by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
The smallest details can sometimes leave the biggest impression and the speaker at the February Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association (JWLA) meeting provided some tips on how to make the right impression.
Diann Catlin has taught “Lessons in Etiquette” to a variety of clients from professional athletes to high school students preparing for a debutante ball.
“You will never regret being a lady or gentleman,” said Catlin. “But those times you put your foot in your mouth you will never forget.”
She presented “Business Etiquette: How polished, professional behavior benefits your business” to the members of JWLA at the River City Brewing Company on the Southbank. Catlin stressed the importance of introductions and communication, valuing the people they communicate with and proper communication through current technology. She urged members not to gloss over a business card given to them.
“If someone gives you a business card, don’t just put it in your pocket right away,” said Catlin. “Look at it, learn it, hold it as if you were holding that person in your hand.”
Introductions were also discussed during the question-and-answer session at the end of the lecture, and one part of introductions that members felt breached professional conduct was when a male colleague chose to include a kiss as part of the introduction. Others revealed that this unprovoked form of greeting had been directed at their lips and wanted to know a polite way of avoiding it.
“That is not acceptable. My husband is an attorney and I wouldn’t want his lips touching anyone else’s,” said Catlin.
Earlier in the lecture, Catlin explained how to keep some distance between two people during a handshake. She instructed the group to “strong arm” the handshake by bracing the elbow against the body when extending to shake hands. This move helps to keep a person at an arm’s distance.
Catlin also had tips for communicating in today’s technological advanced business place. She suggested that all telephone calls should be returned by 5 p.m. the day that they are received and give the person undivided attention when returning the call. If responding by e-mail, check grammar and avoid caps and colors.
356-2466