Category Archives: Etiquette

How To Disagree Gently And Then State Your Idea

How To Disagree Gently And Then State Your Idea Listen attentively to the other person’s idea/strategy. Then say: “That is certainly a PLAUSIBLE idea/strategy. Could I add another strategy that I’d like for us to consider for three reasons.” Or … Continue reading

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Where Your Freedom Ends

Where Your Freedom Ends By Gene Griessman I heard about some guy at Costco who refused to wear a face mask. Said he woke up in the land of the free. Even if he did wake up in the land … Continue reading

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How To Introduce A Competing Concept Or Tactic

Here’s a wonderful power phrase that you can use in various settings—from one-to- ones with the boss to team discussions to boardroom presentations. You can use it in negotiations to break an impasse. You say simply, “COULD I GIVE YOU … Continue reading

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How To Enter An Ongoing Conversation Politely

How To Break Into A Discussion By Gene Griessman I heard a guest on CNN use the following power phrase to get into the discussion: “I’m going to differ slightly from the other people on the panel.” Here’s why I … Continue reading

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Donald Trump On English Grammar

Donald Trump’s Best Words: “Badly” Trump recently said to a reporter; “I feel badly for Paul Manafort.” What is good grammar, badly or bad? We found this answer in The English Language & Usage Stack Exchange: “I feel badly” would … Continue reading

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“Due to a prior commitment” How To Use It

 How To Decline An Invitation One of the best ways to decline an invitation is to use a variation of “prior commitment” or “previous commitment” in your response. I personally prefer “Unfortunately I have a conflict.” These are some of … Continue reading

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How To Introduce A High-profile Speaker

How To Introduce A High-Profile Speaker Such As A Religious Leader Or Politician: An Example    By Gene Griessman, PhD Recently I was asked to introduce Ken Futch,  a Hall of Fame professional speaker. Afterward Futch told me it was … Continue reading

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Lack Of Civility

The Importance Of Being Polite                       By Gene Griessman Over fifty years ago,  in 1964, a Canadian poet by the name of F. R. Scott wrote the remarkable poem below about … Continue reading

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Verbal Diplomacy:How To Leave Yourself Wiggle Room

What You Say… …if you’re inclined to agree with someone.  You’re not absolutely sure about the facts and want to indicate how you’re leaning but want to leave yourself wiggle room, say: “I haven’t formed a final thought on that … Continue reading

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How To Say You’re Not Interested

A Quick, Polite Way To Say You’re Not Interested In the past I’ve participated in an international house exchange. I like the concept so much that not long ago I contacted a family in Paris that participates in the program. They … Continue reading

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