The English are considered to be the most polite people. A true gentleman or lady never, under any circumstances, lose their temper and always look very dignified. For them, following the rules of English etiquette is one of the basic norms of public life. It has been formed over the centuries. All wealthy and educated people were required to master the features of English etiquette. This was part of the education program for all who aspired to success.
Communication Features
The British are always distinguished by a restrained manner of communicating with other people. It may seem that they are too prim and unemotional. In fact, this manner of behavior is dictated by the English etiquette of communication. Speaking loudly, accompanying your speech with gestures is considered a sign of poor education. The British are not accepted to express their opinion, interrupting the interlocutor. A polite smile never leaves their face, no matter how they relate to you.
According to English etiquette, the interlocutor needs to say compliments and even flatter. It is not customary to complain about life or ask the British for help, as this is considered a humiliation. A show of fortitude is welcome. Boasting about one’s virtues or achievements is a manifestation of bad taste. This will negatively affect your reputation. On the contrary, the British modestly represent themselves, diminishing their role. So, in modesty, they bring up their children. That is why the British are not in conflict. They do not raise the tone, as this is considered a provocation of scandal. It is not recommended to look intently into the interlocutor’s eyes, as well as to look around.
The rules of English etiquette prohibit holding hands in pockets when communicating, as this is considered a sign of distrust, secrecy.
Conversation topics
The English 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, it all starts with a discussion of a neutral topic. Personal life, illness and financial well-being are not discussed here, since 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 courtesy.
Greetings and Farewell
The British are very restrained in physical contacts. They greet the interlocutor with a light short-term shake of the hand, and the ladies only lightly touch their cheeks, imitating a kiss. Patting on the shoulder or patting your hair is not permitted under any circumstances.
In parting, the British shake hands. If they leave a meeting or an evening party, where there are numerous guests, they say goodbye only to the owners.
Of particular importance is English speech etiquette. It provides for the use of phrases and expressions that correspond to a specific time of day. For example, good morning can be desired before dinner. At a later time, as a farewell, you can say, “Door of the Night,” or simply “Bye.” At the end of business meetings, it is customary to wish a good day.
Facial expressions and gestures
Since the manifestation of emotions does not include English etiquette, facial expressions and gestures are minimized. 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.
Acquaintance
It is not customary to start acquaintance of people without the participation of third parties who could introduce them to each other in England. The dating initiative is also not welcome here. 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 and involves the possession of some mandatory rules. The success of negotiations, partnerships and any other business relationships 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, but the jokes are subtle. The expression of emotions during the discussion is unacceptable for the British. They talk with specific numbers, 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.
Dressing for the meeting is necessary in a business style, in accordance with the dress code. For men it is a suit, for women it is a strict dress.
English clothes
Etiquette involves changing clothes at lunchtime. The outfit must be changed daily. Do not use clothing with animal fur.
In the daytime you can use casual clothes. But in the evening, an elegant outfit is required. Tourists should consider this fact, as in clubs and bars a dress code is set.
English etiquette
It also has its own characteristics and requires compliance with rules and regulations. English etiquette at the table involves serving, depending on what dishes will be served. During the meal, everyone present at the table should participate in the conversation. It is considered a sign of poor education champing, folding elbows on the table, talking quietly with a person sitting next to him. You can’t leave the plate empty at the end of the meal, there must be something left in it.
It is not customary to make visits without first notifying the hosts about this. If the owner raises a napkin at the table, this is a signal of the end of the meal.
In cafes and restaurants it is indecent to pay money from hand to hand. Tipping waiters decided to leave under a napkin. When inviting a waiter to you, just raise your hand. Finger clicks are not allowed.
English tea ceremonies
Tea etiquette is the tea 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, it is necessary to cover the knees with an expanded napkin. After the person got up from the table, the napkin should be hung on the back of the chair.
All ingredients must be added to tea in a specific sequence. First, sugar is added to the cup, then lemon or milk. After use, put a teaspoon on a platter. Holding a cup with a set apart little finger is considered a sign of poor parenting.