Exceptional situations require adjusting manners! It’s human nature to be concerned with our well-being. We should be all preoccupied with our health and safety space, especially now with the proliferation of coronavirus.
We can’t avoid interacting with people, but we can take extra measures of prevention. We can skip the classic handshake and have a mutual agreement using body language such as:
• Nod your head or bow when approaching someone.
• Keep direct eye-contact.
• Use facial expressions: smile.
•Use simple gestures: lean over, slightly incline your head.
• Pay attention to the tone of voice: pitch, volume, clarity.
• “Speak” through your posture: take control of your body and adopt a stance that conveys the right information to your audience.
• Be aware of the personal space: you may keep the distance a little further than usual.
Be attentive to
your audience’s body language, and make sure it resonates with yours.
Adapt your manners if necessary, and make sure you get positive feedback from
your audience.
Body language can prove to be a powerful tool in your finding arsenal during the coronavirus outbreak.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I greet someone politely without shaking hands?
You can skip the classic handshake and reach a mutual understanding through body language instead: nod your head or bow when approaching someone, keep direct eye contact, and smile. Simple gestures like leaning in slightly or inclining your head convey warmth without physical contact.
What role does posture play when we cannot rely on physical greetings?
Your posture speaks for you, so take control of your body and adopt a stance that conveys the right message to your audience. Combined with facial expressions and an attentive tone of voice, posture becomes a powerful communication tool when touch is off the table.
Is it rude to keep extra distance from people during a health crisis?
Not at all; being aware of personal space and keeping a little more distance than usual is a sensible adjustment of manners. Exceptional situations require adapting etiquette, and protecting everyone's health and safety is itself an act of consideration.
How do I know my adjusted manners are being well received?
Be attentive to your audience's body language and make sure it resonates with yours. Adapt your manners if necessary and look for positive feedback from the people you are interacting with, since good etiquette is always a two-way exchange.