Etiquette Expert Blog

Details Complete a Wardrobe

Jacqueline Whitmore — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 02:10:50 +0000

Sometimes the little touches make the biggest impact. Accessories are small luxuries that create a favorable impression. Many years ago when I was the special events manager for the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel in Orlando, Florida, I would attend weekly preconference meetings with meeting planners who were bringing their groups to the hotel. As I sat in the meetings, I couldn’t help but notice the catering manager’s designer fountain pen with a black lacquer finish. Although it seems small, it had a big effect on the way I perceived his overall image. Everything about him was nicely put together, his suit, tie, and hair, but that fountain pen completed his impeccable appearance. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a pen, but it should look attractive and write well.

I’m a big fan of the Sheaffer Agio frosted pink nickel trim fountain pen. I love the slim design and the way it writes. Do you have a favorite pen?

How to Be a More Courteous Cell Phone User

Jacqueline Whitmore — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:21:34 +0000

Even though July was National Cell Phone Courtesy Month (an event I founded in 2002), I think it’s a good idea to promote cell phone courtesy all year round. I found these useful etiquette tips on cellphones.org and I’d like to share them with you!

A Lesson in Winning the Race

Jacqueline Whitmore — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 19:27:56 +0000

Derek Redmond, one of Britain’s greatest athletes, competed in the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona when his hamstring snapped in the 400 metres semi-finals and knocked him to the ground.

As all the other runners raced past him, Redmond saw his Olympic dream vanish before his eyes. Determined to finish the race, Redmond struggled to his feet, fought through the pain, and started hobbling towards the finish line.

Suddenly an amazing thing happened. Derek’s father, who was sitting in the stands, bolted out of his seat, dodged the security guards, jumped onto the track, and rushed to his son’s aid. He put his arm around his son’s waist and encouraged him to keep going. And as the crowd rose to their feet in applause, father and son made their way around the track to the finish line together. Redmond did not win an Olympic medal but with the help of his father, he finished the race. This scene has become one of the most enduring moments in modern Olympic history.

Here are four principles that I gleaned from Redmond’s experience:

The race begins when you put one foot in front of the other. You don’t have to come in first to be a winner; you just have to get in the game. If you live a life of complacency, you’ll never accomplish anything.
If you want to win, you’ll have to shed some blood, sweat and tears. It’s those challenging times in life that build character. Also, the rewards are that much sweeter when you’ve experience some bitterness along the way.
Don’t be afraid to lean on others occasionally. We were not put on this earth to accomplish everything alone. There will be times in life that you will need another person’s help, advice or encouragement. Don’t let your pride get in the way of asking someone to help you accomplish your goals.
You’ll experience your greatest emotional growth when life isn’t going your way. The universe has a way of testing us to see what we’re really made of and how we react to adversity. A positive mental attitude is critical to one’s success as well as a speedy recovery.

I’d love to know what lessons you learned from watching this video.

Blog Hop 2010

Jacqueline Whitmore — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:53:15 +0000

Welcome Blog Hoppers! Today I am participating in Blog Hop ‘10!

A little bit about me…

My name is Jacqueline Whitmore and I am an Etiquette Passionista! In other words, I’ve managed to turn my passion into a profession and I’m devoted to teaching others how to be more polished and polite in business and social settings. Please don’t ask me to teach your children manners (no offense, but that’s YOUR job). I focus on teaching executives and college students. I am the author of Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work and the founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach, Florida.

Before I entered the fascinating world of etiquette, I worked in the hospitality industry for more than 12 years. I have been a public relations executive with The Breakers Resort, a special events coordinator with The Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, a flight attendant with Northwest Airlines, and a singer and dancer at Sea World of Florida. Yes, I’ve had a colorful and wonderful career!

I love to cook and entertain and will sometimes share my favorite recipes on my blog. I love to Zumba dance and I really LOVE my dogs! I have a Yellow Labrador and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. On a more personal note, I’m a nine-year cervical cancer survivor!

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I invite you to “hop” around and read some of my popular posts!

Survey Reveals That It Pays to Be Attractive

Are You Minding Your Facebook Manners?

July is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month

Top 7 Twitter Etiquette Tips

You’re Fired! How to Keep Your Cool When Losing Your Job

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month: My Personal Battle With Cervical Cancer

Take Our Tipping Quiz

Jacqueline Whitmore — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 21:10:02 +0000

iStock.com

1. Where and when did tipping originate?

a. In Europe during the Middle Ages
b. In English pubs during the 17th century
c. In China during the T’ang Dynasty (618-907)

2. When did tipping come to the U.S.?

a. Before 1776
b. Around 1850
c. After 1901

3. How much are people expected to tip for average or normal service in U.S. restaurants?

a. A couple of dollars
b. At least 10%
c. At least 15%
d. At least 20%

4. What percentage of people in the U.S. usually tip restaurant servers?

a. 77 percent
b. 89 percent
c. 98 percent

5. What is the average tip percentage left in U.S. restaurants?

a. 7 percent
b. 11 percent
c. 15 percent
d. 18 percent

6. What percentage of most waiters’ and waitresses’ take-home pay come from tips as opposed to hourly wages?

a. Less than 30 percent
b. About 50 percent
c. More than 90 percent

7. What city in the U.S. has the highest average restaurant tip?

a. Chicago
b. Houston
c. Los Angeles
d. Philadelphia

8. Which of the following has the biggest effect on the size of restaurant tips?

a. Customers’ ratings of the service
b. Paying with credit as opposed to cash
c. Alcohol consumption
d. Server touching the customer

9. In which of the following states was tipping outlawed for a brief time during the early 1900s?

a. California
b. New York
c. Tennessee
d. Texas

10. What does the word for tip in many languages mean when translated directly into English?

a. Bribe
b. Gift
c. Reward
d. Drink money

Source: Michael Lynn, Cornell professor of consumer behavior and marketing

Answers: 1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (c) 5. (d) 6. (c) 7. (d) 8. (d) 9. (c) 10. (d)

Survey Reveals That It Pays to Be Attractive

Jacqueline Whitmore — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:58:26 +0000

In the current job market, putting an effort in your appearance has little to do with vanity, and everything to do with economic survival. Newsweek recently surveyed hiring managers and job seekers about the role of beauty in the workplace and found that it pays to be good-looking.

Summer Crab Cakes

Jacqueline Whitmore — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 22:11:03 +0000

Impress your guests with these delicious crab cakes. They’re a cinch to prepare and they make a beautiful presentation. Serve with basmati rice or on top of a fresh, green salad.

1 lb. jumbo lump crab meat
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
6 large scallions, finely chopped
½ medium green pepper, finely chopped
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (I use Duke’s Real Mayonnaise)
1 pinch sea salt and ground pepper
1 whole lemon, juiced
olive oil for frying
bread crumbs for dredging

In a large bowl, mix together the crab meat, scallions, celery and green peppers. Fold the mayonnaise and combine well. Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice. Place in the fridge to chill.

In a sautee pan, pour enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan and heat until hot. On a plate, sprinkle enough bread crumbs to coat the bottom. Using a spoon and your hands, divide the crab mixture into six patties. Dredge in the bread crumbs, shake off excess; discard any leftover crumbs. Fry the crab cakes in the pan for about three minutes until they turn golden, then turn and cook on the other side for three minutes more. Transfer to a serving platter and serve hot. Makes six crab cakes.

Are You Minding Your Facebook Manners?

Jacqueline Whitmore — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 17:14:21 +0000

Looks like Alice and Timmy need a lesson in Facebook etiquette!

Body Language Mistakes Women Make

Jacqueline Whitmore — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:29:23 +0000

A Pound Cake Recipe That’s Just “Peachy”

Jacqueline Whitmore — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:03:40 +0000

Fireprince peaches from Dickey Farms

I love surprises and last week I received a very nice surprise from my friends, Cindy Haygood, Debra Lassiter, and April McLean, at The Etiquette & Leadership Institute. These sweet ladies sent me two boxes of delicious Georgia peaches from Dickey Farms. Someone must have told them that they way to my heart is through my stomach!

These luscious peaches inspired me to make a peach poundcake. Here’s the recipe!

Georgia Peach Pound Cake

1 cup + 2 tablespoons butter
3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 1/4 cups sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
2 cups chopped, fresh peaches (3 peaches)

Grease a 10-inch tube pan with 2 tablespoons butter. Sprinkle pan with ¼ cup sugar. Cream remaining butter; gradually add remaining sugar, beating well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and mix well. Combine 2¾ cups flour, baking power, and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture, beating until well blended. Dredge peaches with remaining ¼ cup flour. Fold peaches into batter. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 325 degrees for 1 hour 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely.

Yield: 16 servings