7 Etiquette Dictates For Meetings That Every Professional Should Know

Whether you are eating lunch with a client, skyping with a prospect, or meeting a business partner for the first time – it is all about how you present yourself.

The way you conduct yourself during meetings leave a lasting impression on people. Is it acceptable to eat or chew gums during a meeting, or check your phone?

When is the right time to ask questions? If broken, the unwritten rules of meeting professionalism may damage your reputation.

Here are five etiquette dictates for meetings that every professional should know.

1. Be Punctual

Make sure you come on time and prepare for the meeting ahead of time. You do not have to waste anyone else’s time by not being punctual. Every business owner is a leader and one of the qualities of every leader is punctuality.

In instances where you will be unavoidably late, let your clients or partners know you will be late.

2. Have a Strong Meeting Agenda

A strong agenda helps you stay on track. Attending a meeting without a strong agenda will only achieve ineffective results and will definitely waste everyone’s time. So jot down talking points and highlights before stepping into the meeting.

3. Be Audible

Speak loudly enough so that everyone hears what you are saying. Not speaking loudly enough can affect your professionalism. Inaudibility can be quickly traced to a poor sense of one’s worth, lack of confidence etc. Ensure you communicate with everyone in the meeting. It is embarrassing when people have to ask you to repeat what you have just said.

4. Follow the Unwritten Speaking Rules

Don’t interrupt others abruptly. During some meetings, you might have to interrupt people so you can be heard. Understand these unwritten rules so that you can have a productive meeting.

5. Keep Your Phone Out of Sight

Don’t keep your phone on the table during meetings, it can get distracting if it starts lighting up or making noise. It’s either you put it in your pocket or leave the meeting room when you have to make a call or return a text.

It is really rude to be picking up calls or texting during meetings.

6. Coffee or Tea is Acceptable but You Need Permission for Everything Else

If you are going to eat, you need to ask everyone else for permission because the noise and the aroma can serve as a huge distraction. Just ensure everyone else is okay with it.

7. Don’t Save All Your Questions till the End.

Don’t be the person that delays everyone with questions when they are ready to go. Ask your questions at the appropriate time. The right questions shape the direction of the meeting and decisions to be reached.

Meeting room etiquette always comes in handy. As a professional, they are codes you must live by.

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