Some years ago I acquired a small pamphlet titled "George Washington's Rules of Civility." It is published by the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association. You can get a free copy here, courtesy of the association.
I am a great believer in striving for a civil society. Our speech, conduct, politics, attire, and grooming provide some examples. This principle also applies to dealings with audiences, the press, and policymakers.
Allow me to quote some of Washington's rules and indicate how they might apply to your communications efforts.
"Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present." Do I really need to explain this one? Enough said.
"When in Company, put not your Hands to any Part of the Body, not usualy Discovered." No scratching, hair flips, or picking of teeth while on camera or on stage.
"Put not off your Cloths in the presence of Others, nor go out your Chamber half Drest." Wardrobe counts, so when addressing an audience, the media, or a member of Congress, dress like a professional.
"Do not Puff up the Cheeks, Loll not out the tongue rub the Hands, or beard, thrust out the lips, or bite them or keep the Lips too open or too Close." Even the father of our country grasped the importance of facial expressions.
"Let your Discourse with Men of Business be Short and Comprehensive." He also understood the need for brevity and attention to detail. Follow this tenet in all your public pronouncements.
"Use no Reproachfull Language against any one; neither Curse nor Revile." Our societal patois has grown ever coarser. I highly doubt Washington would have laced his language with infantile terms like "$uck$" and "p!$$ed off." Why should you?
"Think before you Speak; pronounce not imperfectly nor bring out your Words too hastily but orderly & distinctly." Even Washington understood the value of a magnetic message.
"While you are talking, Point not with your Finger at him of Whom you Discourse nor Approach too near him to whom you talk, especially to his face." I observe plenty of speakers who point their finger at audience members. This has a confrontational look. Instead, gesture with an open hand and use your nonverbal signals to indicate sincerity.
"Be not apt to relate News if you know not the truth thereof…" Honesty counts in all your encounters with customers, reporters, policymakers, and other audiences.
"Be not Tedious in Discourse or in reading unless you find the Company pleased therewith." Keep your messaging concise and stick to agreed upon time limits. Never overstay your welcome.
"Cleanse not your teeth with the table cloth napkin, fork, or knife…" Let's hope you're not doing this, but how can I resist including one of my absolute favorite George Washington aphorisms?
Get your copy today.
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