Story Ideas

Did You Know?

Ways in which having Global Manners gives you the edge in life…

Jobs: GETTING, KEEPING, AND BEING PROMOTED

…that the number one reason that job applicants do not make it to the second interview is “appearance,” according to some researchers? I can demonstrate how one’s posture, confidence level, and overall deportment are as important as what the applicant wears in the perception of overall “appearance.”

…that many CEO’s cite “embarrassing dining skills” as job or career limiting? I teach Continental Dining to colleges, universities, banks, law firms, and corporations and can share ways in which this sets people apart in terms of “polish.”

…that violations of proper techiquette have lost people countless jobs and promotions? Discreet social media manners are essential these days!

Business Networking: JOB INTERVIEWS

…that being able to introduce yourself confidently and easily is a skill that defines the best networkers? It’s simple to learn and has huge payoff.

…that good manners are all about kindness and connecting well with others? And, “connections” are what business and social networking is all about. I can show you how make connections, converse easily, and confidently navigate any social situation.

...that a good handshake can increase your personal and professional power? I'll share the particulars of the power shake: When, with Whom, Where, and How.

...that "mingling" is an effective networking strategy and one that can be taught to anybody, no matter how small-talk-impaired? Now, more than ever, it is important to stand out from the crowd. I'll provide tips on how to "work the room" effectively and genuinely in both social and professional circles.

Airplane and Travel Etiquette:

…that you can increase you travel enjoyment and business effectiveness by researching the culture of your destinations and dressing, dining, and speaking to fit in? I can show you some tried and true tips for showing respect.

…that you can effectively and politely handle even the most obnoxious seat mate? My New York Times exclusive is a place to start. www.nytimes.com/2008/07/01/business/01flier.html?ref=business

Green Etiquette:

…that etiquette does and should evolve and that means considering ways to be more environmentally sensitive where manners are involved? Easy tips for thank you notes, invitations, business cards, etc.

…that gifts have taken on many new selection variables in our mashed up world? How to be culturally and eco-appropriate.

Communication Skills that Connect:

…that reflective listening is one of the most important skill sets defining a good communicator? It can change the nature of relationships and is easy to learn and implement.

…that communications are most effective when structured with an opening, message, and closing? This is an easily taught skills that increases confidence and makes mingling and networking more effective.

…that when seated at a dinner party, you should first begin a conversation with the person seated to your right? This starts with the host or head of the table. Understanding communication protocol is part of what makes one a great connector!

Being the Boss: POWER, EMPATHY, MANNERS, DECISION-MAKING

...that empathy tends to diminish as power grows? The ability to understand another person's perspective, or "put yourself in his shoes," is something aspiring leaders lose as they gain in professional power and status, according to researchers. What are the implications for CEO's, top managers, and entrepreneurs, and what steps can they take to stay in touch with their subordinates?

…that manners and social skills can help us make better decisions under fire? Acute stress can lead to poor decision making, in part because we revert to fight-or-flight thinking and action. Conditioned social reflexes can avert the downward spiral that occurs when we inadvertently make a bad situation worse by saying the wrong thing or failing to intercede.

Connecting for Richer Relationships:

…that one way to connect with others is with a Toast? I can share with you how such a simple act as Toasting can bring people together to focus on the positive. Toasting should be used to celebrate even the little things in life and as often as possible. It does not have to happen with only alcoholic beverages (although toasting with a glass of Champagne certainly can help us celebrate life!)

…that connecting people with one another enriches both our social and business relationships? Connecting well is even more important during times of stress because everyone is distracted.

On 21st Century Manners in Our Increasingly Mashed Up World:

...that being "well mannered" does not depend on remembering the rules of etiquette? Manners comprise the code we've evolved around kindness; as long as you're speaking and acting with sensitivity to how it affects those around you, you're in all likelihood being polite. This is essential wisdom for navigating foreign or unknown social/professional situations.

…that even if you don’t understand another person’s culture, “good manners” will reflect the compassion, tolerance, and openness to learn that spells respects and wins both friends and business? These are easy tips to implement.

Health and Social Skills:

…that healthy sex and healthy social skills go hand in hand?

...that social skills can help us reduce our caloric intake? "Continental Dining" can be an effective tool in weight loss programs, not just in limiting intake but in changing the lifestyle habits that incline us to eat too much too fast too often.

...that "willpower" is not innate, but must be taught? I have some pointers on how to increase your own, as well as inculcate it in others.

Global Business: CULTURAL AND GENDER NEUTRAL ETIQUETTE

...that when doing business in the U.S., it is improper for men to be chivalrous toward women? Opening doors, pulling out chairs, and making deferential introductions are all no-no’s. What is "gender-neutral" behavior, and what is polite in mixed business/personal situations?

…that there is a strict protocol for making introductions that can derail some global business interactions if violated? I can teach anyone to make confident introductions that respect gender, age, rank, and status.

"Techiquette": TECH ETIQUETTE

…that techiquette is becoming critical for individuals who are job or career minded? I can discuss electronic etiquette and help people prevent faux pas by understanding social and business mashups.

…that there are new “guidelines” for when it is okay to use a PDA at the table?

...that emailed thank-you notes are appropriate, depending on who, what, when, where, and how they're done? What is the new etiquette with regard to electronic responses?

Weddings:

…that you can design your reception to increase social interaction to ensure that everyone is included and has a good time? Easy tips to implement…

...that a wedding invitation always demands an acknowledgement beyond the R.S.V.P.? Polite, respectful, and genuine responses needn't be arduous, either: I'll share my strategy on the three-sentence note.

…that one of the most common wedding faux pas involves Toasting? When a guest offers an “Honor Toast” to the bride and groom, they MUST NOT take a sip (it would be like singing “Happy Birthday” to themselves.)

…that the second most common wedding gaffe is to not stand and returned, even in masse, the toasts that we directed towards them to honor their marriage? I can offer an easy formula for returning the toasts.

…that a guest is not invited unless specifically stated on the envelope? There are ways to handle this in a way that respects both the bride and guest.

Holiday Parties, Entertaining and Business Manners:

…that business related holiday parties should be treated as you would an interview with the boss? It’s essential to understand the unspoken “rules” of partying with “friends” from work.

…that there are four types of Toasts? I’ll provide tips for how to make toasting elegant and easy and which Toast always needs be returned, as well as which one you should never drink to! This is such an important skill, that it must be repeated