rules. Show respect to other meeting participants with simple habits such as saying “thank you” and “please.”

3. Business etiquette in online meetings

When attending a meeting held online, the basic preparation that needs to be done is to ensure that all devices and gadgets can work properly. Apart from that, a conducive place that is far from distractions can also increase concentration when attending online meetings.

In online meetings, each meeting participant is responsible for maintaining the conduciveness of the meeting. Therefore, each meeting participant can deactivate  the microphone  when not speaking, wear polite clothing, not do other activities during an online meeting, and other things that can disturb the focus of other meeting participants.

By understanding etiquette, communication goals can be achieved well so that strategic goals in meetings or formal gatherings are expected to be realized well too.