In boardrooms across the country, etiquette is a hot topic. Those in the business world are realizing that cultivating basic social skills can give them a competitive edge. Although casual Fridays and a more laid-back office atmosphere seem to be in vogue, Emily Post would be pleased to know that the tables are turning and people are realizing the importance of good manners.

“Etiquette is the ultimate business tool,” said Rosanne Thomas, founder and president of Protocol Advisors of Boston, who recently conducted a special seminar on “Executive Dining Skills and Business Etiquette” for the Metro South Chamber of Commerce.

“Whether you’re cultivating a new business or attending a function with the executive staff, your manners will be noticed and judged. In the business world, exemplary dining skills are a must.”

In the current business market, 99 out of 100 executives agree that social skills are a prerequisite for succeeding, according to John Malloy’s “Live for Success. And who hasn’t questioned their own social skills at one time or another? This is why the Metro South Chamber of Commerce offered the unique program as a workshop before its annual meeting at Ridder Country Club in Whitman.

“We generally like to have speakers who represent trends issues in the current business market,” said Christopher B. Cooney, president and CEO of the chamber.

“Business etiquette in today’s market is required for someone to be successful. Everyone has been in social situations that they wish they handled differently. This program will help people handle situation better.”

Etiquette, which dates back thousands of years, includes everything from the do’s and don’ts of shaking hands to when to use each of the several forks lined up nest to your plate at a formal dinner. The utensil dilemma is one that just about anyone who has attended a formal dinner has faced. And who hasn’t been on the receiving end of a limp-fish or bone-crushing handshake. The proper way to shake someone’s hand and which fork to use for each course are among the many topics Thomas covers. She also gives tips on radiating confidence in every situation, handling business introductions, conversing with grace and ease, mastering the art of small talk, the duties of guest and host or hostess, china and crystal savvy, the silent service code, how to eat various foods and seating-arrangement protocol.

“ There are a lot of decisions to be made in social setting. Those who know these skills are armed to handle dining situations with ease and present themselves with confidence and authority." Thomas told attendees.

There was a time when social skills were taught around the dinner table, but as family dinners became a thing of the past, so did the skills people learned at those evening meals, Thomas said. Today, many bright, young people are entering the business world without basic etiquette skills. Even those who learned them as children often question what they’re doing.

Ginny Murray of Easton, public relations and marketing director for Brockton Area Multi Services, Inc, said she learned good manners growing up, but still wonders what to do in certain circumstances. “Business etiquette is something different,” said Murray. “I want to make sure I’m not embarrassing myself or BAMSE.”

She has questions about the right way to introduce people and proper etiquette for the business lunch and dinners that she attends frequently.

At a recent business gathering, Murray was called upon to introduce her executive director to others attending the event. She wondered if the director should be introduced to the person or vice versa. For Murray, it’s something that comes up all the time and something that many at the workshop questioned.

“Being courteous in business is very important,” said Richard Umda, owner of Interstate Coach in Stoughton. “Manners are important only if you don’t have them. It’s then that it becomes an issue.”

Umda attended the program because as a business owner he is called upon to attend meetings and on occasion to host dinners. He wants to be confident  that he is acting properly and not offending others.

“It’s good business,” he said. “It’s all part of the dance.”

If you think no one notices bad behavior, you’re wrong. U.S. News and World Report found that 89 percent of Americans think incivility is a serious problem.

“It behooves people to be courteous,” said Thomas, who consultants with Fortune 500 companies, business organizations and colleges and graduate schools. “People want to do the right thing and are interested in learning what is right and wrong. It’s something people can learn today and use tonight. Social skills can be learned at any age.”

In the business world, small actions have great impact. Make sure your handling of the details enhances your credibility as a professional.

Some tips include:

• Make “please” and “thank you” part of every communication.
• Do not interrupt and keep your voice low and businesslike. Don’t lose control (shout, cry, swear or display anger). You will lose credibility.
• Treat everyone with respect and courtesy.
• Apologize when you are wrong, for misunderstanding, or if someone has been inconvenienced.
• Return telephone calls daily and answer letters as soon as possible.
• Do not take calls (unless it’s an emergency) when in a meeting.
• Keep your feet on the floor, not on desks, chairs or tables.
• You may accept refreshments if offered but never smoke, nor ask permission to smoke.
• Use a full-length mirror each morning to see the total image you have created.
• Learn how to gracefully compliment others, and accept compliments.
• Demonstrate loyalty, respect and kindness. Treat others the way you wish to be treated.