English

Module 1
Small talk - Small talk is an informal type of discourse that does not cover any
functional topics of conversation or any transactions that need to be addressed. [1] In a
nutshell, it is a polite conversation about unimportant things. [2]
The phenomenon of small talk was initially studied in 1923[3] by Bronisław Malinowski in
his essay "The Problem of Meaning in Primitive Languages", [4] who coined the term
"phatic communication" to describe it. [5] The ability to conduct small talk is a social skill;
hence, small talk is some type of social communication.
Building rapport- Rapport is a connection or relationship with someone else. It can
be considered as a state of harmonious understanding with another individual or group.
Building rapport is the process of developing that connection with someone else.

Sometimes rapport happens naturally. We have all had experiences where we ‘hit it
off’ or ‘get on well’ with somebody else without having to try. This is often how
friendships start. However, rapport can also be built and developed consciously by
finding common ground, and being empathic .

Develop public relationships- Here are 10 steps to follow to create a successful

public relations plan:

1. Determine your public relations goals. These goals can be as few or as many as

you need.  Just be sure to be consistent with your business’ overall goals and mission.
Examples of these goals include improving your brand’s image or increasing
attendance at events held by your business.

2. Know your target audience. Determine which groups you need to communicate

with. Who needs to be involved with your business? Whose support do you need?
Who will be affected by issues related to your business? Who has something to gain
or lose from their relationship with you?

3. Give your audience objectives. Think in terms of the end result you desire, not the
process. When communicating with your audience, word objectives in terms of
specific results you desire, and what you think is possible. Each objective should cite
an audience, outcome, attainment level (%) and time frame. Consider how should
your organization, product, issue, or cause be perceived by your audience.
4. Strategies for every objective. In planning, consider how will you approach the
challenge of working toward your goals. Strategies here include methods of
communication, messages conveyed and other activities related to reaching your goal.
These strategies can serve many purposes as you will probably have several strategies
for an objective and some strategies may serve several objectives.

5. Tactics for every strategy. Consider how you will use your resources to carry out
your strategies and work toward objectives. You will likely have several tactics per
strategy.

6. Plan activities. As part of your plan, include specific activities under your tactics
that are required to carry out strategies. Activities in this part of the plan include
communication methods that you will use.

7. Inform yourself through evaluation. Ask yourself if you are reaching your

objectives through careful measurement and observation. Consider public opinions
and feedback, since these will give you a different perspective on the effectiveness of
your strategies.

8. Materials matter. Determine and obtain what you need to implement tactics

outlined in your plan.

9. Create a budget. Be sure that your public relations plan doesn’t break the bank by
creating a budget. Be sure to include out-of-pocket costs, staff time, transportation,
images, materials, etc.

10. Stay on task with a timetable and task list. Creating a timetable and task list
will help you to keep track of who does what and when. You can choose to plan
backwards from your project’s deadline or forward from the start date.

With these steps in mind, you can create a public relations plan to help you best meet
your goals. As your business grows, you can adapt your plan to satisfy your needs. If
you need assistance creating a public relations plan or implementing the tactics in
your current plan, we can help!

Informal communication- The Informal Communication is the casual and unofficial form

of communication wherein the information is exchanged spontaneously between two or more
persons without conforming the prescribed official rules, processes, system, formalities and
chain of command.

Grapevine communication- Grapevine communication is informal workplace

dialogue in its purest form: it is characterized by conversations between employees and
superiors that do not follow any prescribed structure or rule-based system. Grapevine
communication spreads rapidly and likely touches each person throughout the
organization.

Chat- The definition of a chat is a friendly, casual conversation. When you and your
neighbor have a casual little talk, this is an example of a chat. When you have an
electronic conversation using an instant message service on a computer screen, this is
an example of a chat..
 Module 2

Understanding social communication at Workplace environment

Communication at Workplace
The literal meaning of the two main words in title are- workplace i.e. the place where we
work and the next one is communication i.e. the activity of communicating or
transmitting thoughts. Workplace  is a physical, concrete thing, that is tangible and
actually holds people, relationships and goals. The importance of sharing our thoughts,
our views ,our questions or anything that comes to mind is the utmost thing needed at a
place where we spend most of our adult life which is like a second home .

Workplace communication involves speaking, listening, observing and the ability to

understand verbal and nonverbal meanings in the communication process.  Hence , the
effective communication should involve the maximum participation between everyone.

There are various types of Communication happening at Workplace.They are:-

1. Formal Communication:
2. Informal Communication

Formal communication :

 Communication through officially designated channels of message flow between

organization positions 
 Official information exchange
 Usually found in organizational charts, policy manuals or hierarchical structures 

Informal Communication -Episodes of interaction that do not reflect officially

designated channels of  communication.
 is inherent and even a necessary aspect of  organization life.
 Creates a relaxed, comfortable climate 
 Communication process within an organization is characterized and molded by
the nature of the organization structure.
In general, there are three types of formal communications in an organization:

1.   Vertical Communication
2.   Upward
3.   Downward
4.   Diagonal 

Upward Communication
 Transmission of messages from lower to higher levels (commonly initiated by
subordinates with their superiors).
 Types of messages: performance on the job, job related problems, fellow
employees and their problems, subordinates perceptions of organization policies and
practices, tasks and procedures.
Benefits:

 Managers learns what’s going on

 Employees gain the opportunity to communicate upward
 Promotes morale among all employees
 Facilitates downward communication
Downward Communication

 Flows from upper to lower (such as manager to employer or superior to

subordinates). 
 Types of messages: job instructions, procedures and practices information and
feedbacks.
 Efficient (fast)
Problems:

 Information overload 
 Lack of openness - withhold information even if sharing is important
 Filtering - some information is left out
 Message can be distorted by adding personal interpretation
 The fewer the number of authority levels through which communication must
pass, the less information will be lost or distorted
Diagonal Communication

 Communication that cuts across both work areas (functions) and organizational
levels.
 In the interest of efficiency and speed.
 Important when members cannot communicate through upward, downward, or
horizontal channels.
Horizontal Communication

 Flow of messages across functional areas at a given level of an organization (this

permits people at same level to communicate directly). 
 The flow of information between colleagues and peers
 Trend of flatten org have enhance its importance
 Informal communication
 Facilitates problem solving
 Does not follow the chain of command
 Not recognized as official
It should have an optimum balance of the downward communication with the usual
formality as well as the informal nature to formulate a friendly environment and equal
proprtion of the upward communication which should be a feedback indicator.
Transsmission of messages should be flawless and the problems encountered in the
process should be effectively managed at the grassroot level.The subordinates should
be instructed properly about the procedures without any excess overload that may
hamper the progression.In the same way there should be upward transmission of the
problems as well as accurate evaluation of the performance and encouragement should
be done to boost productivity and build loyalty.
The effective communicable environment is an important asset of a company and the
benefits are manifold and ever increasing , this concludes the very importance and the
basic need of communication at any workplace.

Social networking- Social networking is the use of Internet-based social media sites to

stay connected with friends, family, colleagues, customers, or clients. Social networking
can have a social purpose, a business purpose, or both, through sites such as
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, among others. Social networking has
become a significant base for marketers seeking to engage customers.
Module 3

Power dressing - Power dressing refers to a style of clothing and hair intended to make
wearers seem authoritative and competent, especially in professional settings in
business, law and government. While references to the style apply more typically to
women, the look is the same for both sexes: medium-length parted hair; dark,
conservative, usually matching pants and jacket; and bold, colorful "accents", such as
ties, kerchiefs or brooches. Gossip columnists often refer to the apparent transformation
of women, especially those new to fame, as they shed long hair and casual or quirky
clothes for the conformist power-dressing look. The 1970s books Dress for Success and
The Women's Dress for Success Book popularized the concept of "power dressi ng".

Fine dinning

Fine Dining Etiquette

Contrary to popular belief, dressing up isn’t the only piece of fine dining etiquette
to observe. Whether you’re going with friends or business associates, keep the
following in mind:

 Do NOT place your phone or keys on the table, as it distracts and detracts
from the atmosphere
 DO ask for assistance selecting the wine when you’re not an expert
 Do NOT give a desired price range for wine aloud; instead, indicate a bottle
of a similar price on the menu
 DO make payment arrangements prior to your meal to avoid the awkward
check grab at the end of the meal.

In addition, napkin placement can be somewhat of a concern during a first visit to

to fine dining restaurants. While your napkin will go to the left of where your
plate was to signify the end of the meal, it should be left in your chair if you’re
leaving the table for any reason during the meal.

Office party etiquette

Office Party Etiquette teaches an individual how to behave at office parties,
dinners and get together. It is essential for an individual to behave sensibly at
office parties.

 Try to reach on time. Being late to parties might annoy your boss. Be
present at the venue a little early and check whether all necessary
arrangements have been made or not?
 Be careful about what you wear. Party at the office does not mean one has
the liberty to wear revealing clothes. Wear something which looks good on
you. Avoid wearing heavy jewellery to office parties. Remember simplicity is
the best way to create an everlasting impression. Do not wear skimpy
dresses or something which shows much of your skin.
 Do not bring your kid, spouse or any other family member at office parties
unless invited by your superiors. You would be busy attending your family
members only and eventually ignore others.
 Maintain the decorum of the place. Remember your superiors are keeping
an eye on you every moment. Don’t do anything which questions your
education, family background and upbringing.
 Office parties are a good way to win over your boss. Check whether he
needs something or not? Whenever you get an opportunity, do tell him
how good you have performed this month. This will help you later.
 Introduce yourselves to others. Greet all with a smile and exchange
pleasantries. Never make a face at any of your colleagues even if you do
not like him. Office parties are a good way to know your fellow workers.
Socialize with others, rather than standing at one corner.
 Try not to include alcohol in the menu. Drinking excessively at office parties
is foolish. One tends to indulge in unwanted activities after drinking which
might cost him his job.
 In buffets, wait for your turn in line. Do not push each other.
 Do not load up your plate with food. Eat in moderate quantities. Do not
start eating unless everyone sitting around you has received food. Eat
slowly to avoid burping or farting in public. Once you have finished eating,
keep the utensils at proper places.
 Do not crack silly jokes or pass lewd comments.
 Avoid vulgar dance moves at office parties.
Business travel etiquettes

For some employees, travel is a part of their daily routine. Maybe your employees
commute to work each day, or maybe they travel around the globe to visit your
other offices. Whatever the case may be, there are some etiquette tips that every
person should know before traveling. Punctuality One of the easiest etiquette tips
is also one of the most important. Always be punctual! Whether traveling by car,
plane or train, this means first and foremost scheduling your travel times and
arrival times earlier than necessary. It's always best to be early: not only does this
give you time to get everything in order, but it also ensures that you have plenty
of time to make it to your final destination. Preparedness for travel and
meetings Traveling prepared encompasses many different things, like having the
proper documentation and tickets for travel, but also remembering all the
materials that you will need for your meeting. What’s an easy way to do this? Use
an iPad! It's portable, lightweight, and easy to store during travel. An iPad is only
one of many ways to simplify business travel. Familiarize yourself with the
culture and the city As an act of courtesy (and to make sure you don't offer a
handshake where it's considered taboo) it's always a good idea to look over some
of the cultural practices of the city that you will be traveling to. It's also great if
you have an opportunity to look over some of the popular destinations in the city.
While you may not know exactly where things are located, it's great if you can
offer your colleagues a dinner spot that you've heard great things
about! Courtesy in respect to your technology use A great tip for both the
business and the pleasure traveler, always remember to be respectful when using
technology. Other travelers don't want to listen to your phone call or hear your
ringtone for each email received. Talk as quietly as possible and always put your
phone on vibrate! Always clean up after yourself Be it by plane, car or train that
you're traveling, everyone has trash that they need to dispose of at some point.
Make it a point to throw away the trash in an appropriate location, rather than
leaving it for an employee or future traveler to dispose of! These are our top five
travel tips, but we know there are many more out there. What tips can you offer
for small business travelers?
 Proper greeting- There are many other options, but here are six of the most
common formal ways to say “hello”:

 “Hello!”
 “Good morning.”
 “Good afternoon.”
 “Good evening.”
 “It's nice to meet you.”
 “It's a pleasure to meet you.” (These last two only work when you are
meeting someone for the first time.)

Thank you notes - A thank-you note is a type of correspondence in which the writer
expresses gratitude for a gift, service, or opportunity.

Personal thank-you notes are customarily handwritten on cards. Business-related thank-

you notes are usually typed on company letterhead, but they, too, may be handwritten.

Basic Elements of a Thank-You Note

"[The] basic elements for writing a thank-you note should include:

1. Address the individual(s), using a salutation or greeting. . . .

2. Say thank you.
3. Identify the gift (be certain to get this one right. It does not look good to
thank Mr. and Mrs. Smith for the lingerie when they sent you a toaster.)
4. Express how you feel about the gift and what it will be used for.
5. Add a personal note or message.
6. Sign your thank-you note.

Thank-You Note Following a Job Interview

"An essential job-seeking technique, as well as a gesture of courtesy, is to thank
the person who interviews you. Write a note immediately after the interview and
before a decision has been made. State what you liked about the interview, the
company, the position. Emphasize briefly and specifically your suitability for the
job. Address concerns about your qualifications that came up during the
interview. Mention any issue that you didn't have the opportunity to discuss. If
you felt you misspoke or left the wrong impression, this is where you can correct
your interview--but be brief and subtle. You don't want to remind the interviewer
of a weak point." (Rosalie Maggio, How to Say It: Choice Words, Phrases,
Sentences, and Paragraphs for Every Situation, 3rd ed. Penguin, 2009)

Telephone etiquettes
1. Always identify yourself at the beginning of all calls.
A) When in the office, always answer a telephone by saying: “Hello/Good
Morning, Accounting Department, Syndi Seid speaking.”
B) From a cell phone, either simply say Hello, or state your name, Hello, Syndi Seid
here.  Do not answer by using words such as “yeah” or “yes.”
C) When placing a call, always state your name along with the name of the person
you are calling. Example: “Hello, my name is John Doe from XYZ Corporation. 
May I please speak with Ms. Jane Smith?”
2. Be sensitive to the tone of your voice.  Do not sound overly anxious, aggressive
or pushy. It is important your tone conveys authority and confidence.  Do not lean
back in your chair when speaking on the telephone.
Tip: Sit up in your chair or stand during the conversation. When at home, use a
personal tape recorder to privately record your own conversations.  You will then
hear how your sound to others.
3. Think through exactly what you plan to say and discuss BEFORE you place a
call.
Tip:  Jot down the items you want to discuss and questions you want answered. 
In other words, anticipate and expect you will be placed into a voicemail system;
plan your message to be as direct and specific as possible, asking the person to
respond to specific alternatives or questions.  Do not say, “Hello, it’s Syndi, call
me back.”  At least state the subject about which you want the person to call you
back about.
4. Do not allow interruptions to occur during conversations. Do not carry on side
conversations with other people around you.  The person on the telephone takes
precedence over someone who happens to walk in your office or passes by while
you are on the phone.
Tip: If you must interrupt the conversation, say to the person, “Please excuse me
for a moment I’ll be right back.”  And when you return, say, “Thank you for
holding.”
5. Especially when leaving messages, speak clearly and slowly. Do not use
broken phrases, slang or idioms. Always, always leave your return telephone
number as part of your message, including the area code . . . and S-L-O-W-L-Y,
including REPEATING your telephone number at the end of your message.
Tip: Practice leaving your number, by saying it aloud to yourself as slow as you
have heard an informational operator say it.
6. Build the habit of always turning off your cell phone ringer when entering a
meeting, restaurant, theater, training class, or other place where the purpose of
your visit would be interrupted or others would be disturbed by hearing your cell
phone ring.
Tip: If you are expecting an important call, inform the caller you will be in a
meeting during certain times and state you will monitor your message indicator
for when it illuminates you will excuse yourself to leave the meeting and return
the call.
7. Always speak into the telephone receiver with an even and low tone of
voice.  Especially when speaking on a cell phone out in public, be sure to monitor
how loud you may be.
Tip: Move the phone ear piece just slightly away from your ear and listen to
yourself speaking. Discover whether you are speaking too loudly or too quietly for
the other person to hear you.
8. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by other activities while speaking on
the telephone, such as rustling papers, chewing and eating, working on the
computer, or speaking with someone else.  Most importantly, do not use a hand
held cell phone while driving. Get a headset or speaker phone for the car.
Tip: Always treat every caller with the utmost courtesy and respect by giving
him/her your undivided attention.
Business salutation etiquettes
In-Person Etiquette

Business etiquette for greetings dictates that people stand up when being
introduced, according to “Successful Meeting and Greeting.” If there is some
reason that you can’t stand up to greet a business associate, apologize and
explain why. Smile, make eye contact and introduce yourself. Don’t assume that
someone else will take charge of the introductions.

Most business greetings include a simple, firm handshake. Pay attention to

names, and always introduce the “less important” person to the “more
important person.” Business etiquette dictates that clients should be considered
the “more important person,” even more so than the boss. Run this by your boss
beforehand, however. Avoid using people’s first names unless you’re invited to
do so.

Salutations

Correctly worded salutations are a hallmark of business etiquette. Traditional

business letters should begin with, “Dear John Customer,” followed by a colon.
Social business letters, such as a company fundraiser letter, would substitute a
comma for the colon, according to “Salutations in Letters and Email.” When in
doubt, opt to use the recipient’s last name preceded by “Mr.,” “Mrs.” or other
title. If deliberating between “Miss” and “Mrs.,” opt for “Miss.” If unsure of the
recipient’s gender, just use their full first and last name. Avoid using the phrase,
“To Whom It May Concern.”

Online

Online communications have ushered in a new era of informality, but business

etiquette still dictates that email communications begin with a greeting. Skipping
the email greeting can be viewed as bossy, so be sure to include a brief
salutation.
International Etiquette

Mastering the art of business greeting etiquette might seem complex enough
without the added consideration of international communications, but it’s still
appropriate to research the cultural expectations for business when working
with clients from other countries. For example, French business greetings are
formal, and you are expected to remain standing until told where to sit. In
Japan, bowing is considered an appropriate greeting form, although foreigners
may be permitted to substitute a nod of the head.

Avoid

Hugs and kisses are not considered proper business etiquette for greetings.
Unless you observe co-workers engaging in casual embraces in more informal
work environments, avoid this in favor of more formal handshakes.

Office guest etiquette

Greeting visitors

A man should rise to greet any visitor, male or female, from outside his company.
When a co-worker visits the office frequently, it is not necessary to rise to greet.
Also,  a man does not need to stand each time his secretary comes into the office.
He should rise to greet female executives on the same level as himself or co-
workers of higher rank whose visits are infrequent. In the latter case, he remains
standing until told to be seated or the caller leaves.

Meanwhile, a woman, who receives guests, is not required to stand in greeting,

but it is a courteous gesture to a visitor from outside the company or to a co-
worker who is considerably older or of much higher rank. Should you be on the
telephone when a guest enters, indicate a chair to the visitor. When you finish
your conversation, rise and greet.

Handshake

A man always shakes hands with male visitors. Although socially, a man should wait
for a woman to extend her hand; in business, a handshake between a man and
woman is a customary greeting. A woman offers to shake hands with the person she
is calling on as a mark of cordiality, although she would usually wait for older men
and women, or more important ones, to extend their hands first.

Sitting the guest

The person being visited indicates where his guest should sit and takes his own
seat simultaneously or after the guest is seated.

Leaving the office to greet a caller

Coming out of your office to greet a visitor before he is ushered in is a

spontaneous gesture you would most likely make only for people of whom you
are particularly fond, or perhaps haven’t seen for some time, or have been
looking forward to meeting, or who are of some eminence. Occasionally, a man
will leave his office in order to personally inform a caller that he is tied up with
another visitor and will have to keep him waiting for a few minutes.

Smoking

If you are a smoker, naturally, you won’t hesitate to smoke in your own office.
However, if your caller is very elderly, and particularly if it is a woman, it is
courteous to either refrain from smoking or to request permission to smoke. The
polite guest will usually refrain from smoking until you either offer him a cigarette
or cigar or tell him to smoke if he likes. Anyway, most offices have a no-smoking
policy these days.

Seeing a guest out

Men should stand when a visitor is leaving their office and shake hands if the
visitor is a man. The man being visited escorts the caller to the door and shakes
hands with him there. If the caller is a woman the man always escorts her to the
door and opens it for her. A woman is not required to stand when a caller leaves,
unless the guest is elderly or prominent. However, it is a courtesy for her to do so.
When she walks a male

guest to the door, she should let him open it. But she should perform this task for
another woman.

Visits by former employees

No matter how friendly ex-employees remain with former co-workers, they

should not fall into the habit of dropping in for a chat whenever they are in the
neighbourhood. When a situation of this kind develops, a supervisor or officer of
the company may take the individual aside and explain that social visits during the
business day are frowned upon by management and should be confined to lunch
hours and after office hours.

Dealing with the guest who overstays

Some people never get the idea that an interview or a meeting is over, and to a
busy executive, this can be an annoyance. Instead of showing displeasure, the
person being visited should make it politely obvious that he considers the purpose
of the meeting has been accomplished or the discussion is at an end. He can say
something like this, “Our talk has been most helpful and has cleared up most of
our questions. I’ll get to work on this right away and get in touch with you early
next week.” Or perhaps, “This has been a valuable meeting for both of us. Thank
you so much for coming.” If a remark of this type doesn’t budge a caller, the only
thing to do is rise in a gesture of dismissal, saying, “Thank you for coming. Your
help has been invaluable to me.”

When a guest has been waiting for long

Occasionally, you may be away from your office or tied up in a meeting when an
expected visitor arrives. Go up to him as you return to your office, greet him and
shake hands, and apologise again for his having to wait (presumably your
secretary made a prior apology on your behalf). Take him by the arm and lead him
into your office. This courteous behaviour on your part should help to soothe any
annoyance the caller had been feeling over having to wait so long. As you escort
the guest into your office, you can say to your secretary, “Please see that we are
not interrupted for the next 15 minutes.” However, the guest will understand if
you have to confer briefly with your secretary.

Cubicle etiquette is a set of unwritten rules that exist in the workplace and help
govern how people behave when they work in close quarters. Etiquette guidelines
should be adhered to by both workers in the cubicle and people in adjoining work
spaces, and many employees get very upset if these guidelines are not respected.
One of the main factors in workplace etiquette is privacy.
Although employees are usually part of a larger workplace, they sometimes
regard their cubicles as their own offices. For all intents and purposes, the cubicle
should be viewed as a private workspace. When entering, coworkers should not
just barge in and begin talking; the employee may be concentrating on something
important. Visitors should stand at the entrance to the cubicle and make their
presence known until the worker is able to talk.

Privacy should also take noise levels into account. While talking on the phone,
employees should keep conversation volume to a normal level. Few people like to
hear constant chattering or high pitched laughing. Just because the speakers is in
a cubicle does not mean that sound will not travel to surrounding areas.
Employees should remember this before using a speakerphone.

Confidentiality should also be taken into account as part of cubicle etiquette. Thin
cubicle walls will not prevent people from hearing client discussions, which is an
important consideration when workers are talking on the phone or discussing
confidential client information in person. If a conversation or meeting is
confidential, it may be more appropriate to conduct it in a private office.

One rule of etiquette that most irritates people if it is broken is that of odors.
Eating strong smelling food in a cubicle can be very off-putting to other workers.
People may also be put off by visiting a cubicle that constantly smells of a certain
food. If smoking is allowed, then the same rule should be applied.

Keeping a cubicle clean and tidy is also important. A disorganized cubicle can
reflect poorly on the employee’s level of professionalism. Space in a cubicle is
 usually limited, and covering every open space with personal items may not gain
any merit points from an employer who visits.

Although cubicle etiquette covers the rule of privacy, it is a good idea for
employees to get out of the cubicle now and again. Work colleagues should not
feel apprehensive when approaching another person's desk. Keeping a fine
balance between privacy and accessibility will improve relations with colleagues.
If etiquette is respected, the workplace should become a more productive and
harmonious environment.

Business Card Etiquette Rules to Remember, Always

 Always Keep Business Cards On Hand. ...
 Do Not Offer Your Business Card Randomly. ...
 Only Hand Out Cards When Appropriate. ...
 Give Your Card to Those Who Ask for It. ...
 Don't Be Afraid to Ask for More. ...
 Perfect Your Presentation. ...
 Leave a Note on Your Card.
Module-4

The Secret of Socrates

Socrates was one of the greatest philosophers in humankind. He

changed the course of human thought. He never told people they
were wrong. Instead, he presented every question to be answered
with a yes response, winning one admission after another. After many
affirmations, people found themselves supporting or embracing a
conclusion they would have bitterly objected to just minutes earlier.

Socrates' secret is simple, begin all conversations on things which

you agree. Do not begin by discussing differences.  Emphasize
common purposes and keep emphasizing these things.  Keep your
opponent saying yes and, if possible, never permit him to say no. No
is difficult to overcome. It is of great importance to get people moving
in the affirmation direction soonest.

This is a very simple technique but often overlooked and neglected

as if some people get a rush off of self-importance by antagonizing
others at the outset. Why antagonize others? Carnegie concludes by
citing an ancient Chinese proverb, "He who treads softly goes far."
My Financial Career by Stephen Leacock

In My Financial Career by Stephen Leacock we have the theme of anxiety, fear,

trust, confusion, identity and conflict. Narrated in the first person by an unnamed
narrator the reader realises from the beginning of the story that Leacock may be
exploring the theme of anxiety. The narrator is physically ‘rattling’ as he enters
the bank. It is as though he is afraid of what he has to do (lodge money). The
reader suspecting that the fear is driven by the narrator’s lack of trust in the bank.
He does not wish to part with his money but knows that he has to as for him the
sum of money he has is too large to keep. Leacock’s physical description of the
accountant in the bank is also interesting as he does not seem to allay the
narrator’s fears with Leacock describing the accountant as a ‘tall, cool, devil.’
There is also a sense that the narrator is exaggerating his position. Though the
sum of money he is lodging (fifty dollars) is a vast amount to the narrator. To the
bank itself it would be considered a rather low amount of money. This could be
important as Leacock may be pitting the individual against an institute.
Highlighting how an individual can distrust an institute.
The fact that the bank manager assumes that the narrator is somebody important
may also be significant as it not only plays on the theme of identity but also
suggests that the bank manager is used to dealing with people of importance. If
anything the reader senses that the narrator has no need to see the bank
manager and through the confusion he feels while in the bank has incorrectly
assumed that the bank manager is the person he needs to see to open a bank
account. The fact that the bank manager is also abrupt and cold with the narrator
on discovery that all he wants to do is open a bank account could also be
important. Leacock may be highlighting how detached those in authority may
actually be. Rather than taking an interest in the narrator. The bank manger
directs him elsewhere. It is as though the narrator is a man of no importance to
the bank manager.
The process of the narrator lodging his money is also interesting as he remains
confused as to his actions. Something that would be considered normal for an
individual who for the first time is opening a bank account. It might also be
significant that at no stage do the bank manager, accountant or clerk do anything
to calm the narrator’s confusion and fear. If anything the narrator is a hindrance
to those he is dealing with inside the bank. Which would further highlight the
conflict that exists between the individual and an institute. The bank needs the
individual to exist yet it does not treat the narrator as a customer but more as a
hindrance. At no stage in the story does the reader sense that there is a personal
touch being administered by any of the people employed by the bank. It is as
though all concerned look at the narrator as being a problem rather than being an
asset to the bank. The bank does after all need the narrator’s money in order to
make a profit but doesn’t treat him with the respect one would expect a new
customer to receive.
The end of the story is also interesting as the reader senses that the narrator’s
confusion has escalated. Rather than withdrawing six dollars as he would like to.
He ends up withdrawing all of his money. Having only lodged it moments before.
Though the narrator realises his mistake he does not rectify it. This could be
important as it suggests that the narrator’s confusion has gotten the better of him
and rather than looking silly he pursues his action of withdrawing all his money.
Though the narrator’s actions could be considered ridiculous. Symbolically they
might be important as Leacock could be highlighting just how uncomfortable the
narrator is with leaving his money in the bank. Even though he knows that he has
to open a bank account he also has an underlying fear of leaving his money in the
bank. It might also be important that Leacock describes the narrator as
attempting to ‘look like a man with a fearfully quick temper.’ As this could suggest
that the narrator is standing up for himself. Though he has been confused and
afraid throughout the story. He still knows that the money he has lodged is his
and he knows that he is entitled to it. The fact that those in the bank laugh at the
narrator when he leaves the bank is also interesting as it suggests that they may
consider themselves better than the narrator. Rather than accepting that the
narrator is afraid. Those in the bank lack the ability to empathize with the
narrator.
The Luncheon" by W. Somerset Maugham 
The narrator, perhaps Maugham himself, describes seeing a woman at the
theater who he'd met twenty years prior. He says he would not have recognized
her if someone had not said her name. When she asks if he remembers her, he
begins to recount the story of their first meeting. Back then, he had a tiny
apartment in Paris, and she'd written to him about his book.

When she came through Paris the next week, she hoped he would take her to
lunch at an expensive restaurant. Though he had little money for the month, he
agreed, expecting to have a modest lunch. However, once he saw the menu, he
realized the prices were much higher than he'd anticipated, but she assures him
that he "never eat[s] anything for luncheon." She claims to only eat one thing at
lunch, and she asks about some salmon, which is not in season (making it more
expensive). Next, she orders caviar to nibble at while she waits for her salmon.
For himself, the narrator chooses the cheapest item on the menu, a mutton chop,
because he fears the inevitable bill.

Next, she orders some champagne, claiming that her doctor has forbidden her to
drink anything but that. The narrator drinks water due to the expense. Next, she
asks for some giant asparagus—an expensive specialty. When the narrator refuses
some, she scolds him for ruining his palate with the red meat. Finally, she asks for
some coffee and ice cream—and she accepts an Italian peach as well. She goes on
and on, saying she's had only a "'snack'" and berating him for eating something so
heavy as a chop. However, the narrator is miserable, thinking about the lean
month he will have as a result of her luncheon. In the end, he feels he's had his
revenge, as she now weighs nearly three hundred pounds; this is likely why he
does not recognize her at the theater when he sees her!

jhc