Communication is key, and a large portion of your day is communicating, whether it be speaking aloud or writing it down in an email, a text or a post on your Instagram. Of course, most of this is a casual sort of communication, and usually with people within your generation or age bracket, so you already know all the expectations and rules. 

     But what about when you need to talk to someone older? Or in a position of power?

     “Just be polite,” Theresa Freligh says. “When I was young and my sisters and I had to talk to our grandparents, we always were respectful. We didn’t use slang around them, and we were never rude or dismissive. We always listened to what they had to say.”

     Etiquette wise, if you’re speaking in person to an adult, it’s good to remember not to use slang around them too much. “It comes off as rude,” Freligh says. Be clear and direct – stand up straight and don’t mumble. Eye contact is important as well. Don’t argue or whine – it’ll make you seem childish and immature. “If you’re going to talk to an adult, you need to speak like one,” Freligh says. 

     Rosary Greco had some other advice. “Don’t cross your arms if you’re talking to an adult.” She says. “You’ll come off as bored, and then it’s taken as rude.” It’s important to actually talk as well. “When I’m talking to teenagers,” Greco says. “I find that usually they only have two or three word answers and usually have their phones in their hands.” Remember to disengage from your electronics in a conversation and actually participate.

     “Common manners are important as well.” Greco says. Remember you please and thank yous, as well as your welcome. Keep to polite topics of conversation if you can as well – which means no politics, especially if it’s going to start an argument. 

     “Just showing basic respect and manners really helps you a lot in the long run,” Freligh says. “If you play your cards right, it shouldn’t matter that the person you’re talking to is older.”

     “Politeness is key,” Greco says. “If you’re professional and polite, everything will turn out alright.”