ETIQUETTE AT THE OFFICE.- Communicative activities.

Let's read the following text to find out about manners nowadays.

Many people lament the lack of good manners in today's society. There tends to be a "me first" attitude that can manifest itself in rudeness and bad manners. Some people focus on their own needs and forget about treating others with respect. If you treat people with respect, from potential partners to bosses to total strangers, and make a good impression, there could be some tangible benefits.

Workplace.

Using good manners on the job will give a good impression to your co-workers and bosses. It can be hard to stand out at work when you have the same skills and ability level as everyone else on your work team. Good manners can set you apart, helping you to earn recognition and possible raises and promotions.

Customers.

If you deal with customers, good manners can help you maintain your current clients and win new customers more easily. In a study by Eticon Inc., an etiquette consulting company, 58 percent of people surveyed said they would stop dealing with a business if they were treated rudely. Using good manners also can bring down hostility and defensiveness when a customer comes to you with a problem.

Drivers.

Try to maintain good manners on the road, even when other drivers do foolish things like cutting you off. By maintaining good manners, you'll reduce your own stress level and reduce the chance that another driver will try to get into a violent confrontation with you.

Everyday contacts.

Use good manners and treat others with respect, even if they are everyday contacts who you do not know personally. This includes store clerks, gas station attendants, salespeople and just about anyone else you might encounter in your daily routine. If you treat others with respect, they are more likely to respond in the same way. If you end up having a problem, they will be more likely to go out of their way to help you if you use good manners instead of getting upset. Using good manners with a stranger can brighten the other person's day, even with a simple act like holding a door open or giving up your seat on a crowded train.

Text adapted from http://www.ehow.com/about_5368297_benefits-good-manners.html

Answer the following questions:

• Where and when do you usually switch off your mobile?
• Have you ever forgotten to turn your phone off? Were there embarrassing consequences?
• Do you use more formal language when you speak to an older person / your boss / a teacher?
• Do you always stop at a pedestrian crossing?
• When you arrive more than 15 minutes late for a lunch or dinner at someone's house, do you apologise? Do you take a present?

Write memos with the following information.

Example: Mrs Harris / Peter Duncan / application forms for course / send back asap.

1. Mr Reynolds / Susan Fleming / inform the workers about new schedules / attached document with more information.
2. Ms Branson / Anne Smith / pick up the package at the train station / bring it to office asap.
3. Mr Brown / Susan Ford / in response to memo / gave details to administration staff to start working on the new campaign / attached document with new brochures.