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Category Archive for: ‘Blog’

3 Ways to Enjoy a Solo Holiday 0

 

If you find yourself alone this holiday season, there are ways to combat the feelings of loneliness that may creep into your day. Here are three weapons you can keep at your disposal:

  1. It has been said over and over, but volunteering is the best way to overcome loneliness.  When you volunteer, a task is assigned to you and working to complete that task makes you feel productive.  Plus, you may not be working alone, which presents the perfect opportunity for making a new friend or two.  As a volunteer, you are also “giving” in some way to a person, place, or animals.  A number of research studies show that giving back improves our mental and physical well-being.  A definite win-win!
  2. Take a vacation.  A change of scenery – even if you are alone – can improve your outlook on things.  If you are spending time by yourself, you may as well be in a fun, adventurous place.
  3. Treat yourself.  Cook an elaborate holiday meal for yourself or order in.  Spend time on a project you never seem to get to.  Go outside and enjoy some sunshine.  Relax on the couch and watch the movies you have been meaning to see.  It may be a holiday, but it is yours to use any way you want.  Live it up!

Facing a holiday on your own does not have to be lonely.  Choose what you want to do with this time and do it – just for you.

Have you experienced a holiday alone?  Tell us your story.

Posted on: 11-20-2012
Posted in: Blog, Holidays, In the News

Holiday Table Manners 0

How Advanced Are Your Thanksgiving Table Manners?

Here in the United States, we are entering the holiday season with Thanksgiving on November 22.  For many people and families, it is a time of large gatherings with a bevy
of foods.

Thanksgiving Table

Whether you are celebrating this special holiday of giving thanks in a big or small way, it is always helpful to know the correct behavior necessary for a pleasant meal.

We thought it might be fun to do a True-False Quiz so you can test yourself on your knowledge.  Don’t worry, we won’t leave you in the dark, keep scrolling down to find the answers.

Let’s get started:

1.  At the beginning of a sit-down, family-style meal, food is passed only to the right.

2.  If someone asks for the salt, just pass them the salt.

3.  As soon as you are seated at the table, you may begin eating.

4.  Chewing with your mouth open or while talking is not only unsafe, it is unsightly.

5.  When you leave the table, place your napkin in your chair.

6.  It is not polite to discuss food allergies or digestion problems during a meal.

7.  By placing your silverware in the 3:15 or 6:30 position on your plate, it means that you are finished eating.

How did you do?

 Let’s find out.  Your answers and explanations are listed below:

1.  True – food is always passed to the right as it moves around the table the first time.  After it has gone around at least once, food may be passed to the left or right as needed.

2.  False – here is a little rhyme for you:  Salt and pepper are always passed together.  Even if only one is requested, they always move around the table as a couple.

3.  False – at a buffet meal, wait until at least half of your table is seated.  At a sit-down meal, follow signals from your host.

4.  True – you are more likely to choke on your food, and no one wants to see what is in your mouth.

5.  False – your napkin is always placed on the table, to the left of your place setting.

6.  True – please take our word for it.

7.  True – placing your silverware in either of these positions is called “closing out”, meaning you are finished eating.

 

Are you ready for your Thanksgiving dinner now?  Let us know how you scored.

Posted on: 11-9-2012
Posted in: Blog, Dining, In the News

The Politics of Party Conversation 0

It is an election year here in the United States, and a breeding ground for heated conversations. When party talk turns political, a bit of diffusing may be necessary to prevent a social bomb from going off.

 Party Conversation

  • Change the subject.

Before the conversation gets too deep to come back up quickly, you have a chance to turn it around. Use the opportunity to keep the peace.

 

  • Remember why you are there.

If you are not attending a candidate fundraiser, a government-sponsored event, or a political action committee gathering, there is no reason for a discussion on politics.

 

  • Ask the host to intervene.

A good host will be monitoring conversations as she makes rounds, but just in case she is out of earshot, it might be a good idea to get her attention and seek help.

 

Each of us have our own ideas and convictions, and we have a responsibility to respect the ideas and convictions of others. Keep celebratory events upbeat by discussing subjects of mutual interest that add to the party, not bring it down with negative conversation.

If a topic surfaces on which you do not agree, or cannot agree to disagree, then it is best left off the table.

Posted on: 11-6-2012
Posted in: Blog, In the News

Top 5 Etiquette Tips for Halloween 0

Make sure you have a safe and appropriate costume (you know what we mean).

If you are expecting trick or treaters, turn some lights on!

Not everyone likes to be scared, especially small children.

Jack-o-lanterns are made to be seen not smashed.

And lastly remember Halloween is meant to be fun, but saying Thank-You should be #1!

Posted on: 10-31-2012
Posted in: Blog, Children, In the News, Parents

Congrats to our 2012 FALL Graduates! 0

2012 August Corporate Graduates

HATS OFF to our 2012 August Corporate Etiquette Certification and October Children’s Etiquette Certification Graduates!

2012 October Children's Etiquette Graduates

 Ana Tajuelo – Quebec, Canada, Ariana Kumpis – Miami, FL*, Barbara Gaines – Fort Washington, MD*, Candace Smith – Orange, CA, Candis Duecker – Platte City, MO*, Debbie Cipolla – Hope Valley, RI*, Eda Engin – Istanbul, Turkey, Glema Gordon – Anthony, FL, J. Elliot Williams – American Canyon, CA, Jean Bissell – West Lake Hills, TX, Karen Bowles – Fork Union, VA*, LaVonne Mason – Austin, TX*, Loleni Opanga – Columbus, OH*, Nancy Smith – Birmingham, AL*, Rebecca Murphy – Austin, TX, Susan DeMay – Itasca, IL*, Treva Medbery – Birmingham, AL, Wisetta Dolsey – Oak Park, MI

*Indicates Dual Certification (Children Etiquette Certification and Corporate Etiquette Certification)

 

Posted on: 10-30-2012
Posted in: ASP Children's Training Graduates, ASP Corporate Training Graduates, Blog, In the News

Congratulations to our 2012 3-Day Etiquette Certification Graduates 0

The American School of Protocol®’s  June 8 – 10 weekend Children’s Etiquette Certification workshop in Atlanta, GA was a huge success.  During this training we focus on relationship-building with a parent and child.  As a teacher, mentor and role model, our responsibilities to our students are enormous and every small detail is included. If you are a motivated self-starter this certification option may be for you.

Our Next 3-Day Children’s Etiquette Certification Training workshop is November 16 – 18, 2012 in Atlanta, GA.  To learn more about this program click here!

Posted on: 06-20-2012
Posted in: ASP Children's Training Graduates, Blog, Children

Etiquette Question of the Day 0

QWe are often asked what to do when you are at a restaurant and the angel hair pasta with shrimp that you ordered is brought to the table with the tails of the shrimp still attached.

 

AWe suggest that when placing your food order, ask the waiter if the shrimp dish is prepared with or without the tails attached.  You can then tell the waiter what your preference is.

If the tails were not removed, you can gently remove the tails with your hands before eating the pasta.

Posted on: 06-1-2012
Posted in: Blog, Dining, In the News

A Hands on Learning Experience at Paces Paper 0

During our Etiquette Certification Courses, we devote a whole section of our training manual to Correspondence.  We instruct our trainees not only how to communicate with their clients, but also on how to choose correspondence stationery that correlates with their business.

We have to give a big  thank you to Paces Paper, located in Atlanta, GA for allowing The American School of Protocol® to have a truly hands on learning experience.  Jackie Garson Howard, owner of Paces Paper, educated the participants on stationery and captivated everyone with the beautiful styles of crane paper that are available.  

Deciding on paper texture, size, color and fonts that will represent an individual and their business can often be challenging.  At Paces Paper, Jackie gave her expert advice.  She laid the ground work for where to begin and what to stay away from.

Correspondence cards and stationery can leave a lasting impression.  Taking the time to invest and find a stand out stationery is 100% worth it!!

 

Posted on: 05-2-2012
Posted in: ASP Children's Training Graduates, ASP Corporate Training Graduates, Blog

Becoming a Certified Etiquette Consultant at ASP 0

“It has been a tremendous honor to study under Peggy Newfield.  She is a perfectionist in all that she does, providing her students with excellent, current, precise and thorough information.  Ms. Newfield’s delivery is truly incredible. A role model for every professional.”

“The Training at the American School of Protocol greatly exceed my expectations.  I am awed by Peggy’s wealth of knowledge and her willingness to share information.”

“Having completed both the Children’s Train the Trainer Certification and the Corporate Etiquette Certification programs, I feel prepared to teach any and all types of clients.  The material is very thorough and Ms. Newfield’s experiences and wealth of knowledge is invaluable.”

“I highly enjoyed the week long Corporate Training program.  I have no regrets for the amount of time spent with Peggy and the cost for attending the Corporate Etiquette Training.  The information provided in the manuals is useful and will be a great asset for me while I am developing my business.”

“I am just in awe of the class content and ‘hands on’ training that I received.  There aren’t enough words to express this wonderful training.”

“Having been through both the Children’s Training Program and Corporate Etiquette Certification, I have nothing but kudos for both!  The information and the process for both was well thought out and well taught.”

Posted on: 04-20-2012
Posted in: ASP Children's Training Graduates, ASP Corporate Training Graduates, Blog, Children

Our Professional Dress Seminar during Corporate Etiquette Training 0

 

It was beneficial to see all the “trends” as well as the foundational basics.  We were sent out into the store to put together a male and female business outfit using the information and styles that were presented during Rebecca’s session.  It inspired me to think of my existing clients and select wardrobe items that would be helpful when the sales team is on the road.

P.H.

Rockville, MD

 

 

 

The Corporate Dress session that took place at Neiman Marcus is an exceptional opportunity. The format was informative, interactive and entertaining.  I gained invaluable information and exposure.

A.M.

Baltimore, MD

 

 

 

The time at Neiman Marcus was very educational as well as enjoyable.  It was great to have genuine “hands on instructions”. Rebecca wowed us with fashion trends, tips and plenty of information to share with our clients.

A.A.

Charlotte, NC

 

 

 

Being updated on clothing and having to select various outfits was essential.  In addition to the information we gained at Neiman Marcus, the presentations and the critiques we received were so significant to the learning process.

S.G.

Campbell,California

 

 

 

In today’s world, there are many different business industries.   Each industry has a different clothing standard. It was great to see how to not only look professional with corporate attire, but in casual wear as well.

T.K.

Dallas, TX

Posted on: 04-19-2012
Posted in: ASP Corporate Training Graduates, Blog
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