Etiquestions

ETIQUESTIONS

Dr. Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa

Is there such a thing as elevator etiquette? I always feel super awkward when I enter an elevator, and other people are already in the elevator. What should I keep in mind?

This is such a good question. I am sure it has happened to all of us when we enter an already-packed elevator. There is such a thing as elevator etiquette, and one tip to keep in mind is that if you are entering a crowded elevator, it’s always best to face the doors. Entering the elevator and staring into the face of someone else can be very awkward, and even creepy. You are already in someone’s personal space so don’t make it worse by initiating potentially unwanted eye contact. Enter the elevator, smile, then face the doors.

It’s finally symphony season again. I want to make sure I understand the etiquette rules when it comes to applause. What should I keep in mind?

Yeah for the return of the symphony!!! Knowing when to clap and how to clap is one aspect of concert manners that can be a bit confusing. It is always best to wait until the entire piece of music is over before clapping. However, sometimes it is hard to know when the piece of music is ending. When in doubt, simply wait until lots of other people are clapping. It is ok to clap loudly and enthusiastically, but do not confuse it with cheering on a football team. Simply clap without moving around and yelling. The musicians, and your neighbors, will appreciate it very much.

I recently attended a very formal dinner party at a friend’s home. I needed to be excused and did not remember where to put my fork and knife so that the wait staff did not think I was finished eating. Where does my silverware go when I need to take a break from the dinner table?

The “break” position for silverware is to place the fork with the prongs down at the 7:00 area and the knife with blade facing the fork at the 5:00 area.

Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa, Ph.D. is a wife, mother, and educator living in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. She is a graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University with a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies. In addition, she holds an Associate of Arts degree in Education from McLennan Community College, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas – Pan American, and a Master of Arts in Educational Supervision from the University of Texas – Pan American. Dr. Baggerly-Hinojosa’s current research is focused on servant leadership, gender issues in leadership, and leadership communication. www.leadershipempowermentgroup.com