Tag Archives: Etiquette

Business casual, Etiquette, Men, Women

Make the Most of Your Handshake

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I have written about handshakes in past blog posts. However, occasionally clients ask me questions about how to make the most of your handshake. Next time you shake hands consider the following:

  • When shaking hands in western society the hands should be parallel and hands should be clasped web to web. This isn’t the case with all cultures, so it is important to be understanding.
  • If you have small hands and want to make your hand seem more substantial when shaking hands, separate your index and middle fingers slightly with extending your hand for a handshake.
  • If you wear rings on your right hand when shaking hands, you may hurt the other person if you clasp their hand too tightly. This is the same when shaking hands with someone wearing a ring.
  • When seated, always stand to shake hands. This will bring both parties closer to the same level and both will feel more comfortable.
Dining Etiquette, Etiquette, Men, Networking, Women

How to Be the Perfect Dinner Party Guest!

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As an image and etiquette consultant, I am often asked to do corporate and group workshops, on the topics of dining etiquette and table manners.

A long time ago etiquette and table manners were established as a way of keeping the peace and domesticating our behaviour.  Over time, these rituals were handed down from generation to generation eventually becoming tradition.

However, as the guest, the most important way to conduct yourself at the dining table is not always the way it is described in the etiquette books. And in most cases, manners and politeness will always override the rules. When in doubt, ‘show respect to your host’ and ‘follow their lead’.  With this in mind, you will be the perfect dinner party guest.

Dining Etiquette, Etiquette, Men, Women

6 Top Dining Don’ts

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The Christmas Holiday season is also the festive season that will likely lead to opportunities for dining with others. That is unless in years past you made a bad impression… Here are some don’ts to consider.

  • Don’t chew with your mouth open
  • Don’t pick your teeth at the table. If something gets stuck in your teeth, excuse yourself and go to the restroom.
  • Don’t talk with food in your mouth.
  • Don’t reach across the table or across another person to get something. Ask the closest diner to pass it.
  • Don’t put your elbows on the table until the meal is finished and all the plates and cutlery are removed.
  • Don’t leave your hat on your head, while at the dining table.

For more on this topic see: What Not to Do at the Dining Table. Or to add a little formality to your dining experience see: eBook Formal Dining for Informal People.

Business casual, Business Dress, Colour, Dress for Success, Wardrobe, Women

Should You Wear Animal Print to Work?

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Been shopping lately? If so you may have noticed that animal print fabric is everywhere. Personally, I really like it. It’s fun and comes across mischievous and playful. And this season, whether you want to look like a fox, a cat, a tiger or any other animal, it’s out there. But is work the best time to come across this way?  OK, yes, it’s good to enjoy your time at work. However, the way you dress may be perceived as sending mixed messages. How do you look playful and come across serious at the same time? When dressing for the purpose of work this can be a challenge. My suggestions?

  • If possible, keep animal print for social occasions.
  • If you work in an environment that encourages a playful approach, but you still need to look like you are capable and are there to do your job, wear subtle versions of animal print. This can be done with low colour contrast, worn in small areas or by choosing non-descript versions.
Dress for Success, Etiquette, Men, Women

Ease Up on The Fragrance

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There was a time, in the not too distant past, when applying fragrance was considered part of getting dressed in the morning. We would apply it liberally, layer it, and touch it up through-out the day.

These days the rules have changed. Although fragrance can enhance our mood and the mood of those around us, for some it can cause allergic reactions, head-aches and nausea. If you love your fragrance, consider those around you when putting it on in the morning.  And just remember, a little goes a long way.

Business Dress, Colour, Etiquette, Wardrobe, Women

How to Maximize your Look in the Maxi Length Skirt

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The taller and slimmer you are, the easier it is to maximize your look with the maxi. If you are under 5’7” or desire to look slimmer, minimize the maxi affect, by keeping it simple and close to the body. The Pencil silhouette will be your greatest ally.  Make sure the fabric drapes well over the body and the hemline is narrow. The shorter your hemline and the more fluid the fabric, the more shape options you will have that flatter your figure.

Business Dress, Men, Networking, Wardrobe, Women

Your Personal Image Should Emphasize Your Corporate Brand

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Many of my corporate clients ask why it matters what they wear to work. Here is one good reason: 

Most companies spend a lot of money developing and maintaining the company image, and as a representative of your company it’s up to you to reinforce this image by presenting yourself in a way that is consistent with the company brand. Let’s face it, when we meet someone for the first time, we instantly form an impression about that person and if their image matches what they’re trying to communicate, we’re more likely to trust them. Once the trust is established, it’s easier to build rapport and strong business relationships with that person and their company.

Etiquette, Men, Networking, Women

Make the Most of Your Handshake

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I have written about handshakes in past blog posts. However, occasionally clients ask me questions about how to make the most of your handshake. Next time you shake hands consider the following: 

  • When shaking hands in western society the hands should be parallel and hands should be clasped web to web. This isn’t the case with all cultures, so it is important to be understanding. 
  • If you have small hands and want to make your hand seem more substantial when shaking hands, separate your index and middle fingers slightly with extending your hand for a handshake. 
  • If you wear rings on your right hand when shaking hands, you may hurt the other person if you clasp their hand too tightly. This is the same when shaking hands with someone wearing a ring.  
  • When seated, always stand to shake hands. This will bring both parties closer to the same level and both will feel more comfortable.
Blog, Business Etiquette, Dining Etiquette, Etiquette, Men, Networking, Uncategorized, Women

How to Hold Your Red Wine Glass

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Wine glass

Wine is still as popular as ever and personally one of my favourite social beverages. However, knowing how to hold the wine glass properly has recently become a bit confusing. It used to be a rule that a red wine glass was held by the bowl of the glass. This was done because red wine is meant to be served at room temperature and the warmth of your hand would bring out the best in the wine. Lately though, we are seeing a shift to holding the glass by the stem.

So why is this? I have actually heard two reasons for this:

  1. Wine was invented before homes had central heating. Then, room temperature was much cooler than it is today. So because of this, today, when we hold the glass by the bowl, we were actually warming the wine too much, taking away from wine rather than bringing out its best.
  2. The second reason that I have heard, is that when we hold the wine glass by the bowl we leave our finger prints. The glass no longer looks pretty or clean.

So how should we hold our red wine glass? I tell my clients to hold the red wine glass by the stem unless the wine has been served too cold. This will make you appear modern and educated about wine. However, when drinking white wine always hold the glass by the stem.

Business Dress, Etiquette, Men, Wardrobe, Women

No Collar is Too Casual

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Dressing for work these days can be very confusing; especially in a business casual environment. And one question I hear all the time is how casual is too casual? For men the answer is simple. No collar is too casual. The collar is the key element for a business wardrobe, whether you are dressing in a casual or formal business environment. It draws attention to the face and adds a bit of tailoring even to an untailored look.

Depending on the industry, environment and your goals, this can take many forms or a combination of garments worn together. A sport coat, suit jacket, dress shirt, polo shirt, mock or turtle-neck all fall into this category.