Now that the Christmas season is in full swing, if you have done your shopping or gone to the malls, I am sure you can relate to this story. It was your average Saturday afternoon, but it was a week before Christmas. I had just arrived at Hudson’s Bay and as I walked through the […]
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Business Etiquette, Downsizing with Dignity
At a recent networking event, I learned that four of the ten people there who had been employed by a major corporation and over the past five years had lost their job due to technology and downsizing, increasing the corporation’s bottom line and dividends to the shareholders, and I am all for that! But must […]
Read More business, business etiquette, Dignity, Downsizing, RespectHappy Thanksgiving
I hope your Thanksgiving went well, with lots of turkey, lots of laughs and lots of love. It is a special time to get together with friends and family alike. However some of us have family overseas, or in faraway places. It is at this time our hearts can get heavy, but let’s just remember […]
Read More business, Cocktail Etiquette, etiquette, Family, Guests, Holiday Etiquette, host, hostess, Party Etiquette, SuccessHow to Dress for Success in Business
I recently flew from London Ontario to Washington DC. The purpose of my trip was to attend a seminar presented by other keynote speakers on business etiquette presentation skills. When traveling on business, I always wear a suit. It’s important to dress for success. It’s also, professional business etiquette. Looking back on this particular trip, […]
Read More Air Canada, Airplane Etiquette, business etiquette, business travel, etiquette, Ritz Carlton, travel etiquetteYou’re invited! Guest Etiquette.
Summertime Fun! I received an invitation to attend a friend’s BBQ pot luck dinner. We arrived at 6:05pm. The party started at 6pm. The food was great the company of the host and hostess was equally as great. But the other guests really needed to brush up on their guest etiquette! Whether you’re a long […]
Read More diane gordon, etiquette, etiquette essentials, gifts, guest etiquette, host, hostess, mingle, pot luck, punctual, social etiquette, thank-youThe Ultimate Pool Party ~ Barbie 2013
Well July 27th 2013 finally arrived and I hosted my annual pool party. The theme changes from year to year. This year the theme was all about Barbie. I invited 12 guests. All guests agreed to enter a Barbie Costume Contest. Each contestant was asked to enter $10 into the draw. There were prizes awarded […]
Read More barbie, do's and dont's, entertaining, etiquette, good manners, guest, host, tipsThank you Toastmasters International
Many of you may already know of my passion and commitment to improving my presentation skills. I have presented in front of many audiences in many formats, from workshops to seminars to keynotes. They all require constant training to become a fantastic speaker. I have been involved with Toastmasters International for just over one and […]
Read More conference, etiquette essentials, keynote, presenting, speaker, spoken advantage, successworks, toastmastersWas Your Latest Date a Train Wreck?!
Many people are entering the dating scene. Some are in their late teens, 20’s to 70’s. Whatever your age there are still several basic guidelines to ensure an enjoyable experience whether or not it’s with “Mr. or Ms. Right”. Be on time. When you say 6pm be at the door at 6pm not texting from […]
Read MorePresentation Etiquette for the Audience
Be on time. 10-15 minutes early to gather your name badge, pick up a beverage or any food offered, and find your seat. Turn off all electronics. Unless instructed otherwise by the presenter. There is nothing more inconsiderate than a cell phone ringing. Put it on vibrate. If the call is urgent excuse yourself or […]
Read More business, etiquette, presentation, social etiquette, speakingI Am Back from Washington D.C. “The Nation’s Capital”
I had a fabulous time meeting with my colleagues from the Protocol School of Washington® and attending The Speakers TrainingCamp® with Sue Gaulke, CEO of SuccessWorks. It was amazing! I am convinced I am a life-long learner as I pursue my career as a presentation keynote speaker. I strongly believe that with every experience in life […]
Read More etiquette, presentation, protocol, speaking, trainingJust Back From Edmonton & Toronto, Off to Washington D.C.
It’s been a busy month for me. I truly enjoyed being a key speaker for BDO Canada on business etiquette. It is a testament to this company’s integrity and professionalism. The presentation was called Professionally Polished. Both the eastern and western conference was a lot of fun and interactive. The feedback I received from the […]
Read MoreProper Etiquette at 40,000 Feet
Whether you are on the ground awaiting your flight or above the clouds, good manners matter. On a recent international flight I saw first-hand how some people have little concept of how to behave in public. While some people are helpful and considerate others are rude and self-absorbed. During the flight I was in a […]
Read More airplane, business, business travel, etiquette, manners, professional, tipsSPRING IS IN THE AIR!
Easter Time Is Here. Let’s Not Forget Our Good Manners and Respect. Many of us will be visiting with family members young and elderly. Here are a few tips to make your Easter visit a success! Be prompt, within 5 minutes of scheduled time is polite. Be considerate, small children should not be left to […]
Read MoreTOP 10 RULES OF FINE DINING
Have you ever been to a restaurant where the service was impeccable? There is a reason we dine out and enjoy fine dining. There are many rules to follow when you call yourself a fine dining establishment. The most important reason is to ensure your guests are well taken care of. Here is a list […]
Read MoreRECOMMENDED READING
There is something to be said about ‘Life Long Learning’. Set aside some time to read a few of Diane’s recommended books and learn how to elevate your personal and professional life.
Read MorePOSITIVE IMAGE & POSITIVE BODY LANGUAGE
It is important to think about our posture, hand gestures, eye movement, facial expression, placement of arms and feet, and proximity when we are building relationships and trying to deliver our message to others. Smile (confidence; approachable; friendly; caring; empathetic; non-threatening, ready for discussion or negotiation) Open posture (arms at your side; facing others directly/shoulders […]
Read MoreWHAT TO WEAR
Our lives and careers take us into many different environments. When we move into unfamiliar territory, the best way to fit in quickly is to project the image that we belong by choosing appropriate attire. Dress codes vary among industries, offices, cultures, job sites and business occasions. There is no one-size-fits-all philosophy when you are […]
Read MoreATTITUDE By Charles Swindoll
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than success, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important that appearance, giftedness […]
Read MoreETIQUETTE IS ESSENTIAL
Dress for success guru John Molloy found almost everyone he talked to agreed, that the final indicator of class was the profession of certain social skills. 99 out of every 100 executives said that social skills were prerequisite for success in your career and business. John Molloy added most executives agree that handling yourself at […]
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