Some may think politeness and manners are leftovers from old age ideas of chivalry, stuck in a romantic notion of a past that never really was.

But politeness is perhaps, at the end of the day, not so much about chivalry and correct manners as simply showing respect when interacting with other people.

What does it mean to be polite and how does one act politely? Is there a risk of being too polite so that one ends up appearing wheedling?

Keynote speakers on politeness take a closer look at these matters.