Nov

23

Table Etiquette Trivia

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We’ve all heard our mothers tell us not to talk with our mouth full of food and to chew with our mouth closed. Apart from these two basic rules of dining etiquette, there are numerous others that are not as obvious to many people.

Take the following test to rate your knowledge of table etiquette.

TABLE ETIQUETTE TRIVIA TRUE FALSE
1-  I do not have to make a reservation if I invite a client for a business lunch early in the week when restaurants are not too busy.    
2-  I can tuck my napkin into my shirt collar if I am eating a dish that is likely to spatter.    
3-  If I need to leave the table during a meal, I place my napkin on my chair.    
4-  A glass of wine needs to be held by its stem.    
5-  I should never cross my legs under the table.    
6-  My bread and butter plate is on the right of my main plate.    
7-  Salad should never be cut, but rather folded into bite size pieces.    
8-  If I drop a piece of silverware, I must pick it up immediately.    
9-  It is acceptable to help the waiter stack dishes when clearing the table.    
10- I should stop eating when everyone else stops eating.    
1. F | 2. F | 3. T | 4. T | 5. T | 6. F | 7. T | 8. F | 9. F | 10. T

0 – 4 correct answers: You need to learn about table etiquette before you give out the wrong impression.

5 – 7 correct answers: You’re on the right path but you need to polish your table etiquette.

9 – 10 correct answers: Congratulations! You are already making a good impression during your dining activities.

Learn more by reading my new e-book
Essential Guide to Table Etiquette

Aug

25

First Impression Assessment

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It often only takes a glance to form an opinion of a person. This is the dreaded first impression. In the minutes that follow, you will reinforce that first impression by your actions and demeanour. 

How strong is your impact on other people? Answer the following 12 questions and you will have an idea of how you may be perceived.

Don’t forget that a first impression does not only occur upon meeting with strangers, but it forms every time you meet someone, whether you’ve known them for a day or 10 years.

FIRST IMPRESSION ASSESSMENT YES NO
  1-  Do you often feel ill at ease wearing your professional clothes?    
  2-  Are you often late arriving for your appointments?    
  3-  Are you moving nervously when meeting someone (fidgeting hands, swinging leg, excessive blinking)?    
  4-  Are your facial expressions tense (frown, clenched teeth, stern face)?    
  5-  Do you often look as if you’ve just stepped out of bed or ran out the door without looking at yourself in the mirror?    
  6-  Do you forget to smile?    
  7-  Do you have problems with making eye contact?    
  8-  Do you slouch when standing or sitting?    
  9- Do you often laugh nervously?    
10- Do people often ask you to repeat what you just said because you were inaudible?    
11- Do you leave your mobile phone open during meetings and then look at, or pick up incoming calls or SMS?    
12- Do you have a tendency to talk a lot about yourself?    

 

The more “Yes” answers you have, the less likely your first impression and impact on others is positive. Look at your “Yes” answers and make an effort to change those particular traits or attitudes to improve the way people may be perceiving you. You will not only gain in credibility, but it will open doors to new opportunities.

Jun

30

Is Your Business Card Outdated?

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Your company may have evolved, but your card may not have followed.

Take my quick assessment to find out if your card is complementing your professional presence or hurting it.

BUSINESS CARD ASSESSMENT YES NO
1-  Do the logo, concept and colours of your card evoke a style from past decades?    
2-  Is your social media information missing from your card (LinkedIn, Facebook, your blog, etc)?    
3-  Do you have too much information on your card that is clogging the design?    
4-  If your card has your picture on it, is it more than 3 years old?    
5-  Is the typo difficult to read?    
6-  Could you improve the weight and finish of your card to be more in line with your image?    
7-  Is your job title confusing or lacking clarity?    
8-  Is the overall look of your card plain and boring?    

 

Add the number of yesses.

3 or more: You seriously need to look at refreshing the look and content of your business card. It may not be sending the right message about you or your company and as a result, you may be loosing business to your competition.

1 or 2: You may want to look at these specific areas when ready to reprint your business cards.

If all of your answers are “no” answers: Congratulations! Your business card is serving you well and you should be proud to hand it out!

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  • NEWS


    Now Available!

    Essential Guide to Table Etiquette

    My e-book Essential Guide to Table Etiquette will teach you the basic golden rules for memorable business dining.

    $12.95 + tx

    Easy purchase with Paypal

    PLEASE NOTE: a link to download your e-book will appear after your transaction is complete. Make sure to click on it to get your copy.

    Take a look at the Table of Contents

  • READ, HEAR, VIEW


    Radio Interview with Dr. Joyce

    Learn more about branding by listening to Kathleen’s interview with
    Dr. Joyce Knudsen

    This text will be replaced by the flash music player.

    _______

    Article in VOIR
    Read about journalist Mélissa Proulx's experience with Kathleen's services
    (in French)


    _______

    Article in A2Z Parents Magazine
    Read Kathleen's article on how to give yourself a
    Body Image Tune Up
    and learn great ideas for a confidence boost when you are a busy mom



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