Covid confinement has been a challenging and unusual time for people. To socially distance to keep ourselves and our communities safe has asked us to behave in opposing ways to our instincts and needs. Instead of finding comfort and connection in our social networks and workplaces, we’ve found ourselves isolated and in uncomfortable new situations such as unemployment or juggling full-time parenting with full-time work from home. Confinement has brought many mental, physical and financial difficulties and I congratulate everyone on playing their part to significantly reduce coronavirus transmission.

An interesting phenomenon has been brought to my attention by parents who found themselves spending an unprecedented amount of time with their children during confinement: they discovered that their children had a lot of room to improve their table manners and using new social codes of behaviour. That is spending time on-line and the new way of interacting with teachers and friends.

Due to being at home together for a long time and overburdened with work, parenting and household responsibilities, many parents reported to me that they let table manners slide. Instead of preparing and enjoying meals together, they permitted everyone to make their own meals or graze throughout the day.
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I’ve received a flurry of inquiries from worried parents who want their children to gain social confidence once again. I work with the parents to format a tailored program for their children. Generally, parents will guide me as to what they feel their child or children require, and it appears they usually need to be gently reminded to make sure to use their manners, not to forget social norms, and to use their cutlery correctly. Auersmont School of Etiquette offers one-to-one and group etiquette courses for children and teens…  I predict that etiquette classes will remain popular for a long, long time!

Read article in Mum CFO's>> 

​The world of etiquette is a constantly evolving landscape, adapting to the ever-changing social landscape. In today's digital age, a crucial aspect of modern manners revolves around how we conduct ourselves online, particularly on social media platforms.
 
Your Digital Footprint
Gone are the days when first impressions were solely based on in-person interactions. Today, employers and even casual acquaintances often check social media profiles to gain insights into potential candidates or individuals they meet. In essence, your social media presence has become a digital extension of yourself, a window into your personality and values.
 
Crafting a Positive Online Persona
So, how can you ensure your social media presence reflects well on you? Here are some key tips for navigating the digital world with grace:

• Spread Positivity: Approach social media with a positive and constructive mindset. Share content that inspires, uplifts, and adds value to your followers' experiences.
• Embrace Authenticity: Don't fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others' carefully curated online personas. Stay true to your unique personality and interests.
• Clean Up Your Feed: Regularly review your past posts and photos. If you find anything outdated or potentially misleading, don't hesitate to remove it.
• Block Negativity: Social media shouldn't be a breeding ground for negativity. Don't be afraid to block users who spread negativity or engage in online bullying.
• Seek Trusted Feedback: Consider asking close friends or family members to review your social media profiles for any content that might be perceived poorly.
• Disconnect to Reconnect: While social media offers valuable connections, excessive screen time can be detrimental. Make a conscious effort to limit your social media usage and prioritize real-life interactions.
• Vent Offline: Social media isn't a therapy session. If you're having a rough day, confide in a trusted friend or family member instead of airing your frustrations online.

 
Conclusion
By following these tips and fostering a positive online presence, you can ensure your social media persona reflects your best self. Remember, good digital etiquette is an essential part of modern manners. It demonstrates respect for yourself and others, creating a positive and professional first impression in today's online-driven world.

Article Published In: LinkedIn

Regina Titelius PerthNow, January 13, 2019 12:42PM

Renewed fascination with the royals is inspiring West Aussie women to get etiquette training. Class enrolments are up since Meghan Markle took royal lessons before getting hitched to Harry. Perth etiquette expert Elizabeth Soos runs “how to be a duchess” classes, which include lessons on proper manners and protocols.

Her pupils include Germaine Koh, of Fremantle, who said she felt outside her comfort zone at high-end cocktail events a few years ago for her fiancé’s work in Monaco, Italy and London.“ I felt really uncomfortable because the level of etiquette at the posh places we went to, particularly in Monaco, was beyond anything I had come across before,” Mrs Koh said. Not only has she learnt the high tea rules of engagement and other palatial requirements, but the Singaporean-born woman, who is stepping into real estate, was schooled on how to make the best first impression. 

​Armed with the training and a new wedding band, Mrs Koh was ready to mingle with the Hermes bag clique when she again accompanied her new husband for overseas functions late last year. “I was so much more confident at these events compared to my previous trips, I just wish I had done the duchess course sooner,” she said. “To know the proper etiquette is good for everyone, it shows respect to your partner, respect to business. It’s not only a matter of my husband making a good impression but also for partners.” 

Ms Soos said the royal wedding had helped return etiquette to the spotlight. She said Meghan had gone through a phenomenal transformation in a short period, with royal watchers noting her improvements in how she curtsied and interacted with other family members and the public. “People might think etiquette sounds old fashioned and they think of Queen Victoria or young Queen Elizabeth but etiquette is respect for other people and it goes back to treating people how you would want to be treated,” Ms Soos said.

10 Steps To Be Like The Dutchess
1. A curtsy is a small bob not a swan dive.
2. When the Queen speaks to you, then it will be your time to speak.
3. At state functions wear your tiara to identify you as part of the family.
4. Start your meal when the Queen starts her meal and finish your meal when Her Majesty finishes.
5. Speak to the person to your left side during the first course. During the main course, speak to the guest at your right side. Never the person opposite.
6. At afternoon tea, use your fingers for all foods, except patisseries when you will use a fork.
7. Offer tea, sugar and milk before serving yourself.
8. Hold the teacup correctly by pinching the cup handle. Never slurp.
9. Do not stir the cup of tea like a washing machine, but by using a 6-12 motion.
10. When giving a social card, use hands on each corner with the words facing the recipient.

Article Published In: The West Australian

In today's digital world, email is the cornerstone of professional communication.  It's the modern equivalent of a handwritten letter, carrying the weight of your message and representing you to colleagues, clients, and superiors.  Email etiquette in the workplace or in everyday interactions is crucial as it ensures clear, professional, and respectful communication among colleagues, clients, stakeholders, friends and family.
 
Proper email etiquette means using appropriate language, a clear subject line, and a concise and polite tone while avoiding slang and overly casual expressions.  It also involves timely responses, proper grammar, and thoughtful consideration of the recipient's time and workload.
 
By following these standards, employees can prevent misunderstandings and maintain a positive professional image, ultimately enhancing overall workplace efficiency and relationships.  Here are nine email etiquette tips to improve your emails are clear, concise, and portray you as a business-savvy individual.
 

1. Dress for Success: Maintain a Formal Tone - ​While a friendly and approachable tone is desirable, avoid informality, especially in your initial communication with someone or when addressing clients or superiors.  Maintain a professional and courteous writing style throughout your message.
2. Subject Matters: Clear and Specific Headlines - The subject line is your email's first impression.  Ditch generic titles like "Meeting" and opt for something specific and informative.  For example, use "RE: Meeting on 25th April at Ruby Meeting Rooms" instead.  This helps recipients quickly understand the email's purpose and prioritise their response. 
3. Attachments: Ensure They're Attached - Don't leave recipients wondering where the promised documents are.  Make attaching any files the first step in composing your email.  This minimises the risk of forgetting them and avoids frustrating back-and-forth exchanges.  If you receive an email without an attachment you were expecting, politely inquire:  "My email may have lost your attachment, would you mind re-sending it?"
4.  Emojis: Leave Them for Casual Settings - Emojis are fantastic for adding a touch of personality in casual communication.  However, they can be misconstrued in a professional setting.  Stick to clear and concise language – your message will speak for itself.  Additionally, different cultures might have varying interpretations of emojis, so it's best to avoid them altogether in business communication.
5. Timing is Everything: Sending Emails During Business Hours - Respect your recipient's time.  Avoid sending emails outside of regular business hours (typically Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm).  Don't bombard inboxes on weekends or holidays.  Utilise email scheduling tools if you need to send an email outside of these times.
6. Keep it Short and Sweet: Focused Communication - Shorter emails are generally better.  If your message requires extensive detail, consider summarising the key points in the email and attaching a document for further explanation.  Aim for a well-organized and concise email free of unnecessary phrases or clichés.
7.  Proofread with Confidence: Grammar and Spell Check are Your Allies - Typos and grammatical errors can create a negative impression.  Utilise spell-check and grammar tools to ensure your email is polished and error-free.  However, avoid using them excessively, especially in subject lines and paragraphs, as this can lead to awkward phrasing.  Remember, these tools are there to assist you, not replace your writing skills.
8.  Cc and Bcc: Understanding Your Options - The "Cc" field (carbon copy) is used to send a copy of the email to someone who needs to be informed but doesn't necessarily need to reply directly.  The "Bcc" field (blind carbon copy) includes recipients who will receive the email but are not visible to the other recipients in the "To" or "Cc" fields.
9.  Beyond the Tips: What Emails Are Not For - Email is not the ideal platform for everything.  Avoid using it for:

• Gossiping: Remember, the internet has a long memory, and emails can be easily forwarded or leaked.
• Debates: These can quickly escalate in writing. Utilize instant messaging apps for such discussions.
• Urgent Requests: In urgent situations, consider a phone call instead of an "ASAP" email reply. A phone call allows for immediate clarification and avoids potential misunderstandings.

Conclusion
By following these tips and embracing professional communication practices, you can transform your emails into powerful tools that advance your business goals and leave a lasting positive impression

​Today, cafés are on the top of many Australians daily or weekly agenda. They will discuss where to get the best coffee, ask for recommendations from friends and family. Research on the web or good food guides. Interest in where the coffee beans are sourced is another subject. Many good cafes won't just choose a certain brand for their café, but also source coffee manufacturers that will provide coffee from growing origins such as Ethiopia, Central South America, and New Guinea and make that a feature of their café.

1. Savor your espresso the Italian way.... with a glass of water. The glass of sparkling water which often accompanies espresso is to cleanse your palate before, and after, a drink of your espresso. Due to its intensity and concentration, espresso can be a lot for the palate at once, so it is nice to have something to prepare the palate, then cleanse it, even during your cup, and at the very last of the cup.
2. If you wish to remain long after you receive your coffee to do work, check around you. How busy is the cafe? Good manners and common sense will help you to determine whether you should stay longer. Some cafes are made for you to stay and access their free wifi and facilities, some want you to eat, drink, then leave.
3. If you are working via phone or online or talking to friends make sure you use your 'indoor voice' so others are able to hear conversation.  Bring your best manners along with you, even though the café is a very casual establishment.
4. Cafe's tend to be small and what you say and how your behave can be overhead and seen by the café owners, employees and all other customers.
5. If you are by yourself, choose the smallest table, rather than spreading out and taking up a table and potential earning for the café .
6. Stop and think before plugging your electronic gear into the walls of the cafe. First and foremost, not all cafés may welcome your added contribution to their electric bill. Besides, you may not be insured if there is a surge and you certainly don’t want to be responsible for causing one. Cords can be a tripping hazard. If someone trips over any of your ‘office on the go,’ liability may fall onto your shoulders. It's good to ask and find out the cafe's policies in advance of pulling out your cords.
7. Cafés are a great place to meet people. Keep a smile with you and don't feel uncomfortable saying “hello” to others, while carrying on with your own day.

 
The humble café has transformed into a hub for Australians seeking not just a caffeine fix, but a full-blown coffee experience. From lively discussions about sourcing to savouring ethically sourced beans from exotic origins, Australians are embracing coffee as a journey of discovery. This discerning approach has driven cafes to elevate their offerings, becoming destinations for coffee connoisseurs and casual consumers alike. So next time you visit your local café, take a moment to appreciate the intricate dance between quality beans, skilled brewing, and the vibrant coffee culture that fuels Australia's love for this delightful beverage.

See article in: Etiquipedia.blogspot.com

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