May 7, 2009
Etiquette expert: Mind your P's and Q's when there is threat of flu
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Practicing traditional business etiquette in the midst of today's H1N1 (swine flu) concerns just takes a little common sense, caution and grace, says a Purdue University etiquette expert."If you have a cold or are unwell, then it's best for the well-being of others if you not attend a meeting or gathering," says Anthony Cawdron, who teaches a business etiquette course in the College of Consumer and Family Sciences. "But if you must be there, there is nothing wrong with not extending your hand to greet people. Even though people are expectant of a handshake, it is perfectly fine to smile and nod. If a genuine greeting is given with a smile, then the need for touching is not necessary."
The caution exercised in the current flu situation is similar to what the cruise ship industry encounters regularly, Cawdron says. The confined space on cruise ships makes caution essential. For example, many captains now formally greet guests with their hands clasped behind their backs, and then they bow slightly from the waist or nod.
"If someone does offer a hand and that person does appear to have a cold, it would be bad manners not to take the hand," Cawdron says. "But I would encourage that person to wash their hands as soon as possible, especially before eating anything. Just like we were taught by our parents, it's always a good practice to excuse yourself before eating to wash your hands."
Cawdron also recommends carrying the pocketsize hand sanitizer, but don't use it in front of others.
The history of the handshake began centuries ago as a gesture of friendship and welcome when knights would offer an open hand to show they were unarmed.
"Today we've taken that idea to its full meaning, and we feel as if we have to touch people to say we've met them," Cawdron says. "People also can become acquainted on the phone or verbally. Remember, we don't have to make contact with someone by actually making physical contact."
Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, 765-494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu
Source: Anthony Cawdron, 765-496-7805, apcawdron@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
To the News Service home page