Independence: What Does It Mean To You?
The Wall Street Journal Magazine interviewed six luminaries and asked them to weigh in on their thoughts about independence. They interviewed Jonathan Adler, interior designer to Richard Ford, author of Independence Day. A favorite was from Diane Von Furstenberg. She said independence is the most important thing in her life. Her mother was in a […]
How to Eat Soup
How to Eat Soup One of the most popular questions asked during a dining class is about eating soup. Do we spoon toward or away from us? Where should I place the spoon when I am finished? May I crumble the crackers into my soup? If I am entertaining a client for lunch or at job interview, should […]
Today is National Compliment Day
Did you know today is National Compliment Day? A compliment is an expression of admiration, praise or encouragement. Not only can it lift the spirit of the receiver, but also the giver. Why not compliment someone today? ” I can live two months on a good compliment.” […]
Look Me in the Eye: The Importance of Eye Contact
Are you interested in making more of an emotional connection with someone? Are you interested in appearing confident and in tune with what is going on in the world? Then eye contact is your answer. According to an article in today’s Wall Street Journal, adults make eye contact with one another 30-60% of […]
How to Write a Thank You Note for a Wedding Gift
Yes, you must handwrite your thank you notes for shower and wedding gifts. With that said, here are tips on everything you need to know about writing thank you notes. Trust me, it is easier than you think. The good news is, the note only needs to be about 4 or 5 sentences. Writing a […]
How to Be Charismatic
Let’s do a quick exercise. Take a moment and think of the word “charisma”. Make a list of all the people that pop into your mind that have it. Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, and Oprah have it. Dean Martin, Liz Taylor, John Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Audrey Hepburn had it. Our lists most likely vary […]
What to Wear to the Holiday Office Party
Is your office gearing up for the annual holiday party? Well, it is that time of year. Here are a few tips you might want to consider before heading to the stores (or your closet) before picking out your next outfit for your office party. What to Wear to the Holiday Office Party Do’s […]
Remembering Letitia Baldrige
Twelve years ago I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Letitia Baldrige at The Dallas Museum of Art. I was just starting The American Academy of Etiquette. She was the keynote speaker on a very cold Sunday afternoon and I could not wait to meet her. Mrs. Baldrige was an author, etiquette advisor and […]
My Visit to Mrs. John L. Strong Stationery
While I was in New York last week I had the opportunity to meet with the new owner of Mrs. John L. Strong, Allan Li. Allan and his wife, Jacqueline Kotts purchased the stationery company in 2009. Yes, I was in heaven. You know I am a big believer in the handwritten note. I have […]
What to Do With a Workplace Whiner
As a speaker I hear some amazing comments from my audience about business etiquette. I will never forget when I spoke about a suggestion I had read many years ago in a book. It is imprinted in my mind. The suggestion was “Don’t Complain – Don’t Explain.” One woman in the audience raised her […]
