Task 8.
Read the text below. It tells you about manners in the workplace. What do you know about that? After reading the text, answer the questions that follow.
MANNERS IN THE WORKPLACE
Being a professional, you have to pay attention to etiquettes in your workplace. There is something you as professionals have to possess, namely good manners. Good manners are shown from several aspects, such as your physical appearance, attitudes, and personality.
It is important to dress in a manner consistent with company culture and make sure your clothes are always clean. Besides, it is good for you to keep yourself clean. Taking shower or bathing every day is a must. It can relax your mind, lighten a little bit of your burden, make you feel fresh and be ready for your work. Brushing your teeth every morning after breakfast is important to keep your breath fresh.
Besides, you also have to be aware of your gesture. You have to stand up straight and sit with legs together to avoid displays. Your gesture will influence others’ impression on you. A wrong gesture will make a negative impression.
Then, you need to be careful with your attitude. Treat a cubicle as if it has a door and a ceiling. Speak calmly and with an even cadence, in person and on the telephone. Personal telephone conversations should be kept to a minimum if you inhabit a cubicle. No one wants to hear your arguments with your spouse. Confidential business conversations should also be kept to a minimum if you're in a cubicle for similar reasons. You do not want to prematurely spill the beans on some important deal. You also have to avoid aggressive behavior such as leaning into people, pointing at others, interrupting others, crowding others, using heavy perfume or cologne and bringing odorous food into the office. Snorting, spitting, or picking at any part of yourself is considered impolite.
Moreover, if you use an elevator, face forward in the elevator. If you are getting off near the top of the building, move to the rear of the elevator. If you're getting off on a lower floor, stand close to the front. Say "Hello" or "Good morning" to those you encounter in the morning and "Good night" to those you encounter as you leave.
It can be concluded that being a professional needs a good package consisting of physical appearance, attitude, and personality. All aspects really influence your impression and help you get along with others, especially your clients. Furthermore, of course, it will give a big effect to your career.
Source: http://www.pasadenaisd.org
1. What do good manners consist of?
2. What should you do to your appearance?
3. Why is your gesture important?
4. What should not you do in a workplace?
5. Is a professional’s personality important in his/her career?
Task 9
Read the text in Task 8 again and find the meanings of the words below based on context. Use your dictionary if necessary.
appearance personality
attitudes picking
cubicle possess
etiquette snorting
impression spill the beans
manner spitting
odorous spouse
Task 10
Now, find the main idea of each paragraph of the text in Task 8
Paragraph 2 :
Paragraph 3 :
Paragraph 5 :
Task 11
Work in pairs. Decide whether the statement is TRUE (T) or FALSE (F)
