MANNERS, ETIQUETTE AND PROTOCOL

Manners’, ‘etiquette’ and ‘protocol’ are three words with similar connotations but
actually are somewhat different. It is important to know what each means. When
I teach the rules of etiquette, I often begin each class by asking the participants
what they think is the difference, or whether they mean the same thing.

Manners
Manners are the guiding principles of putting people at their ease, not
embarrassing others, and generally putting yourself second. Good manners are
self-less, not self-ish. All cultures around the globe believe in the importance of
good manners.

Etiquette
Etiquette is a set of rules by which a society lives. How you become well-
mannered is (nine times out of ten) by following the rules of etiquette. There are
times when the rules will not be appropriate when actually the politest thing to
do is to do quite the opposite as to what the rulebook says… but more often
than not, the correct etiquette is exactly that – correct!
The example I like to give during my etiquette classes and trainings is the
difference between most countries and Japan. In the UK, for example, if I had a
cold and needed to blow my nose, the polite thing to do would be to turn away
from my company, blow my nose into a tissue or handkerchief, and then turn
back. Whereas in Japan, traditional etiquette tells people to sniff and not to
blow their noses in front of anyone. Sniffing in most countries would be really
annoying, but in Japan, it is seen as very respectful as you are keeping the
bodily mucus inside you and not expelling it in the presence of others.

Protocol
Protocol is an elevated form of etiquette, often used for royal, diplomatic and
state events. It is a series of official and accepted procedures designed to help
manage relationships. Many of the rules of modern protocol were agreed upon
during international conferences and conventions, such as the Congress of
Vienna and the Treaty of Versailles. Protocol can also be widely used in
corporate settings, especially when conducting official business overseas with
different cultures where hierarchies are more important.
Examples Of Using Etiquette In A Sentence

 It is considered good etiquette to say “please” and “thank you” when

making a request.
 Etiquette dictates that you should hold the door open for someone
who is walking behind you.
 Proper etiquette at a formal dinner party requires that you use the
correct utensils for each course.
 It is considered bad etiquette to talk with your mouth full.
 Etiquette requires that you RSVP to a wedding invitation in a timely
manner.
 It is good etiquette to introduce yourself to someone you have not
met before.
 Etiquette dictates that you should not interrupt someone when they
are speaking.
 Proper etiquette in a business meeting requires that you dress
professionally.
 It is considered bad etiquette to check your phone during a
conversation with someone.
 Etiquette requires that you should wait your turn in line.

Examples Of Using Protocol In A Sentence

 The protocol for addressing a member of the royal family is “Your

Majesty” or “Your Highness.”
 Protocol dictates that the most senior member of a group should be
seated first.
 It is important to follow the proper protocol when presenting a gift to
a foreign dignitary.
 The protocol for a military funeral includes a 21-gun salute.
 Protocol requires that the national anthem be played at the
beginning of a sporting event.
 It is important to follow protocol when meeting with government
officials.
 The protocol for a wedding ceremony may vary depending on the
couple’s religion or culture.
 Protocol dictates that you should stand when a judge enters the
courtroom.
 It is important to follow protocol when using diplomatic language in
international relations.
 The protocol for addressing a member of Congress is “Senator” or
“Representative.”