Holiday Tips and Tricks: Social Etiquette for This Special Time of Year

Written By Griffin's Place

It’s almost the holiday season and at Griffin’s Place, we getting excited! As we prepare to gather with friends and family, here are some helpful social practices to keep the celebrations running smoothly.

Helpful Tips around Eating with Others

  • Make sure you chew with your mouth closed & avoid burping at the table.

  • Use your utensils & napkin.

  • Get someone's attention prior to beginning a conversation or asking for food to be passed to you.

    • For example, Excuse me _____, can you pass the Turkey?

  • Use polite phrases when sitting at the table such as:

    • Can you please pass the potatoes?

    • If you are being passed the green beans say, “No thank you.”

  • Give a nice comment to the cook or host.

    • Thanks for having me over for dinner.  The food is delicious!

Conversationational Rules & Strategies

  • 3 different ways to start a conversation:

    • 1)  Small talk with easy topics, the 2 W’s:  

      • What are your plans for the weekend?  

      • Topics regarding the current weather.

    • 2)  Introduce a topic you are interested in:

      • For example, I went and saw the new Superman movie and really liked it.

    • 3)  Introduce a topic you know the other person likes.

      • Use your speech radar. What do you see them wearing (ie Pokemon shirt). This can help you identify a topic of interest you know they enjoy. 

  • In conversation we need to take turns. We can think of it like a stoplight. When someone else is talking your light is red and you are listening. When there is a pause in conversation (ie no talking) your light is now green and it’s your turn to talk. 

If you do happen to interrupt someone, apologize and wait your turn to speak at the next pause in conversation.

  • For example, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

  • What kind of topics should you avoid discussing?  Topics related to: politics or private information.

  • When having a conversation with someone, remember to keep it balanced by taking turns talking.  

  • Keep the conversation going by asking questions and making comments related to what the other person is saying.

  • If you would like to change the topic of the conversation you should use a topic changing statement:

    • Something I wanted to share is……

    • That actually reminds me of……

  • If you are in a big group, try to speak to those that are seated closest to you.

  • If you do happen to interrupt someone, apologize and wait your turn to speak at the next pause in conversation.

    • For example, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Wishing you and your family a magical Holiday Season!

-Griffin’s Place

Griffin's Place
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