Receiving invitations is a wonderful affirmation of our social connections, but there are moments when we simply can't attend every event that comes our way.  Politely declining an invitation is an essential skill that helps maintain relationships while respecting our own boundaries.  With a pinch of tact and a dash of courtesy, you can gracefully navigate these situations without burning bridges or causing hurt feelings.  In this article, we'll explore the art of saying 'no' with grace and kindness. 
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• Time is of the essence when it comes to declining an invitation.  Acknowledge the invitation promptly, expressing your gratitude for being included.  A timely response shows respect for the host's efforts and enables them to make alternative arrangements if needed. 
• Honesty is crucial, but it doesn't mean sharing every detail for declining.  Focus on a brief, positive explanation without oversharing.  For example, you could say, "I'd love to attend, but I already have another commitment that day."  Use a gracious and warm tone in your response.
• Draft and craft your response with politeness and consideration.  Avoid using blunt language.  Phrases like "Thank you for thinking of me" or "I really appreciate the invitation" can soften the impact of your decline. 
• Expressing regret is an empathetic way to decline an invitation.  Even though you're unable to attend, it's essential to show that you genuinely value the invitation.  A simple apology such as "I'm sorry I won't be able to make it...I would love to catch up with you afterwards." conveys sincerity. 
• Show gratitude for the invitation, regardless of whether you can attend or not.  A genuine expression of appreciation goes a long way in maintaining healthy relationships. 
• If you genuinely wish to spend time with the host but can't attend the specific event, propose an alternative plan. Suggest meeting for coffee, a lunch date, or a casual get-together in the future. 
• While it may be tempting to invent elaborate excuses to avoid an event, honesty is the best policy.  Fabricating stories can lead to uncomfortable situations if the truth surfaces later. 

Polite declination of invitations is an essential aspect of maintaining positive relationships and personal well-being.  By responding promptly, using kind language, and being honest but tactful, you can gracefully navigate the delicate art of declining an invitation.  Approach each invitation with appreciation and respect, and your polite declines will be a testament to your thoughtfulness and consideration for others.

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Have you ever received a posh invitation that made you break out in a sweat?  Your mind starts spinning 'What do I wear? How do I act? Can I check my Instagram account if it get boring?  We're about to unravel the mysteries of event etiquette, from formal galas to backyard BBQs, let's explore the wild world of social norms.  Get ready to put on your fancy pants as we navigate through the jungle of dos and don'ts. 

Dress code.  Always follow the specified dress code for the event.  Whether it's formal, semi-formal, business casual, or casual attire, dressing appropriately shows respect for the occasion and its hosts. 

Punctuality.  Arrive on time or slightly early for events.  Being punctual demonstrates consideration for the organisers and other guests.  RSVP: If an invitation includes an RSVP request, respond promptly to confirm your attendance or regrets. 

Greeting and introductions.  When entering an event, greet the hosts and other guests warmly.  Offer a firm handshake and introduce yourself if necessary.  When introducing others, mention their names and provide some context if possible. 

Mingling and conversation.  Be sociable and engage in conversations with different attendees.  Show genuine interest in others and avoid monopolising the conversation. 

Phone usage.  Practice good phone etiquette by keeping your phone on silent or vibrate mode. Excuse yourself to a private area if you need to make or take an extended call. 

Table manners.  At formal dinners or banquets, follow proper table manners, such as using utensils correctly, waiting for others to be served before eating, and keeping elbows off the table. 

Speeches.  If you're delivering a speech, keep it concise and relevant to the occasion. Avoid controversial or inappropriate topics, save that for family and friends.

Gift-giving.  If you're attending an event with a gift-giving tradition (weddings, or holidays), bring a thoughtful gift that aligns with the recipient's preferences. 

Thank-you notes.  After the event, send thank-you notes to the hosts to express your appreciation for the invitation and hospitality.   Hosts have afforded time, money and energy to put on a wonderful experience for their guests.

Departure.  Avoid leaving an event abruptly without saying goodbye to the hosts and other guests.  If you need to leave early, inform the hosts beforehand.   Conversely, don't overstay where your hosts are obliged to take care of you when they want to wind down after organising the event.

Respect cultural differences.  If the event involves different cultural backgrounds, be aware of and respectful towards their customs and traditions. 

​In conclusion, adhering to etiquette rules is crucial for navigating social events with grace and respect. By following these 11 pointers, you can ensure that you're a pleasant guest and contribute to a memorable experience for everyone involved. Remember, it's not just about the rules, but also about demonstrating thoughtfulness, consideration, and a genuine desire to connect with others. So, the next time you receive an invitation, be prepared to make a positive impression and enjoy the festivities to the fullest.

Etiquette, often seen as the social lubricant, enables smooth, respectful interactions within various contexts.  In the rapidly changing landscape of the 21st century, etiquette remains an essential facet of personal and professional life.  An array of influencers, some established, some newer to the scene, help navigate these often tricky waters of polite society.  Here we highlight some of the 21st century's top etiquette influencers.
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1. Amy Vanderbilt: Though Amy Vanderbilt, an American authority on etiquette, passed away in 1974, her impact is very much alive in the 21st century.  Her book, "Amy Vanderbilt's Complete Book of Etiquette," has seen numerous updates and remains a seminal work.  Modern etiquette experts often refer to her teachings when guiding their audiences on manners, and her influence continues to guide the standards of behaviour in American society.
2. June Dally-Watkins: This Australian icon was synonymous with grace and good manners.  As the founder of the June Dally-Watkins school, she became one of Australia's foremost etiquette teachers.  Her influence extended well into the 21st century, until her passing in 2020, by teaching people of all ages about personal development, business protocol, and social etiquette.  Her legacy continues through the work of her school and the many individuals she inspired.
3. Debrett's: Established in 1769 in the United Kingdom, Debrett's is an authority on British aristocratic protocol and etiquette. Although traditionally known for its guides on peerage and baronetage, Debrett's has modernised to meet the needs of the 21st century. It now offers coaching in social and interpersonal skills, corporate training, and online etiquette courses. Its ongoing work ensures that both traditional and contemporary etiquette remain accessible and applicable in today's world.
4. Ita Buttrose: An esteemed Australian journalist and businesswoman, Ita Buttrose has significantly influenced women's etiquette in Australia.  She is known for her poise, professionalism, and respect for proper decorum, making her an influential figure in both the media industry and broader society. Through her work in television and as the Australian of the Year 2013, Buttrose continues to be a model of sophisticated etiquette.

These influencers serve as a beacon, guiding us through an evolving social landscape while preserving the essence of respect and civility. Through their work, they remind us that while the specifics of etiquette might change, the underlying principles of kindness, consideration, and respect remain timeless.

The paparazzi are constantly taking photos of the royals making their way down the stairs when going to a charity event or A-list evening.  Have you ever observed how they keep cool, calm and collected while walking down?  Here are some common tips to keep in mind:

Stand On The Left
In many countries, the general rule is to walk on the staircase's left side.  This allows for a smooth traffic flow and helps avoid collisions with people moving in the opposite direction.

Steady Does It
Try to maintain a consistent walking pace when using the stairs, and avoid sudden stops or changes in direction, as this can create people bumping into each other.

Staircase Blockage
Avoid stopping to talk to friends or slowly walking and having a video conversation whilst on the stairs.  If you need to stop, move to the side, allowing others to pass without obstruction.

A Stair At A Time
When climbing or descending the stairs, it's best to take one step at a time and look towards the direction you need to go.  This helps maintain balance and reduces the risk of tripping or accidents.

Pass On The Left
If you need to pass someone on the stairs, do so on the right side.  Give a friendly "excuse me" or nod as you pass to avoid startling the person.

Personal Space
Respect other people's personal space when using the stairs.  Avoid crowding too closely or pushing past.  Maintain a comfortable ‘social’ distance to ensure everyone feels at ease. 

Top Tip >> Hold the handrail:  If the stairs have handrails, use them as a guide rather than gripping them for dear life.  Watch how Her Majesty The Late Queen Elizabeth II walked down the stairs with elegance and grace >>  Note how the Queen balances herself with her hands!

In the study conducted in 1999 by CEO Magazine and Hill & Knowlton, they explained that: 96% of CEOs believe that reputation is essential for their company. 77% believe that a positive reputation helps sell their products and services. 61% think that a positive reputation makes the organisation attractive to employees. 53% believe that a positive reputation increases credibility during crises, as Tamás Csordás, M.B.A stated.

So why is a corporate image important for a brand’s perception and reputation? How can a business or individual use a corporate image to their and the company’s advantage? Here are three tips that you can implement right now.

“Presenting a positive representation of yourself is a key component of experiencing professional success…..Creating a professional look can help you command attention and serious consideration at work.” Indeed.com

Dress and Grooming
Whether or not we know about it, humans constantly scan for clues. Research conducted by Willis & Todorov, 2006, found that it takes only a split second to make a first impression. Part of the first impression is how we dress and groom. Clothing and grooming tell a story, so how do you and your employees measure up?

Each morning or evening, could you give a few minutes of thought over the clothes you will wear the next day and ask yourself if it best represents the message I am selling? And does it further the company’s reputation?

Grooming is presenting oneself in a clean and tidy appearance and manner. Imagine if a flight attendant served you on a long-haul flight with a curry stain on their tie and sweat marks on the back of their shirt. What would you assume of this person and the company? You would always want to stay within your pitch and image.

Take a second to check your grooming before leaving the house and entering work. Carry and store items of clothing just in case of accidents. Being prepared is vital.  ‘Positive Reputation = Capital’ Nyárády and Szeles

Customer Service
When you read a restaurant or café review, what do you notice? People will talk about the products first and the service second. Good customer service is essential as it inspires client retention and brand loyalty, assisting in business growth. What makes excellent customer service in a tech-obsessed world? The human touch. How can we provide the human element in client relations?

When a client or customer enters the premises or business property, greet and assist them within thirty seconds; if there is a few people to greet, take up to one minute to say hello.

Use positive speech when addressing a product or dealing with a situation. The right words can prevent miscommunication and arising disputes. For example, instead of using ‘Ava is not available, can I take a message?’ use ‘currently Ava is away from reception, can I have Ava call you back?’

Business Communication
“Effective communication is a vital tool for any business owner. Your success at getting your point across can be the difference between sealing a deal and missing out on a potential opportunity.” Queensland Government, Australia
All businesses do it…and that is to communicate, constantly sharing and giving information between clients, customers and employees. Doing so keeps businesses busy and products or services sold, bought and delivered. How can we communicate efficiently and effectively?

Only some people are Harvard scholars and have perfect sentence structures! Quickly dealing with this is using paid online apps such as Grammarly or free platforms such as Google Docs or even your email service. These are helpful tools for analysing the text’s spelling, grammar, punctuation, and clarity.

Email is great for transmitting almost anything, and business heavily relies on this resource. Have you ever gotten two emails from the same person? The first is the original email telling you to ‘see the attached document’ and the second apologising for not attaching the document. Forgetting to send attachments with your email is crucial to maintaining consistency and trust. Why not connect the copy you want to send before typing your message and sending it?

We can conclude that knowledge about dress codes, business etiquette and effective communication are soft skills that will guide you in building the personal and corporate image you want to convey to have the desired success.

Article Published In: Protocol Today Magazine