You wanna know the secret to the perfect selfie? Why not enroll in Photography Poses 101?
Etiquette De Manille offers Photography Poses 101 (not really for the purpose of selfies, but I thought that introduction might call your attention) along with other classes that are aimed at improving personality and lifting confidence for a better overall image. They have a comprehensive program on corporate and service etiquette, international protocol training, as well as children’s etiquette instruction. They also conduct leadership programs for corporations, universities, public and private schools, and individuals.
One Workshop syllabus I stumbled upon lists good social skills, proper posture, ideal stance, graceful walk, how to sit, table manners and eating styles, and practical wardrobe and styling. Interesting ‘no?
Behind the business is image and etiquette archon, Pauli Antoine. An international expert on image and etiquette training, she is the go-to lady for all questions relating to the “proper way” of doing certain things. She has been featured in several publications and was cited by the Female Network as one of the “100 Amazing Filipinas of 2013”. She is a graduate of John Robert Powers International and is part of their current roster of trainers. She is also a columnist of F&B World Magazine.
Pauli Antoine of Etiquette de Manille
Because I have not had time to enroll in Pauli’s classes, I cornered her during one event and asked her for a few tips. I thought I’d share them with you.
How do you hand a calling card? Is it really supposed to be with two hands?
Always remember: At all times, you represent your business, company or organization. Good business etiquette dictates that you, as a representative, present yourself as best as you can. A business card is not just an internationally recognized means of presenting contact details. It is an extension of yourself. How a business card is presented reflects on you.
In the East, it is proper to give and receive items with two hands. The gesture suggests you are giving full dedication to transaction. In the West, people are used to giving and receiving things with only one hand. Generally, the available hand is used but the right hand is still the ‘better’ hand. It is the hand with which you shake hands, salute or wave to someone. People in the West pride themselves with being able to do things with only one hand, or equally well with one hand as with the other. They do not find it practical to do something with both hands when only one hand is needed for the job!
*To be on the safer side and not have to think on which side of the globe you are on, present your business card face up with both hands. Details on the card must be facing the recipient. Do not cover the logo on your business card.
*Think of presenting your business card as if you were presenting a gift to a king. Present your business card to the person of higher rank first.
*Execute a slight bow by bending from your waist. Bowing when presenting one’s self is not just about “being of service.” It is about showing respect, sincerity and openness to an exchange that is mutually beneficial.
*Business cards are generally exchanged at the beginning of or at the end of an initial meeting. Do not give out your business card in a fan-like motion, nor scatter your card on a table and tell people to feel free to get a card.
*When abroad, it is advisable to have one side of your business card in the local language. Present the card so the recipient’s language is face up.
*Make a point of studying the business card you receive. Comment on it or ask the presenter to clarify on some information before putting the card away.
Where do you leave your used table napkin when leaving your seat to go to the restroom etc?
How you use your table napkin reflects on how well you know proper table etiquette.
For gentlemen: Napkins must be folded crosswise and laid on the lap
For ladies: Napkins may be folded into a triangle
Before excusing yourself from a table, fold the napkin neatly and place it on the right side of your plate. This is now widely accepted for sanitary reasons vs. laying the napkin on your chair. At formal dining occasions (when the chair is usually cleaner), place the napkin on the heap of your chair.
After dining, pick up your napkin from the mid-section using your thumb and two fingers. Drape the napkin gracefully on your palm and tuck it neatly under the left side of your plate. This signifies that you are done.
What is really the proper way to hold a wine glass?
All wine glasses should always be held at the stem, no matter what the shape or size of the glass, or the type of wine. A common mistake is to hold the body of the glass. When you do this, the heat from your hand warms the drink. If you are trying to look at the color of the wine, it’s also hard to see with your hand wrapped around the glass and with fingerprints all over! So pinch the stem between your index finger and your thumb, guided by your tall finger. Let the rest of your fingers rest lightly on the stem. Do not raise them. If holding the glass by the stem feels unwieldy, it only means the glass is overfilled. A wine glass should be only a quarter to a third full — it also ensures you consume the wine quickly (while still at proper temperature).
How do you introduce two people, who do you introduce to whom, whose name do you say first?
There are many rules to proper introductions. A simple rule is: When introducing people, say the name of the more important person first followed by the introductory phrase: “I’d like you to meet….” or “I would like to present.…” State the name of the other person and the position, rank or affiliation, if necessary.
Simple rule on importance: First by gender (women first), followed by rank then by age. The rule holds true even if you were to introduce the head of state to a lady. By saying the name of the more important person first, you are presenting the other person to him or her, thus rendering due importance.
You may use the person’s first name if you were permited to do so, as when a person says: Please call me “Bill.”
When introducing two people (Mr. Bill Grant to Mr. Steven Hartman) and you are well acquainted with both, introduce them in the following manner:
Bill, I’d like you to meet Mr. Steven Hartman, Vice President of ABC. Steven, this is Mr. Bill Grant, CEO of XYZ. Let them decide on whether they would like the other person to call them by their first name.
When being introduced, wait until the full introductions have been made before saying anything or extending your hand. It is impolite to interrupt.
Learn more about Etiquette de Manille through their Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003341635655&fref=ts
or Pauli Antoine’s blog http://pauliantoine.wordpress.com/.
Those in Cebu might want to sign up for this summer workshop on good posture and table etiquette for kids, teens and tweens.
Etiquette de Manille will be in Cebu next weekend!
