Can I Apply Lipstick and Powder at the Dinner Table?

In workshops, I have often been asked if it is appropriate to apply lipstick and powder at the dining table. Etiquette guidelines have changed over the past 60-70 years on this subject which has led to some confusion. From an etiquette perspective, here’s the scoop.

In the 1950s, it was perfectly acceptable to powder ones nose at the table, whereas today it is considered inappropriate. Excuse yourself to the restroom for a quick powder touch up.

Regarding lipstick, if you are with friends, it is fine to quickly and discreetly apply lipstick after the meal (though no lip liner, and without using a mirror).

If you are at a business meal, applying lipstick and other makeup touch ups are best done in the restroom. You want to be remembered for your business savvy, not your makeup application savvy.

"Business Etiquette Essentials" Training, June 23, 2012, Twin Cities

We have added a "Business Etiquette Essentials" workshop for June!

During this program, you will learn tools that will give you the ability to interact confidently and communicate more effectively, and the skills needed to put others and yourself at ease.

Topics covered: Winning Solutions for Effective Personal Branding - Introduction of Self and Others - How to Respond to Introductions - Making Your Eye Contact Confident and Respectful - Basic Body Language - Types of Handshakes and Their Meaning - Business Card Protocol - Techno Savvy E-mail, Cell phone, Handhelds, Texting, Social Media - Conversation Skills Basics - Tips for Remembering Names - Protocol of Engaging In and Ending Conversations -Tasteful & Taboo Topic of Conversation - Business Dining Etiquette Skills (Host & Guest Duties, Understanding the Table Setting, Oops! What to Do, Gracefully Paying & Tipping, and much more!) - Professional v. Business Casual Attire - Importance of Accessories

Date: June 23, 2012
Time: 9:00a-2:00p (registration at 8:45a)
Location: Axel’s Charhouse, 2540 N Cleveland Ave., Roseville, MN
Fee: $149; Lunch Included
Click Here to Register

April Flower and Gemstone of the Month

The gemstone for the month of April is the Diamond which represents innocence.

There are two flowers representing the month of April.

The Sweet Pea represents happiness and bliss.

      (photo courtesy of steve-h)

The Daisy represents purity, simplicity, loyalty. 

Top 5 Online Chat Faux Pas

I attended a teleseminar this afternoon where there was an ongoing chat section for participants. After today's session and seeing all the chat faux pas, thought it was time for a refresher for those who participate in such events. Here are the five experienced in today's teleseminar chat:

1. Do not share your need to use the restroom. Simply go take care of business and return. No announcements are needed. (The following picture is a post from today's session. Individual has his full name listed hence need to delete!)

2. Do not post (spam) your website, blog, or other contact information (unless invited to do so by the host). Our host today gave fair warning that those posting such information in the chat room would be removed from the chat and blacklisted for a period of time.

3. Avoid using your full name. Rather, create a nickname. (Reference to point #1 above.)

4. Avoid signing with "hugs," "love," etc. when attending a business teleseminar. Save such closings for personal messages.

5. Avoid using all CAPS when chatting. As in email, it is the equivalent of shouting.

Easter Hat Etiquette

With the return of lady-like dresses, it is wonderful to see so many lovely hats this season! With Easter tomorrow, Ladies, here are some tips on wearing your Easter hats:

-       Hats may be worn during church service. Do be mindful of those seated directly behind you. Should your hat be blocking their view, you may consider an alternate seating arrangement or remove your hat.

-       While dining out at a restaurant or another’s home for Easter brunch, ladies do wear their hats. (Note that we are referring to lady-like hats, not baseball caps which of course, should never be worn in the house.)

-       Hostesses do not wear a hat while entertaining in their home.

-       Adornments are to be placed on the right side of your hat (while adornments for gentlemen are placed on the left side).

-       Remove your daytime hat at dusk.

(Photo courtesy:www.hatsinthebelfry.com)

Defining Civility

I am often asked how to define "civility." Here is a pictorial of the various concepts. Each of the terms are important on their own, and comprise "civility" as a whole. Following are some suggestions of how to make "civility" more actionable in your life.

• Educators, Share this with your students asking them to draw or to find photos representing each of these concepts. Teens can describe situations they have faced where civility was or wasn't demonstrated.
• HR/Employers/Managers, Discuss these concepts with your employees and ask them to share situations they have faced with peers or customers that showcase these components, or to describe situations where these concepts were lacking and what they did to resolve concerns.
• Individuals, Ask yourself where you demonstrate these concepts in your daily family, community, and work life. Do you demonstrate all? Are there opportunities to do better?
• Parents, Share these with your children and discuss ways that as a family, you can demonstrate civility. What is each family member's responsibility within the family, when out and about, and at school. Make it a dinner game. Each of the terms can be placed in a bowl, one drawn at dinner, and discussed at that meal.
• Grandparents/Aunts/Uncles, Share this with the young people in your family, and discuss the experiences you have had, as well as their experiences with civility. What has or hasn't changed since you were their age?

(You may copy the picture for your use, though as it is copyrighted, please do site the source.)

Swearing, Profanity, #$%&#?*! ... Call it What You Will

As many who've been in my seminars know, I find that swear words are simply letters of the alphabet put together to create a word. I am not aware of any country that doesn't have its share of such words. This said however, I am not a fan of swearing. Not because of the words themselves, rather, because of the implied intent behind the use of these words, and often the tone with which they are spoken. Any letters can be put together to form a word. It is the meaning that society gives to these words that creates acceptance or nonacceptance for use in polite conversation.

Today we learned that the City Council in Washington, D.C. added an amendment to the Council's Code of Conduct that bans the use of profanity in council meetings. This amendment also unanimously passed. (see for the story: D.C. Council Chairman Cracks Down On #@&#%!!!)

It is interesting too when I speak with others, not one person has said that swearing is appropriate. Some even say they need to clean up their language. Yet swearing persists.

I simply ask you to consider how refined a person (you or other) sounds when swearing. And is there another set of words other than profanity that can be used when stating displeasure, unhappiness, or used in general conversation?