Steps

1. 
   

   Choose your words wisely and don't rush to comment about things you don't know much about. Being a good listener is often better than speaking. You don't need to have an opinion on everything.
   

   Think things out before you speak, especially if you are a person who may be poor at finding the right words to say. Don't start a sentence, with 'ums' and 'ers' in between, it seems awkward and you should try speaking to yourself in a mirror, it works! It increases your confidence in speaking, and it sounds much clearer, you may find you'll be using less 'ums' and 'ers' next time!
   



2. 
   

   Speak with respect for others. You can do this by avoiding negative remarks that may insult someone else. Do not use expressions or theoretical examples that imply disrespect or degradation or that invite people to imagine offensive scenarios, such as "what is up your butt?" or "how would you feel if someone..." followed by a description of violent or degrading acts. You may not intend this as offensive, but it is.
   



3. 
   

   Do not ever speak of bodily functions,even if it is a casual conversation, such as using the bathroom or telling crude jokes, for this shows signs of immaturity and often gives yourself a bad impression on friends, family, and co-workers.
   



4. 
   

   Always respect older people, and listen to them and learn. This applies to all elders and not just parents or grandparents.
   



5. 
   

   Using the terms "Thank You," and "You are Welcome" shows that you have manners. People who lack manners do not use these terms.
   



6. 
   

   Hold open a door for anyone following you closely. This is a sign of good manners and has never changed. There are no strict gender rules in this day and age.
   



7. 
   

   Speak highly of your parents, even if there are things about them that you do not like. If you cannot do that, stay away from speaking about them at all around others. It looks tacky to insult or speak badly of the people who brought you into this world or raised you.Don't air dirty laundry about your family. It's tacky and rude.
   



8. 
   

   Try not to swear or use curse words so much. Eventually, you'll see that bad words are not appropriate and you'll begin to feel more comfortable avoiding them. Profanity is a sign of an unchallenged mind. Using a broad vocabulary gives the impression of intelligence and character.
   



9. 
   

   Greet others appropriately even if you know someone well. If you are a man, you do not want to greet a woman by saying, "Hey Baby, what's shaking?" Instead, try something like, "Hello, good morning or evening," anything that would make you appear to have manners and good sense.
   



10. 
    

    Try to show that you are more interested in the person you are speaking to by asking them questions about themselves. Don't steal their spotlight by just talking about yourself. You don't want to come off as selfish.
    



11. 
    

    Pay attention to how you carry yourself. In other words, act like you have some class, which goes hand in hand with manners. Don't slouch, have a neat appearance, shake hands, be clean, hold your head high and don't hide behind dark sunglasses inside or wear other "trying to be cool" looks at the wrong time.
    



12. 
    

    Don't put other people down, belittle them or spread gossip. Never openly criticize someone in an attempt to put them down or to make yourself look better. Be complimentary and positive. For example, insulting an article that someone has written. Their grammar and spelling may not be as good as yours but they did put forth a positive effort. Having an opinion is one thing, but being insulting is a sign of bad manners. it is never polite to tell secrets in front of someone. If someone else is gossiping or belittling them, show you understand in a neutral way (a small nod to show you comprehend or an "mmhmm" should do) and then go on to compliment them on something as closely related as possible.
    



13. 
    

    Don't interrupt another person who is speaking, regardless of even if it is a casual conversation. Try to let them finish what they are saying; in other words, listen.
    



14. 
    

    Ask for clarification properly. If you did not hear something that an individual has said, or if you need something clarified, consider using "Could you say that again for me, please?" or "I'm sorry?" Avoid solely using the word "What?" as it tends to come off as brash and unrefined.
    



15. 
    

    Get off the phone before entering a restroom. No one cares to hear you doing your business. Regardless of entering a public or private bathroom, just to wash your hands or more serious projects you should get off the phone first. There are no exceptions.
    

    Think about phone manners and observe appropriate phone etiquette at all times.
    

    
    
    • 
      

      Don't eat while talking on the phone. Making smacking noises in someone's ear isn't nice and doesn't show good manners. Don't eat while talking, and chew with your mouth closed.
      

    
    
    • 
      

      Never carry your conversation into a bathroom. Somethings are just meant to be private and not shared over the phone.
      

    
    
    • 
      

      If you must carry on two conversations at once you should always excuse yourself from one of them and resume it later.
      

    
    
    • 
      

      Say, "I'm sorry, hold on one minute, my boss is telling me something" or if the personal conversation will last more than a minute you should say, "Can I call you back? My mother needs to talk to me and it may take a few minutes".
      

    
    
    • 
      

      In case of needing a restroom break, you should say something to get off the phone but don't share too much information with the wrong person. For example, to a stranger you can say, "I'm sorry, I need to get off the phone for a minute, can I call you back?"
      

    
    
    • 
      

      There's nothing worse than having a phone conversation and the other person is carrying on a chat, perhaps not listening to what you're saying and when talking you can't tell if they are speaking to you or the other person in the room.
      

    
    
    • 
      

      Turn off your phone in movies, don't text while pretending to pay attention to someone else, never carry on a phone conversation during a meal.
      

    
    
    • 
      

      When you are with others in a social setting try to refrain from using your cell phone. It implies that you would rather be somewhere else with someone else and that they are not important to you.
      

    
    
    
    


16. 
    

    Make meaningful introductions. If someone tells you their name, either by shaking your hand and saying their name or by saying "Hi! I'm John!" etc. Do not just go "Ok!" or "Hi!". Tell them your name! This may seem obvious, but many people overlook this and come across as not wanting to know the other person.
    



17. 
    

    Show respect for elders at all times. This includes other adults and not just your parents or grandparents. Say "Sir" and "Ma'am".
    



18. 
    

    If you are visiting a friends parent's home, offer the parents help with anything they may need done in their home such as taking out the trash, or preparing the table for dinner.Don't forget to thank them for opening up their home to you, as well as allowing you to eat with them. Then they will be sure to have more respect for you when you return.
    



19. 
    

    Address older adults and professional seniority with the title of "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Miss", or "Ms." until you are asked by them to address them by a first name.
    



20. 
    

    Make certain the person prefers the nick name over the proper name before you use it. It's fine to ask if you are uncertain. It's recommended you ask if you are casually introduced to someone with a nickname socially. Don't assume that "Michael" prefers to be called "Mike".
    



21. 
    

    Improve your manners when speaking. Here are other common etiquette mistakes and their solution.
    

    
    
    • 
      

      Never say "Yeah". It's "Yes" or preferably "Yes, please".
      

    
    
    • 
      

      It's never "Huh?", it's "Pardon?"
      

    
    
    • 
      

      Instead of "Nah", say "No, thank you."
      

    
    
    • 
      

      Always use "May I...?" instead of "Can I?"
      

    
    
    
    


22. 
    

    Don't send letters or notes written in red ink. It's a sign of disrespect. You can use red ink for lists, notes to yourself or study notes buy never for letters or notes to other people. Teachers may use it for grading because it stands out.
    



23. 
    

    Give gratitude. If someone gives you a gift, goes out of their way for you or provides a service which you appreciate you should write a thank you note. Not an email unless you are at work and you should still write a thank you note for a gift. Saying "thank you" is just not enough. You should always keep a box of thank you cards in your office and at home.
    



24. 
    

    Some people think spelling things wrong is normal. It's actually a sign of bad manners and poor intelligence. If you don't care enough to spell it right, you're insulting the recipient.
    

    Use proper grammar and spelling. Proper grammar and spelling are important when speaking but essential when writing thank you notes or other communication. Proper grammar is also good manners. Your words and the context of your message will be understood and not require interpretation.
    

    
    
    • 
      

      Never use IM or computer jargon when sending a note for thank yous or communicating. Using jargon in general makes a person appear self centered when others don't understand. It also makes the listener feel ignorant.
      

    
    
    • 
      

      You should never assume everyone knows what LOL or TTYL means.
      

      
      
      • 
        

        "Cuz" should never be used instead of "because"
        

      
      
      • 
        

        "2" should never replace "to", "two" or "too"
        

      
      
      • 
        

        "U" should never replace "you".
        

      
      
      • 
        

        Know the difference between you, your and you're
        

      
      
      
      
    
    
    • 
      

      Use a dictionary or thesaurus if you aren't sure of the spelling, meaning or usage of a word.
      

    
    
    • 
      

      Proofread! Don't assume spell check catches everything. Read over everything.
      

    
    
    • 
      

      Not taking the time to spell simple words may be seen as disrespectful.
      

    
    
    • 
      

      Unless you're chatting with close friends and the grammar is usually horrible you should never use jargon or abbreviations unless they are commonly recognized (Mr., Mrs., dates, etc.
      

    
    
    • 
      

      Understand when IM and chat room language should be used. Avoid using it outside of IM, text or chat situations. It makes you appear lazy and poorly mannered.
      

    
    
    • 
      

      Avoid generational jargon and slang. When communicating with someone of a different generation make sure terms used are those familiar to all generations (use English grammar). You wouldn't like it if your boss or grandparents sent you letters using a strange code or parts were in a foreign language. Older and younger generations use different jargon.
      

    
    
    
    


25. 
    Treat others as you would like to be treated. Having manners is like the Golden Rule. It is enlightened self protection.
    

Tips

• 
  

  Manners are little rules that help us all act with respect toward one another. If you are unsure what to do in a particular situation, remember that manners strive to make everyone around you feel comfortable, and take action based on this thought.
  



• 
  

  Some people feel that being "mannered" is "fake" or unauthentic. Instead, realize that manners are social conventions that make interactions easier and more pleasant. Not every interaction is an opportunity to correct others or set them straight.
  



• 
  

  Start your day off by smiling and feeling positive. Treat everyone you come across with respect. That way their day may be a good one; and maybe they'll pass that smile and positive attitude along to someone else...see what a difference that you can make?
  



• 
  

  If someone else is speaking, try hard not to be domineering by taking over the story or subject matter at hand...even if you feel that you can tell it better. Try to let them finish what they are saying, before adding your two cents.
  



• 
  

  If you are talking to someone on the phone, be sure to pause every once in a while in order to allow the other person time to speak.
  



• 
  

  Start showing your manners with your parents. They'll be overjoyed that their children are speaking to them with respect, for respect shows that you have good manners.
  



• 
  

  If you are in school, make sure that you behave so that your teacher can speak highly of you...pay attention in class and do your homework.
  



• 
  

  Avoid annoying others with your cell phone. Be sure to turn it off in movie theaters, and don't drive with a cell phone stuck to your ear (this is illegal in some states anyway). It is not only dangerous, but will cause others to think that you are rude, especially when you are cutting in front of them in traffic and so forth...show some manners.
  



• 
  

  Good manners will never go out of style, so practice having good manners. It can only help you in the long run.
  



• 
  

  If you are receiving an award shake the giver's hand.
  



• 
  

  One of the easiest ways to appear good mannered is to be silent and only talk when you have something important to say. This adds weight to your words.
  



• 
  

  Always use the essentials - ma'am, sir, pardon, thank you, my pleasure etc.
  



• 
  

  There are a variety of books available on the subject of manners which can be useful for fine tuning.
  



• 
  

  Manners are often dictated by good sense. If you would be offended by an action, that action is likely to offend others.
  



• 
  

  When asking someone about a touchy subject, keep your voice the same that you would if you were asking about the weather. This shows that you're taking them seriously and will allow them to be more comfortable about answering.
  



• 
  

  Pardon bodily functions. Say "excuse me" if you belch or cough (or make any other unavoidable noise with your body). Laughing at a belch is poor manners and makes a person seem uncivilized and crude. It may be funny to your friends but others around you see it as poor character.
  



• 
  

  Check used book stores or library sales for books on etiquette. The books are updated from year to year and older editions are replaced with new. The advice from the 50's seems archaic today. If you can find one released within the last decade you can at least get the majority of common etiquette rules.
  



• 
  

  There is a book available titled "How to Be a Gentleman". This will make an excellent gift for any man and especially those in high school or college. The rules are geared towards contemporary male etiquette. Most other etiquette books will have a largely female perspective.
  



• 
  Do not talk with your mouth full. Do not stop mid-sentence to eat, chew, swallow and then continue - your well-mannered companions will of course not interrupt you, and they should not have to wait and watch you eat. Eat or talk, but do not do both at the same time.