Sue Fox

Practicing proper etiquette means knowing the mechanics of dining, the correct amount to tip for a service, giving a gift graciously, and traveling with ease while exercising good manners.Etiquette tips for diningPeople usually think of the mechanics of eating when the word etiquette is mentioned and for good reason.

Wedding etiquette rules have relaxed a bit over time, but common sense and basic etiquette are still necessary in every phase of wedding planning — and on the big day itself.Familiarizing yourself with what to do before, during, and after your wedding will help ensure that everyone enjoys all your wedding festivities.

Business etiquette is vitally important for representing your company in the best manner possible. Having excellent business manners means two things above all else: respecting others, and treating people with courtesy and kindness. To get started, you should know how to deliver a proper handshake, master the art of gift-giving, and travel abroad without missteps.

Body language can make or break a deal. How you carry yourself when engaged in conversation is often as important as what you say. Body language is nonverbal, but it communicates volumes about you nonetheless. With almost infinite symbolic interpretations for body language, no wonder people are nervous about it!

In the United States, tipping is a voluntary practice in most places and is based upon your experience of a service or meal. Knowing how to tip gracefully is an important skill in etiquette. Here are some tipping suggestions: If you’ve received excellent service and food, you should tip 15 to 20 percent of the before-tax amount of the bill.

World travel can be quite stressful — even before you leave your home! Follow these travel tips to make your trip as enjoyable as possible and keep your manners intact: Every courtesy should be afforded when traveling, especially abroad. Remember the adage of “when in Rome.” Always be respectful of your differences, others’ customs, culture, and religion.

Clear business writing requires good grammar, spelling, and vocabulary and ruthless self-editing. You also need to make your business writing courteous, getting your point clearly across with civility. These tips can help you give a good impression with your business writing: Read. You acquire a good vocabulary in only one way: by reading.

Include a printed return address on envelopes for your business that match your business's letterhead. Ideally, the recipient’s address on these envelopes should be typed or printed by a software program, but they can be written by hand, especially if personal service is meant to be one of your business's selling points.

Business memorandum or memoranda — also called memo or memos — are specially formatted written communications within your business. A memo's format is typically informal (but still all-business) and public. Memos typically make announcements, discuss procedures, report on company activities, and disseminate employee information.