DEAR DR. FLO
By Dr. Flo Gray

Published in the Community Experience magazine.
Community Experiencewww.communityexperience.net

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION TO DR. FLO:

(Required)

Dear Dr. Flo
I am on a committee with a friend and I have to phone her often to get information or update her. When her answering machine connects, I am so tired of listening to her long-winded message; Dr. Flo, you know how annoying it can be. She goes on and on about nothing, to blessing the caller with a prayer to telling them to have a nice day. I really don’t think it is appropriate to leave long-winded inappropriate messages that may not mean anything to the caller. Dr. Flo is it appropriate etiquette to record long-winded meaningless messages?
~ E. M..

Dear E.M.
It is not appropriate to record long personal messages on your answering service. An outgoing message should be recorded in the person’s own voice and the message should be businesslike and pleasant. The caller assumes you’re sorry you missed them without being told. Comments about personal or religious beliefs that may offend a caller should not be included in the message. And finally, avoid clichés such as “Have a nice day” or “May God bless you.” A brief message in a pleasant tone will do the job. And remember, never tell the caller you are not there, you just may be telling a burglar that the coast is clear.

Dear Dr. Flo
I was invited to my Japanese Friend’s home for dinner and although she is very western, her parents still practice their cultural norms. I understand that when you are invited into the home of the Japanese, it is an honor, and I wanted to do the right thing. My friend O. kept telling me that I didn’t have to bring anything, but I was always taught to take a small token of appreciation to the host when invited to anyone’s home for dinner. I took a fine bottle of Remey Martin Cognac and presented it to Mrs. Y with both hands. Was I correct?
~ Allison

Dear Allison:
Your gesture of appreciate and gift to your hostess was very appropriate and the manner by which you presented it with both hands was right on target. I see that you have done your homework on the Japanese culture. Mrs. Y will always remember your good manners.

 

Protocol Etiquette School of Nevada-Las Vegas
MAILING ADDRESS:
3315 E. Russell Road, Suite A-4 #270
Las Vegas, Nevada 89120-3477
Office: (702) 456-3850   Fax: (702) 451-9214
Web: www.peson-lv.com   Email: pesonlv@aol.com