New normal in times of COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic has drastically changed the way people live, act, and work, the first time history has ever seen such sweeping changes.

Beside changing social and work ethics, measures taken to contain the virus have also reshaped greetings and the rules of everyday etiquette.

Rules of communication and grace have been remodeled in personal growth, social life, and the business world, Gokhan Dumanli, founder of the Academy of Elegance, told Anadolu Agency.

"The pandemic brought about a significant change in living from greetings to handshaking, table and seating arrangements, entertainment culture, artistic activities, sports activities, and most importantly, professional behavior codes of the business world," Dumanli said.

Having cologne, disinfectant, napkin, and extra masks to present to someone when necessary will provide a more comfortable communication environment among both acquaintances and newcomers, Dumanli said.

"In communication, the tone of voice always comes second after body language. Our masked face and social distance will require us to use our voices a little more loudly and more vividly. Talking too quietly without realizing it or shouting because one isn't heard will be one of the mistakes made," he added.

More awareness needed

He stated that one of the most important issues in the pandemic is style, and people sometimes do not realize how they speak, act, or react in an environment of anxiety and uncertainty.

Underlining that this situation will cause communication mishaps and unwanted glitches, Dumanli said: "It's very important to use phrases such as 'you're welcome, please, thank you, I'm sorry' in our sentences."

Personal development, online training, and courses will become part of people's lives from now on, and awareness of ecological balance, protection of natural life, climate, and similar issues will rise, he stated.

He said in the new normal, institutions will have to be more careful in informing and guiding their customers better and the language, method, and content they use will carry added importance.

The effects of the pandemic on people will be experienced psychologically, and those with high social and emotional awareness may be affected less, he added.

Dumanli said expensive clothes, hair, makeup, and accessories will be replaced by simplicity and pastels, and natural colors will be preferred more in clothes.

Since originating in China last December, the pandemic has claimed over 1 million lives in 188 countries and regions.

Some 35.6 million cases have been reported worldwide, while nearly 25 million patients have recovered so far, according to figures compiled by the Johns Hopkins University.