Respecting the emotions and feelings of people interacting with you through your considerate behaviour is a form of politeness. It is considered as an essential soft skill that can open new doors for you.
Polite behaviour helps you in succeeding professionally and personally in life. Pay special attention to your words and actions as they are a determining force to enhance this social skill. Being polite can improve your own life as well as the lives of others who come in contact with you. It leaves a lasting impression on others. Your kindness, courtesy and politeness are personality traits that will have a direct impact on your professional and personal life.
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1) Polite people are approachable
Polite behaviour help in improving relationships, build rapport, improve communication and boost confidence. It is an acquired skill that demonstrates good etiquettes and can open new doors for you.
People like talking with individuals who are polite and show respect. When you greet people appropriately, maintain eye contact, hug with warmth, shake hands and smile genuinely you create a favourable impression. Be approachable if you are looking for ways to be polite. Try to make time for a small talk even for a minute or two. Your effort to engage in light conversation will be appreciated. Remember to be polite to everyone because if you are not so then you will gain a reputation for being two-faced.
2) Polite people step forward
A person is considered polite when he takes a step towards you irrespective of his higher job position or status in life. When introduced he will not wait for you to reach him, instead will step forward, smile and act as it is an honour. A polite person is gracious and creates a positive impression via his actions.
He will be familiar but not over-familiar and will wait a respectable time to establish a personal connection. If you are looking for ways to be polite do not make others uncomfortable instead maintain a balance between good manners and discomfort.
3) Polite people are gracious
If you are looking for ways to be polite then be gracious in your efforts. Pick up the non-verbal and verbal signs and act accordingly. Remember small things about the people you are interacting with and introduce them in the conversation to create intimacy. Be mindful of any sad events in the lives of others and show your concern.
Remember basic etiquettes and use thank you, sorry, please in your sentences when required. These simple words have the ability to create a favourable connection between two people. It is essential that you congratulate others on their accomplishments and achievements with genuine warmth to show that you relate with their success in a positive manner. Your politeness and graciousness are important social skills that can help you in achieving success in life.
4) Polite people use appropriate language
If you are looking for ways to be polite you need to use appropriate language while interacting with others. Do not think that only the people who are social, financially or professionally superior to you deserve your politeness.
No the concept and the thinking behind it is wrong. People who are subordinates and socially and financially inferior to you are more deserving of your polite behaviour than others. Offer your respect to everyone in an equal manner and be polite irrespective of their position in life. Use appropriate language and stay away from any discriminatory or degrading remarks. A polite person uses positive words instead of negative language to create better relationships.
5) Polite people do not gossip or listen to it
Gossip is a form of negative inputs that can disturb the existing atmosphere. Both personal life and professional work-front are hubs of gossip and it is human nature to listen attentively and then offer an opinion on the juicy titbits. If you are looking for ways to be polite then you need to stay away from gossip. Telling tales or even just listening to them makes you a party to it.
Better stay away because a person who indulges in this form of entertainment loses his credibility after a certain time. No one believes him even if he is the bearer of truth. Polite people who turn a deaf ear to such tales create a trustworthy reputation and are always appreciated because of their stand.
6) Polite people do not judge others
Do not appoint yourself as judge and jury because you are unaware of the circumstances that other people are going through. It is quite easy to make snap judgements without acquiring all the facts and information.
If you are looking for ways to be polite then stop judging people. Refrain from the urge and try to know about the circumstances that may have led to such an action. Be tolerant and remember that the world is a circle and every action has a reaction. Tomorrow people might start passing judgement on your actions and cause you distress. When you are polite and tolerant people will like you and refrain from gossiping about you.
7) Polite people listen attentively
It is simply bad manners to stay aloof in any conversation or take part half-heartedly. Your disinterest will look rude to others and will create an unfavourable impression about you. If you are looking for ways to be polite then take an active part in a conversation. Besides offering your input it is necessary to listen attentively.
Pay attention to words, actions and even nuances so as to understand and contemplate. Never ever interrupt someone while he is speaking as it is bad manners. A person who is polite will never glance at his watch, mobile device or other people passing through because he knows that it is rude to do so.
He will maintain eye contact, nod at appropriate places and smile in between to show his concentration and interest in the conversation. A polite person is a master of subtlety and will redirect the conversation easily to the channel he desires.
8) Polite people are not pushers
We all know that it is not acceptable to integrate yourself in any conversation with help of forceful behaviour. Do not be loud in expressing your opinions and do not force others to accept your dictate. If you are looking for ways to be polite then do not be a pusher. A polite person will hold himself from forcefully sharing of information.
If he has an opinion he will present it in a polite way so that everyone can relate to it calmly. Even if there is a difference of opinion he will prefer a balanced discussion. Polite people are open to different views and can listen to the opinions of others in a calm and collected manner.
9) Polite people use humour carefully
Humour is a very powerful weapon and must be used fittingly. It can cause serious harm if applied at the wrong time and during inappropriate situations. If you are looking for ways to be polite then recognise your boundaries. Remember that there are a place and time for humour. Try not to cause offence by your humour as the things you find humorous might not seem like it to others.
10) Polite people put others at ease
A person who is polite will put others at ease in a gentle and calm manner. They do not believe in ruffling any feathers and will diffuse tense situations with a firm and appropriate hand. They will go out of their way to alleviate any discomfort or uncomfortable moment. If you are looking for ways to be polite then let the other person speak about himself.
This will gradually lessen any awkwardness. Ask relevant and leading questions that will help him to open up. When you are polite and interested the person at the other end will see this as a positive sign and will be at ease.
Here is a video by Marketing91 on Politeness.
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