Monday, August 27, 2012

Name Badge Etiquette

Recently, I saw this photo of Bethany, the author of Maryland Pink and Green blog, photographed with a friend...I was pleasantly surprised {and commented so} that they were both wearing their name badges in the proper place!


And later, I saw this photo of Miss Sarah Gould Long {in the middle} with 2 of her sorority sisters on Bid Day at The University of Alabama.  Sarah is from my hometown of Augusta and is the author of
Too Much is Never Enough blog.  How cute is she y'all?!  Again, I commented on this photo on Instagram...as an etiquette consultant, I do appreciate when people practice proper name badge etiquette!

Children should be taught at a young age that your name badge should be worn on your right shoulder.

I know that most employers require their employees wear name badges on the left shoulder, but this is incorrect...Etiquette dictates the badges be placed on the right shoulder!

The reason for this is that when we extend our right hand {always the right hand} for a handshake, our eye automatically goes in the direction of the other person's right hand.



...because you step out on your right foot, extend your right hand, look at the person's name, make eye contact and introduce yourself.

Not sure how to write a name badge?  Robert Hickey, Deputy Director of the Protocol School of Washington is the author of Honor and Respect, The Official Guide to Names, Titles, and Forms of Address.  He explains here how to make sure your badges are written in the proper form.  A link to order this book may be found under my "Recommendations" page.


14 comments:

The Tuscan Home said...

Hi Miss Janice,
Great post and would you believe that I did not know this (blush)...that is why I love your blog, I learn something new every time I visit. I love the picture of you with the kids. =)
Thanks for sharing! XO ~Liz

Mrs. Kindergarten...aka...Madame Spoiled said...

My kinderGators wear name badges to their special classes and when we have a substitute. I shall make certain that they are properly placed on their right lapel. This school year is off to a grand start!

Love and Hugs,
Mrs. Kindergarten...aka...Madame Spoiled

Bethany said...

Love it! This is so true. Many people do not know how to properly wear a name badge. Great post, Miss Janice.

Catherine said...

I'm "Bethany's friend" and I'm so proud to be used as an example of how to do something properly! :) I have to admit, though, the only reason I know where to place my name tag is because I know where I put my DAR pins, and the name badge goes on the other side.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

I did learn this somewhere along the line. It always looks awkward to me to see a name badge on the left shoulder. Glad to know there is a reason it looks wrong. I bet those little girls who learn etiquette from you just love you and grow up knowing how things should be done. laurie

Anonymous said...

Thank you! Your blog is always a joy to read and learn with. I barely remember my Momma saying this as a little child, I just didn't remember why it was important. My oldest daughter does accept because I said so for an answer, now I have the answer, thank you. Maggie

Anonymous said...

Thank you! Your blog is always a joy to read and learn with. I barely remember my Momma saying this as a little child, I just didn't remember why it was important. My oldest daughter does accept because I said so for an answer, now I have the answer, thank you. Maggie

Anonymous said...

Miss Janice,

Thanks for posting this educational article and we love your blog! Children's etiquette and dining manners are often areas that are overlooked by parents and when taught correctly, can have a positive influence on their future. Children love mnemonics, which are little tricks to help them remember their manners. It can be daunting for kids to remember how to set a table properly or to know which dishes, glasses and utensils belong to whom. At Etiquette For Everybody I have posted a relevant article to yours, which outlines helpful Children’s manners tips and techniques. Feel free to provide feedback on our article and I wanted to say that coming from an etiquette guru, your posts are really informative and a great read!

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Unknown said...

I myself attach the name badges on my left shoulder. Thanks for writing the right manner of wearing the name tag.

Unknown said...

Hi I am a 13 year old paper boy and my boss she said that she wants me to wear a name badge from tomorrow I don't want to and I can't see the point of it can she make me wear it?
And if I do wear it how do I wear it properly as most of the staff wear them on the left quite low down and not very strate??
Dos it matter where it gore's?
Please can I have as many replies as possible, I really really don't want to wear it.

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