Body Language
18 ways to improve your body language
Published October 27th, 2006 in Personal Development and People Skills.
Continuing from the previous post 6 reasons to improve your body language, here is just a few of many pointers on how to improve your body language. Improving your body language can make a big difference in your people skills, attractiveness and general mood.
There is no specific advice on how to use your body language. What you do might be interpreted in several ways, depending on the setting and who you are talking to. You’ll probably want to use your body language differently when talking to your boss compared to when you talk to a girl/guy you’re interested in. These are some common interpretations of body language and often more effective ways to communicate with your body.
First, to change your body language you must be aware of your body language. Notice how you sit, how you stand, how you use you hands and legs, what you do while talking to someone.
You might want to practice in front of a mirror. Yeah, it might seem silly but no one is watching you. This will give you good feedback on how you look to other people and give you an opportunity to practise a bit before going out into the world.
Another tip is to close your eyes and visualize how you would stand and sit to feel confident, open and relaxed or whatever you want to communicate. See yourself move like that version of yourself. Then try it out.
You might also want observe friends, role models, movie stars or other people you think has good body language. Observe what they do and you don’t. Take bits and pieces you like from different people. Try using what you can learn from them.
Some of these tips might seem like you are faking something. But fake it til you make it is a useful way to learn something new. And remember, feelings work backwards too. If you smile a bit more you will feel happier. If you sit up straight you will feel more energetic and in control. If you slow down your movements you’ll feel calmer. Your feelings will actually reinforce your new behaviours and feelings of weirdness will dissipate.
In the beginning easy it’s to exaggerate your body language. You might sit with your legs almost ridiculously far apart or sit up straight in a tense pose all the time. That’s ok. And people aren’t looking as much as you think, they are worrying about their own problems. Just play around a bit, practice and monitor yourself to find a comfortable balance.
1. Don’t cross your arms or legs – You have probably already heard you shouldn’t cross your arms as it might make you seem defensive or guarded. This goes for your legs too. Keep your arms and legs open.
2. Have eye contact, but don’t stare – If there are several people you are talking to, give them all some eye contact to create a better connection and see if they are listening. Keeping too much eye-contact might creep people out. Giving no eye-contact might make you seem insecure. If you are not used to keeping eye-contact it might feel a little hard or scary in the beginning but keep working on it and you’ll get used to it.
3. Don’t be afraid to take up some space – Taking up space by for example sitting or standing with your legs apart a bit signals self-confidence and that you are comfortable in your own skin.
4. Relax your shoulders – When you feel tense it’s easily winds up as tension in your shoulders. They might move up and forward a bit. Try to relax. Try to loosen up by shaking the shoulders a bit and move them back slightly.
5. Nod when they are talking – nod once in a while to signal that you are listening. But don’t overdo it and peck like Woody Woodpecker.
6. Don’t slouch, sit up straight – but in a relaxed way, not in a too tense manner.
7. Lean, but not too much – If you want to show that you are interested in what someone is saying, lean toward the person talking. If you want to show that you’re confident in yourself and relaxed lean back a bit. But don’t lean in too much or you might seem needy and desperate for some approval. Or lean back too much or you might seem arrogant and distant.
8. Smile and laugh – lighten up, don’t take yourself too seriously. Relax a bit, smile and laugh when someone says something funny. People will be a lot more inclined to listen to you if you seem to be a positive person. But don’t be the first to laugh at your own jokes, it makes you seem nervous and needy. Smile when you are introduced to someone but don’t keep a smile plastered on your face, you’ll seem insincere.
9. Don’t touch your face – it might make you seem nervous and can be distracting for the listeners or the people in the conversation.
10. Keep you head up - Don’t keep your eyes on the ground, it might make you seem insecure and a bit lost. Keep your head up straight and your eyes towards the horizon.
11. Slow down a bit – this goes for many things. Walking slower not only makes you seem more calm and confident, it will also make you feel less stressed. If someone addresses you, don’t snap you’re neck in their direction, turn it a bit more slowly instead.
12. Don’t fidget – try to avoid, phase out or transform fidgety movement and nervous ticks such as shaking your leg or tapping your fingers against the table rapidly. You’ll seem nervous and fidgeting can be a distracting when you try to get something across. Declutter your movements if you are all over the place. Try to relax, slow down and focus your movements.
13. Use your hands more confidently – instead of fidgeting with your hands and scratching your face use them to communicate what you are trying to say. Use your hands to describe something or to add weight to a point you are trying to make. But don’t use them to much or it might become distracting. And don’t let your hands flail around, use them with some control.
14. Lower your drink – don’t hold your drink in front of your chest. In fact, don’t hold anything in front of your heart as it will make you seem guarded and distant. Lower it and hold it beside your leg instead.
15. Realise where you spine ends – many people (including me until recently) might sit or stand with a straight back in a good posture. However, they might think that the spine ends where the neck begins and therefore crane the neck forward in a Montgomery Burns-pose. Your spine ends in the back of your head. Keep you whole spine straight and aligned for better posture.
16. Don’t stand too close –one of the things we learned from Seinfeld is that everybody gets weirded out by a close-talker. Let people have their personal space, don’t invade it.
17. Mirror - Often when you get along with a person, when the two of you get a good connection, you will start to mirror each other unconsciously. That means that you mirror the other person’s body language a bit. To make the connection better you can try a bit of proactive mirroring. If he leans forward, you might lean forward. If she holds her hands on her thighs, you might do the same. But don’t react instantly and don’t mirror every change in body language. Then weirdness will ensue.
18. Keep a good attitude – last but not least, keep a positive, open and relaxed attitude. How you feel will come through in your body language and can make a major difference. For information on how make yourself feel better read 10 ways to change how you feel and for relaxation try A very simple way to feel relaxed for 24 hours.
You can change your body language but as all new habits it takes a while. Especially things like keeping you head up might take time to correct if you have spent thousands of days looking at your feet. And if you try and change to many things at once it might become confusing and feel overwhelming.
Take a couple of these body language bits to work on every day for three to four weeks. By then they should have developed into new habits and something you’ll do without even thinking about it. If not, keep on until it sticks. Then take another couple of things you’d like to change and work on them.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
The Protocol Post
Tips, Tools and Resources for Polished ProfessionalsApril 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Greetings! It's my belief that you can see a person's true colors by watching them interact with a server in a restaurant. If a person is rude to the server then they are probably rude to their employees. If they are kind, then they most likely treat their employees with kindness and respect. You can also tell a lot of other things about a person when you are having dinner with them. Most people let their guard down and some even go into a feeding frenzy when they get around food and wine!
This issue of The Protocol Post contains tips to help you be a savvy host or guest at a business meal. Dining etiquette programs are very popular with my corporate and university clients. Perhaps it's because CEOs are catching on to the fact that their employees may be losing business everyday because they don't know how to order, what to order, and how to carry on polite conversation at the dinner table. Prospective clients and customers will always vote with their feet and we need not give them any reasons to NOT do business with us. A dining etiquette program is an excellent way to learn something new while improving your social skills.
I hope you enjoy your Spring and that you treat yourself to a few nice dinners. Just remember not to leave your manners at home!
Dedicated to YOUR success, Jacqueline Whitmore
Dining Etiquette Tips for Meeting Success
When hosting a business meal or function, certain codes of conduct in the planning and execution of the event are important to remember.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scheduling meetings over a meal is common practice, whether it means taking a single client out to dinner or hosting a large business luncheon. There are certain guidelines and codes of etiquette both and your clients should follow before and during a business function to ensure its smooth execution.
Go with what you know. Forget about treating an important guest to a restaurant you haven't tried yet. Choose a place where your guest will feel most comfortable. Make sure that it is within a short driving or walking distance from your guest's office so it's convenient for him to get back to work on time. Consider your guest's likes and dislikes. You wouldn't want to take someone to a steak restaurant if they are a vegetarian. Find out ahead of time what kind of food your guest most enjoys and plan accordingly.
Choose your table in advance. Choose a table in a quiet location that will give you and your guests maximum privacy. Avoid tables situated next to the entrance, near the kitchen, or near the restrooms. If you are on a tight time schedule, call ahead and ask the server to put glasses of water, a basket of bread and a pitcher of iced tea on the table just prior to your arrival. If you are meeting for breakfast, ask the server to place a pot of coffee and assorted muffins on the table. Be sure to alert your server if you have to leave the restaurant by a certain time.
Pay the bill ahead. Guests should never be expected or feel obligated to pay, even for the tip, coat check, or valet parking. Settling the bill early with the server will avoid any uncomfortable situations like figuring the tip as your guests watch and wait for you.
Talk business later. Just because it's a business meal doesn't mean that work has to be the main topic of conversation the moment you sit down with your guests. In fact, it's customary to wait until after the main course, but before dessert, to bring up professional matters. The purpose of a business meal is to create and solidify relationships. It's about getting to know each other better on a personal level so that when you go back to the office, you can follow up and create a more solid relationship, so that business will follow. After the main course, you may want to excuse yourself and go to the restroom to check and see if you have any food in your teeth. When you return to the table, you will feel more comfortable talking business without any worries.
Don't overindulge. When ordering food, remind yourself that the emphasis should be on business, and therefore the food you order should be simple and easy to eat. Foods like large sandwiches, pasta in a red sauce, and baby back ribs should all be avoided. Don't drink in excess. If you are just dining with one guest and he chooses not to drink alcohol, you should decline also. If you are dining with several guests, you may enjoy one or two glasses of wine if your other guests decide to order wine.
Send your thanks. A gracious guest should always show appreciation by saying thank you. A handwritten note carries more weight than an email or a phone call, as it show that you put in some extra time and effort.
Etiquette is not about being stiff or stuffy. Like anything else, the more you practice good dining etiquette the more comfortable you will be and the more natural you will look and feel whether you're invited to a company holiday party or a board of directors' dinner.
Train-the-Trainer Series
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Art of Promoting Your Etiquette & Image BusinessAn Interactive Tele-Seminar Series to Help You Grow Your Business and Your Income
If you're an etiquette or image consultant who would like to make more money and take your business to a higher level, you'll want to join Jacqueline Whitmore as she offers a live, five-week series over the telephone entitled, "The Art of Promoting Your Etiquette & Image Business." Each week, she will share her tips and tools to help you make a greater profit, garner more media exposure, and position yourself as a local and national etiquette and image expert.
April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 20088:00pm Eastern, 7:00pm Central, 6:00pm Mountain, 5:00pm PacificTuition: $299.00 for all five classesWhen you register for this series you'll receive complimentary audio downloads.
All classes are one hour in length. Can't attend all five sessions? No problem. All sessions will be recorded and will be available to download and replay at your convenience. During this fun and interactive tele-seminar series, Jacqueline will teach you the following:
Course 1: You: The Art of Selling Yourself· What is branding and why is it so important?· How to design a 12-month marketing plan that will dominate your competition.· What marketing materials you REALLY need and what you can live without. · How to develop your niche and separate yourself from your competitors.· Timely topics to talk about and how to connect with an audience.· When to speak in your community and how often.· How to identify your customers and potential customers.· Why paid advertising hardly works and drains your wallet.· Why you are your own best business card.
Course 2: Print & E-Marketing Strategies· How to uncover the hottest etiquette and image trends.· Writing a winning news release and when and where to send it.· Seven deadly sins of a news release.· When and where to send a photo opportunity release form.· How to establish a web presence.· The truth about online advertising.· Why your website is your most indispensable marketing tool.· Top five website mistakes.· The benefits of e-newsletters and blogs.· Low cost or no cost publicity ideas.· How to become a columnist for your local newspaper.· How to capitalize on your personal accomplishments.· How to tie your area of expertise into the holidays.
Course 3: Essential Elements for Radio & Television Publicity· What reporters are really looking for in an expert.· How to choose the right media to target and how to increase your chances of getting interviewed.· How to pitch editors, reporters and producers.· What to say and do when a reporter calls you.· How to professionally praise or thank a reporter without looking like you're trying to win favor.· How to develop your media kit.
Course 4: How to Make a Profit in the Etiquette & Image Industry· Pricing your business for profit: What to charge and how to get paid what you are worth. · When to charge an honorarium versus a fee.· How to determine how much revenue you need to make on a monthly basis.· Fee alternative ideas -- what to request when a speaking fee is not offered.· How to write professional business proposals that stand out and get you booked.· Essential elements of a contract.· How to avoid the "what do you charge?" trap.· How to avoid the "hourly wage" syndrome.· How to design and promote a profitable public seminar.· How to avoid paying room rental charges and other unnecessary public seminar expenses.
Course 5: Taking Your Business to the Next Level · How to develop summer camps and other specialty programs.· Garner exposure through speaking at conferences and seminars.· How to get hired by universities and department stores and what programs to offer.· Why cold calling and mass mailings never work.· How to create spin-off products that will supplement your income.· How to become a corporate spokesperson.· Why you need a speaker's video and how to get one made.
Space is limited to the first 15 students. To register for this five-week tele-seminar series, click here.
Tax Deductible: Tuition is tax deductible. All expenses of continuing education taken to maintain and improve professional skills are tax deductible according to Treasury Regulation 1.162-5 Coughlin vs. Commissioner, 203 F2d 307. Please contact your accountant for details.
Jacqueline Whitmore -- In the
News~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~At Office Functions, Cover Up And Put The Glass Down(Office) Party fouls -- It's business-social, not social-businessLakeland Ledger, March 31, 2008
What To Do When A Co-worker StinksPerfumes, body odor, rotting food; the key is to handle such situations delicately.Lakeland Ledger, March 17, 2008
Join Jacqueline for Dinner~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you are attending the Association of Image Consultants International Convention, let's have dinner together! This is a good time to have some fun, meet other image and etiquette consultants, and get to know each other better.
WHEN: Saturday, May 17, 2008, Tampa, FloridaRESTAURANT: To be determined
If you'd like to get together for dinner, email Jacqueline at info@etiquetteexpert.com: To register for the AICI Conference on May 15-19, 2008.
Did You Know?~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A-OK: This gesture is widely accepted as the American "okay" sign, except in Brazil and Germany, where it's considered vulgar or obscene. This gesture is also considered impolite in Greece and Russia, while in Japan, it signifies "money," and in southern France, "zero" or "worthless."
Read Jacqueline's Blog
Tips, Tools and Resources for Polished ProfessionalsApril 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Greetings! It's my belief that you can see a person's true colors by watching them interact with a server in a restaurant. If a person is rude to the server then they are probably rude to their employees. If they are kind, then they most likely treat their employees with kindness and respect. You can also tell a lot of other things about a person when you are having dinner with them. Most people let their guard down and some even go into a feeding frenzy when they get around food and wine!
This issue of The Protocol Post contains tips to help you be a savvy host or guest at a business meal. Dining etiquette programs are very popular with my corporate and university clients. Perhaps it's because CEOs are catching on to the fact that their employees may be losing business everyday because they don't know how to order, what to order, and how to carry on polite conversation at the dinner table. Prospective clients and customers will always vote with their feet and we need not give them any reasons to NOT do business with us. A dining etiquette program is an excellent way to learn something new while improving your social skills.
I hope you enjoy your Spring and that you treat yourself to a few nice dinners. Just remember not to leave your manners at home!
Dedicated to YOUR success, Jacqueline Whitmore
Dining Etiquette Tips for Meeting Success
When hosting a business meal or function, certain codes of conduct in the planning and execution of the event are important to remember.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scheduling meetings over a meal is common practice, whether it means taking a single client out to dinner or hosting a large business luncheon. There are certain guidelines and codes of etiquette both and your clients should follow before and during a business function to ensure its smooth execution.
Go with what you know. Forget about treating an important guest to a restaurant you haven't tried yet. Choose a place where your guest will feel most comfortable. Make sure that it is within a short driving or walking distance from your guest's office so it's convenient for him to get back to work on time. Consider your guest's likes and dislikes. You wouldn't want to take someone to a steak restaurant if they are a vegetarian. Find out ahead of time what kind of food your guest most enjoys and plan accordingly.
Choose your table in advance. Choose a table in a quiet location that will give you and your guests maximum privacy. Avoid tables situated next to the entrance, near the kitchen, or near the restrooms. If you are on a tight time schedule, call ahead and ask the server to put glasses of water, a basket of bread and a pitcher of iced tea on the table just prior to your arrival. If you are meeting for breakfast, ask the server to place a pot of coffee and assorted muffins on the table. Be sure to alert your server if you have to leave the restaurant by a certain time.
Pay the bill ahead. Guests should never be expected or feel obligated to pay, even for the tip, coat check, or valet parking. Settling the bill early with the server will avoid any uncomfortable situations like figuring the tip as your guests watch and wait for you.
Talk business later. Just because it's a business meal doesn't mean that work has to be the main topic of conversation the moment you sit down with your guests. In fact, it's customary to wait until after the main course, but before dessert, to bring up professional matters. The purpose of a business meal is to create and solidify relationships. It's about getting to know each other better on a personal level so that when you go back to the office, you can follow up and create a more solid relationship, so that business will follow. After the main course, you may want to excuse yourself and go to the restroom to check and see if you have any food in your teeth. When you return to the table, you will feel more comfortable talking business without any worries.
Don't overindulge. When ordering food, remind yourself that the emphasis should be on business, and therefore the food you order should be simple and easy to eat. Foods like large sandwiches, pasta in a red sauce, and baby back ribs should all be avoided. Don't drink in excess. If you are just dining with one guest and he chooses not to drink alcohol, you should decline also. If you are dining with several guests, you may enjoy one or two glasses of wine if your other guests decide to order wine.
Send your thanks. A gracious guest should always show appreciation by saying thank you. A handwritten note carries more weight than an email or a phone call, as it show that you put in some extra time and effort.
Etiquette is not about being stiff or stuffy. Like anything else, the more you practice good dining etiquette the more comfortable you will be and the more natural you will look and feel whether you're invited to a company holiday party or a board of directors' dinner.
Train-the-Trainer Series
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Art of Promoting Your Etiquette & Image BusinessAn Interactive Tele-Seminar Series to Help You Grow Your Business and Your Income
If you're an etiquette or image consultant who would like to make more money and take your business to a higher level, you'll want to join Jacqueline Whitmore as she offers a live, five-week series over the telephone entitled, "The Art of Promoting Your Etiquette & Image Business." Each week, she will share her tips and tools to help you make a greater profit, garner more media exposure, and position yourself as a local and national etiquette and image expert.
April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 20088:00pm Eastern, 7:00pm Central, 6:00pm Mountain, 5:00pm PacificTuition: $299.00 for all five classesWhen you register for this series you'll receive complimentary audio downloads.
All classes are one hour in length. Can't attend all five sessions? No problem. All sessions will be recorded and will be available to download and replay at your convenience. During this fun and interactive tele-seminar series, Jacqueline will teach you the following:
Course 1: You: The Art of Selling Yourself· What is branding and why is it so important?· How to design a 12-month marketing plan that will dominate your competition.· What marketing materials you REALLY need and what you can live without. · How to develop your niche and separate yourself from your competitors.· Timely topics to talk about and how to connect with an audience.· When to speak in your community and how often.· How to identify your customers and potential customers.· Why paid advertising hardly works and drains your wallet.· Why you are your own best business card.
Course 2: Print & E-Marketing Strategies· How to uncover the hottest etiquette and image trends.· Writing a winning news release and when and where to send it.· Seven deadly sins of a news release.· When and where to send a photo opportunity release form.· How to establish a web presence.· The truth about online advertising.· Why your website is your most indispensable marketing tool.· Top five website mistakes.· The benefits of e-newsletters and blogs.· Low cost or no cost publicity ideas.· How to become a columnist for your local newspaper.· How to capitalize on your personal accomplishments.· How to tie your area of expertise into the holidays.
Course 3: Essential Elements for Radio & Television Publicity· What reporters are really looking for in an expert.· How to choose the right media to target and how to increase your chances of getting interviewed.· How to pitch editors, reporters and producers.· What to say and do when a reporter calls you.· How to professionally praise or thank a reporter without looking like you're trying to win favor.· How to develop your media kit.
Course 4: How to Make a Profit in the Etiquette & Image Industry· Pricing your business for profit: What to charge and how to get paid what you are worth. · When to charge an honorarium versus a fee.· How to determine how much revenue you need to make on a monthly basis.· Fee alternative ideas -- what to request when a speaking fee is not offered.· How to write professional business proposals that stand out and get you booked.· Essential elements of a contract.· How to avoid the "what do you charge?" trap.· How to avoid the "hourly wage" syndrome.· How to design and promote a profitable public seminar.· How to avoid paying room rental charges and other unnecessary public seminar expenses.
Course 5: Taking Your Business to the Next Level · How to develop summer camps and other specialty programs.· Garner exposure through speaking at conferences and seminars.· How to get hired by universities and department stores and what programs to offer.· Why cold calling and mass mailings never work.· How to create spin-off products that will supplement your income.· How to become a corporate spokesperson.· Why you need a speaker's video and how to get one made.
Space is limited to the first 15 students. To register for this five-week tele-seminar series, click here.
Tax Deductible: Tuition is tax deductible. All expenses of continuing education taken to maintain and improve professional skills are tax deductible according to Treasury Regulation 1.162-5 Coughlin vs. Commissioner, 203 F2d 307. Please contact your accountant for details.
Jacqueline Whitmore -- In the
News~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~At Office Functions, Cover Up And Put The Glass Down(Office) Party fouls -- It's business-social, not social-businessLakeland Ledger, March 31, 2008
What To Do When A Co-worker StinksPerfumes, body odor, rotting food; the key is to handle such situations delicately.Lakeland Ledger, March 17, 2008
Join Jacqueline for Dinner~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you are attending the Association of Image Consultants International Convention, let's have dinner together! This is a good time to have some fun, meet other image and etiquette consultants, and get to know each other better.
WHEN: Saturday, May 17, 2008, Tampa, FloridaRESTAURANT: To be determined
If you'd like to get together for dinner, email Jacqueline at info@etiquetteexpert.com: To register for the AICI Conference on May 15-19, 2008.
Did You Know?~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A-OK: This gesture is widely accepted as the American "okay" sign, except in Brazil and Germany, where it's considered vulgar or obscene. This gesture is also considered impolite in Greece and Russia, while in Japan, it signifies "money," and in southern France, "zero" or "worthless."
Read Jacqueline's Blog
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Finishing School
Contact Ms. StarrPhone: 704-596-9866http://www.the-finishing-school.com/contactus.htm
Subscribe toThe Polished Professional monthly ezine
First & Last Name: Email:
Not sure if you've enrolled before? Don't worry, our system doesn't allow duplicate addresses Privacy Statement:We respect your privacy. Your information will never be sold or given to anyone.
E-BOOKS
Ms. Gloria Starr is pleased to offer you the opportunity to acquire immediate knowledge by reading one or more of her e-books. These electronic books are available to you immediately. Just make your selection, enter your credit card information using our online secure server and you will be reading this valuable information in a few moments.
The Polished Professional
Manners Really Do Matter
Tea Etiquette
Men's Wardrobing
Wine Wisdom
Knowledge is a powerful tool for success
Etiquette training
business etiquette
etiquette expert
finishing school dress for success
mentoring program
image consultant
image consulting
etiquette school
executive coaching
table etiquette
corporate trainer
communication skill training executive business coaching
impression management
image impact
personal development personal development training
corporate image
professional speaker
executive coach
corporate seminars
professional communication speaker
business manners
make overs
gloriastarr.com
Key Training Components of the Modern Day Finishing School SM
First Impressions-Lasting Impressions
Makeovers: Presenting You at your Personal Best
The Key Components of a Winning Image
Poise, Polish, Posturing and Positioning
The Six P's of Personal Marketing Persona
Packaging
Positioning
Presentation
Promotion
Passion
Business Attire: The Right Statement Every Time
The Corporate, Communicator and Creative Career Profiles
Appropriate Office Attire
The Psychological Effect of Color
Attention to Detail
Authority Dressing Guidelines
The Ten Most Fatal Business Faux Pas
Five Rules of Personal Marketing
Exude Confidence
Create a Powerful Aura
The Art and Science of Impression Management
Powerful Introductions
Create a Powerful Verbal Business Introduction Card
Develop a Prosperity Consciousness
The New Dress for Success Rules
Wardrobe Basics and Beyond
Personal Style-Professional Style
Dressing for Your Corporate Culture
Accessories that Spell Success
Business Casual Guidelines
Manners Really Do Matter
Meet, Greet and Mingle
Dining Etiquette - The Basics and Beyond
Tutorial Dining Lessons
Cocktail Parties and Other Off-Site Business Functions
Saying Thank You with Style
Ambassador Skills and Communication Essentials
What Your Body Language Really Says About You
Conversation Mastery
The Art of Introductions
Your Thirty-Second Commercial
Email and Cell Phone Etiquette
Assessment Tool Profiling
The Art of Instant Rapport
Contact Ms. StarrPhone: 704-596-9866http://www.the-finishing-school.com/contactus.htm
Subscribe toThe Polished Professional monthly ezine
First & Last Name: Email:
Not sure if you've enrolled before? Don't worry, our system doesn't allow duplicate addresses Privacy Statement:We respect your privacy. Your information will never be sold or given to anyone.
E-BOOKS
Ms. Gloria Starr is pleased to offer you the opportunity to acquire immediate knowledge by reading one or more of her e-books. These electronic books are available to you immediately. Just make your selection, enter your credit card information using our online secure server and you will be reading this valuable information in a few moments.
The Polished Professional
Manners Really Do Matter
Tea Etiquette
Men's Wardrobing
Wine Wisdom
Knowledge is a powerful tool for success
Etiquette training
business etiquette
etiquette expert
finishing school dress for success
mentoring program
image consultant
image consulting
etiquette school
executive coaching
table etiquette
corporate trainer
communication skill training executive business coaching
impression management
image impact
personal development personal development training
corporate image
professional speaker
executive coach
corporate seminars
professional communication speaker
business manners
make overs
gloriastarr.com
Key Training Components of the Modern Day Finishing School SM
First Impressions-Lasting Impressions
Makeovers: Presenting You at your Personal Best
The Key Components of a Winning Image
Poise, Polish, Posturing and Positioning
The Six P's of Personal Marketing Persona
Packaging
Positioning
Presentation
Promotion
Passion
Business Attire: The Right Statement Every Time
The Corporate, Communicator and Creative Career Profiles
Appropriate Office Attire
The Psychological Effect of Color
Attention to Detail
Authority Dressing Guidelines
The Ten Most Fatal Business Faux Pas
Five Rules of Personal Marketing
Exude Confidence
Create a Powerful Aura
The Art and Science of Impression Management
Powerful Introductions
Create a Powerful Verbal Business Introduction Card
Develop a Prosperity Consciousness
The New Dress for Success Rules
Wardrobe Basics and Beyond
Personal Style-Professional Style
Dressing for Your Corporate Culture
Accessories that Spell Success
Business Casual Guidelines
Manners Really Do Matter
Meet, Greet and Mingle
Dining Etiquette - The Basics and Beyond
Tutorial Dining Lessons
Cocktail Parties and Other Off-Site Business Functions
Saying Thank You with Style
Ambassador Skills and Communication Essentials
What Your Body Language Really Says About You
Conversation Mastery
The Art of Introductions
Your Thirty-Second Commercial
Email and Cell Phone Etiquette
Assessment Tool Profiling
The Art of Instant Rapport
Friday, March 21, 2008
US Flag Etiquette
STANDARDS of RESPECT
The Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. They are:
The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.
The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.
Note: Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14th. Many Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Girl Scout Troops retire flags regularly as well. Contact your local American Legion Hall or Scout Troop to inquire about the availability of this service.
Displaying the Flag Outdoors
When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff.
When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag - of a state, community, society or Scout unit - the flag of the United States must always be at the top except that the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for Navy personnel when conducted by a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea.
When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag's union should be farthest from the building.
When flown with flags of states, communities, or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor - to its own right...The other flags may be smaller but none may be larger...No other flag ever should be placed above it...The flag of the United States is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered.
When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. The flag of one nation may not be displayed above that of another nation.
Raising and Lowering the Flag
The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. It should be illuminated if displayed at night.The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.
Displaying the Flag Indoors
When on display, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left.
The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display.
When one flag is used with the flag of the United States of America and the staffs are crossed, the flag of the United States is placed on its own right with its staff in front of the other flag.
When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag's union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag's own right, and to the observer's left.
Parading and Saluting the Flag
When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried, the flag of the United States may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute.
The Salute
To salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge.
The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem
The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting.When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.
The Flag in Mourning
To place the flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered. On Memorial Day the flag is displayed at half staff until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset.
The flag is to be flown at half staff in mourning for designated, principal government leaders and upon presidential or gubernatorial order.
When used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed with the union at the head and over the left shoulder. It should not be lowered into the grave.
STANDARDS of RESPECT
The Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. They are:
The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.
The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.
Note: Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14th. Many Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Girl Scout Troops retire flags regularly as well. Contact your local American Legion Hall or Scout Troop to inquire about the availability of this service.
Displaying the Flag Outdoors
When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff.
When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag - of a state, community, society or Scout unit - the flag of the United States must always be at the top except that the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for Navy personnel when conducted by a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea.
When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag's union should be farthest from the building.
When flown with flags of states, communities, or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor - to its own right...The other flags may be smaller but none may be larger...No other flag ever should be placed above it...The flag of the United States is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered.
When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. The flag of one nation may not be displayed above that of another nation.
Raising and Lowering the Flag
The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. It should be illuminated if displayed at night.The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.
Displaying the Flag Indoors
When on display, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left.
The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display.
When one flag is used with the flag of the United States of America and the staffs are crossed, the flag of the United States is placed on its own right with its staff in front of the other flag.
When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag's union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag's own right, and to the observer's left.
Parading and Saluting the Flag
When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried, the flag of the United States may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute.
The Salute
To salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge.
The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem
The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting.When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.
The Flag in Mourning
To place the flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered. On Memorial Day the flag is displayed at half staff until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset.
The flag is to be flown at half staff in mourning for designated, principal government leaders and upon presidential or gubernatorial order.
When used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed with the union at the head and over the left shoulder. It should not be lowered into the grave.
Monday, March 17, 2008
MannersMatterUSA.com
Manners and Etiquette training kits for children
Child Care Providers, Educators and Parents; Teach basic manners to children!Create a profit and provide a value added service!!
Our goal is to provide an effective training curriculum for teaching children, ages 3-12 manners, respect and communication skills in order to instill leadership and social confidence in their daily lives.
Recent research shows that good manners and social skills are very important to a child’s future success. Child Care Professionals agree that learning the proper way to conduct oneself with respect and courtesy for others should begin as early as 3 years old. Once children learn basic manners, parents and teachers can build on this understanding to teach children how to behave in a range of social settings, how to manage conflict, and how to show kindness and consideration for others.
Our time proven programs offer parents, educators, and caregivers an extensive no nonsense course curriculum that provides a Social Foundation built on Manners, Respect, First Impressions, Communication Skills and Confidence for children ages 3-12. As children grow and progress through the lessons it is easy to see that Manners Matter in the USA, and all it takes is a few minutes to make a difference.
Free Lesson
Manners and Etiquette training kits for children
Child Care Providers, Educators and Parents; Teach basic manners to children!Create a profit and provide a value added service!!
Our goal is to provide an effective training curriculum for teaching children, ages 3-12 manners, respect and communication skills in order to instill leadership and social confidence in their daily lives.
Recent research shows that good manners and social skills are very important to a child’s future success. Child Care Professionals agree that learning the proper way to conduct oneself with respect and courtesy for others should begin as early as 3 years old. Once children learn basic manners, parents and teachers can build on this understanding to teach children how to behave in a range of social settings, how to manage conflict, and how to show kindness and consideration for others.
Our time proven programs offer parents, educators, and caregivers an extensive no nonsense course curriculum that provides a Social Foundation built on Manners, Respect, First Impressions, Communication Skills and Confidence for children ages 3-12. As children grow and progress through the lessons it is easy to see that Manners Matter in the USA, and all it takes is a few minutes to make a difference.
Free Lesson
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Etiquette Definition
Etiquette, one aspect of decorum, is a code that governs the expectations of social behavior, according to the contemporary conventional norm within a society, social class, or group. Usually unwritten, it may be codified in written form. Etiquette usually reflects formulas of conduct in which society or tradition have invested. An etiquette may reflect an underlying ethical code, or in may grow more as a fashion, as in eighteenth century Britain where apparently pointless acts like the manner in which a tea cup was held became important as indicators of upper class status. Like "culture", it is a word that has gradually grown plural, especially in a multi-ethnic society with many clashing expectations. Thus, it is now possible to refer to "an etiquette" or "a culture", realizing that these may not be universal. In Britain, though, the word etiquette has its roots in the eighteenth century, becoming a universal force in the nineteenth century to the extent that it has been described as the one word that aptly describes life during the reign of Queen Victoria
1 Norms and effects of etiquette
2 Manners
3 Cultural differences
4 Western business etiquette
5 See also
6 References
7 Further reading
8 External links
Etiquette and language
Acrolect
Basilect
Honorific
Netiquette
Political correctness
Prescription and description
Profanity
Semantics
Slang
Slang dictionary
Standard language
Style of address
T-V distinction
Etiquette and society
Aliénor de Poitiers early documentor of French etiquette
Concert etiquette
Debrett's
Diplomacy
Faux pas, Faux pas derived from Chinese pronunciation
Intercultural competence
Levée, the English version of Louis XIV's morning rising etiquette (lever) at Versailles.
Military courtesy
Office etiquette
Order of precedence
Protocol
Refine, Psychology And Social Class
Social Norms
Table manners
Worldwide etiquette
Zigzag method
Worldwide Etiquette
Worldwide
Africa
Asia
Australia and New Zealand
Canada and the United States
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
Etiquette, one aspect of decorum, is a code that governs the expectations of social behavior, according to the contemporary conventional norm within a society, social class, or group. Usually unwritten, it may be codified in written form. Etiquette usually reflects formulas of conduct in which society or tradition have invested. An etiquette may reflect an underlying ethical code, or in may grow more as a fashion, as in eighteenth century Britain where apparently pointless acts like the manner in which a tea cup was held became important as indicators of upper class status. Like "culture", it is a word that has gradually grown plural, especially in a multi-ethnic society with many clashing expectations. Thus, it is now possible to refer to "an etiquette" or "a culture", realizing that these may not be universal. In Britain, though, the word etiquette has its roots in the eighteenth century, becoming a universal force in the nineteenth century to the extent that it has been described as the one word that aptly describes life during the reign of Queen Victoria
1 Norms and effects of etiquette
2 Manners
3 Cultural differences
4 Western business etiquette
5 See also
6 References
7 Further reading
8 External links
Etiquette and language
Acrolect
Basilect
Honorific
Netiquette
Political correctness
Prescription and description
Profanity
Semantics
Slang
Slang dictionary
Standard language
Style of address
T-V distinction
Etiquette and society
Aliénor de Poitiers early documentor of French etiquette
Concert etiquette
Debrett's
Diplomacy
Faux pas, Faux pas derived from Chinese pronunciation
Intercultural competence
Levée, the English version of Louis XIV's morning rising etiquette (lever) at Versailles.
Military courtesy
Office etiquette
Order of precedence
Protocol
Refine, Psychology And Social Class
Social Norms
Table manners
Worldwide etiquette
Zigzag method
Worldwide Etiquette
Worldwide
Africa
Asia
Australia and New Zealand
Canada and the United States
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Thomas Edison’s Advice on Success
1. “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” Do not give up!
2. “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Failure is not an option!
3. “The value of an idea lies in the using of it.” Produce!
4. “Being busy does not always mean real work. The object of all work is production or accomplishment and to either of these ends there must be forethought, system, planning, intelligence, and honest purpose, as well as perspiration. Seeming to do is not doing.”
5. “Genius is 1% one percent inspiration and 99% ninety-nine percent perspiration.”
***One Big Mistake a Whole Lot of People Make
Basically, misjudging how long time it will take to get the desired results.
1. “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” Do not give up!
2. “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Failure is not an option!
3. “The value of an idea lies in the using of it.” Produce!
4. “Being busy does not always mean real work. The object of all work is production or accomplishment and to either of these ends there must be forethought, system, planning, intelligence, and honest purpose, as well as perspiration. Seeming to do is not doing.”
5. “Genius is 1% one percent inspiration and 99% ninety-nine percent perspiration.”
***One Big Mistake a Whole Lot of People Make
Basically, misjudging how long time it will take to get the desired results.
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