If you are conducting the B.M:

Holding successful meetings requires preparation, well-specified goals and expectations, the right mix of people.

Dos: (things for you to do)

• • Turn off cell phones and beepers before entering the meeting;
• • Enter the room with purpose;
• • Wait to be seated (especially if you are new to the group) or ask where to sit;
• • Sit with good posture and do not bend over in the chair;
• • When sitting in a chair, keep your feet on the floor, rather than crossing your legs in front of elders & Superiors;
• • Acknowledge those around you with good eye contact, a smile or even a verbal greeting;
• • Come prepared to take notes;
• • Be a good listener, and absorb the information from those around you;
• • Pay attention & think before you speak;
• • If you do not understand something, ask questions;
• • Be careful about displaying any anger, disagreement or disappointment;
• • Talk about the team and not about yourself;
• • Contribute ideas;
• • Before answering a question, Business etiquette demands that the respondent should take a respectful pause often lasting 10 to 12 seconds, then speak;
• • Speak in quiet, gentle tones & always be calm & in control of yourself, with confident tone;
• • Clean up after yourself. Dispose of any papers or trash you have generated;
• • People hovering (hanging) while you are in a meeting: if someone is waiting to talk to you, excuse yourself & ask the person waiting if you can get back to him;
• • Being unable to attend a scheduled meeting, instead of keeping the person you are supposed to meet for a lot of time, suggest another meeting appointment at the others person's convenience.

The same works for people waiting to talk to you while you are on the phone or walk into your office without knocking first.

Do not's:

• • Refrain from tapping your foot, or continuously looking at your watch...no nervous habits;
• • Lean on the table with our elbows. Look alert by maintaining proper posture;
• • Perform personal grooming tasks such as applying lipstick, combing your hair, or clipping your fingernails;
• • Talking well beyond the time allotted for discussion or Q&A;
• • Talk about subjects that are not relevant to the agenda or presentation;
• • Initiate side conversations with neighbouring participants;
• • Be argumentative;
• • Dominating the discussion;
• • If glasses are provided for the refreshments, do not drink out of a bottle or can;
• • Displaying a lack of interest by being unprepared for the meeting or engaging in other activities during the presentation (such as talking on the telephone or reading);
• • Interrupting others in meetings: It is rude when more than one person speaks at the same time during a group meeting. We need to have a more civilized way of sharing information. Signal the meeting leader if you wish to speak & wait for your turn;
• • Not paying attention;
• • Moving about in a meeting is not only rude, but is distracting to others and can cause an interruption where information is lost due to a break in everyone's concentration;
• • Leaving Early Without a Reason.

When the meeting is over: Thank the host before leaving.

1. Practicing Good body Language:

• • Avoid long conversation with participants.
• • Do not stand in a lazy way.
• • Watch your position: do not sit or block view of the Screen.
• • Eye contact: look at your audience in a rotating order.
• • Use natural gestures.
• • Vary your voice tone to avoid monotony.
• • Hand gestures: Your hands should be used to enhance what you are saying rather than to detract from what is being said. Tests have shown that hands above-board (visible) rather than in pockets project a more positive image.

2. Maintaining a Good attitude:

• • Be there on time, and for the duration. Be prepared to stay the course.
• • Go well prepared.
• • If you must leave for a bit, leave a sign such as "Back at 2:25".
• • Do not be too aggressive or too shy. BE yourself.
• • Smile, keep your humor, be patient.
• • Keep your audience interested.
• • Provide relief if possible.
• • Make eye contact with Bored participants
• • Gently disengage "time-wasters" like deferring to later discussion or refer to the handouts.
• • Always thank your audience.

3. Watching your Style:

• • Appear in a professional look. Dress for success.
• • Enthusiasm -- Absolutely nothing will help your presentation more than communicating your passion and confidence. Your confidence and it will add credibility to your message.
• • The Power of Language; The words you select will dramatically impact your audiences' reaction -- to both your ideas and your effectiveness as a presenter. Learn to use it -- effectively. Use "power" and "command" words to get your audience's attention and to give the impression of confidence.

1. 1. Instead of "I think you will agree" try "I am certain you will agree".
2. 2. Address your audience in second person. "You" is a very powerful word; generally, audiences react much better to being addressed as "you"
3. 3. Not only should you work to find "better" words with more impact, but also to prevent excessive use of the same word over and over again.
4. 4. Avoid the use of slang and idioms: remember you want the other side to understand you. Speak at a moderate speed and use correct grammatical English.
5. 5. Quotations
   Appropriate quotations can make a noticeable impact on your audience. Make your Quotations relevant -- and interesting!
6. 6. Be convincing, be eloquent in your speech and be a good communicator. Asking questions and listening to the person answering them is an important part of communication.

4. Q & A Management:

• • Do not let the person who is asking the question attempt to take control of the presentation. "A polite thank you that is what I was looking for" can get you back on track.
• • When challenged, be honest and firm but without being aggressive or defensive

Common Etiquette Pit falls:

• • Not enough practice.
• • Reading from cards or memorizing.
• • Weak introduction.
• • Unreadable visuals.
• • Preparing everything at very last minute.
• • In audible voice.