3 forks, 2 knives, 4 glasses, 3 spoons….What a confusion !!!!!!!!

For many of you a typical formal table setting is a big confusion and could embarrass you in formal setups. Formal table setting etiquette could be a little tricky but here we have a solution to your big time problem. Today I will introduce you to each utensil, its proper use and look classy when you eat. So are you ready to dine like a diplomat?

Description
A- Appetizer / Salad fork: Placed far left is used for salads and appetizers
B- Dinner Fork: This fork is the largest and is placed left and near to the service plate.
C- Service plate: It is where the courses are served.
D- Dinner Knife- Placed next to service plate on right.
E- Dinner spoon: Is long and narrow placed on right side of the service plate next to the dinner knife.
F- Soup spoon: Is placed next to dinner spoon. It is round , small than dinner spoon and deep.
G- Butter plate and butter knife: It is place above far left to the service plate. After use place the butter knife diagonally on the right side of the butter plate with the blade pointing away from you.
H- Dessert spoon and fork: These are placed just above the service plate. Desert spoon is the smallest.
I- Glasses: Glasses are arranged as such- Water glass- champagne flute -Red wine goblet- white wine goblet.

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Now how to use them properly and not to look like a starter here are few tips:

• Rule of thumb is to work outside in or use silverware outside to inside
• For glasses always start to the left and move towards right.
• Another tip to remember is BMW (Bread, meal and water)
• Napkin is placed folded on the service plate. Unfold it & place it on the lap before you start the meal.
•  It is impolite to season your food before tasting
• Always pass the salt and pepper together

Some dinner Taboos:

• Elbows on table
• Salt / Pepper on food before tasting
• Talking with mouth full 
• Drinking with food in mouth
• Gesturing with silverware
• Pushing back or stacking plates at end of meal
• Answering or placing cell phone calls at table
• Dunking anything into coffee or water
• Making a fuss over incorrect orders
• Arranging hair or applying makeup at table
• Picking your teeth at the table
• Asking for a doggy bag 

Learn the art of dining

• Right method to use the napkins?
• American and European/Continental style of dining?
• How to hold the glasses and raise a toast
• Different positions of placing forks and knives
• Who should pay the bill
• How to select the order
• Who and when to decide the menu?
• How to address the waiter?
• What to do if silverware falls down?
• How to excuse in the middle of the dinner?
• What should be the conversation topics at formal dining?
• Playing a perfect host
• How to compliment?
• Different international and cross cultural  dining etiquette

Great style of eating is an art which you can learn and make great positive impressions either it is a formal business dinner or family dinners. Above mentioned are few dining tips and if you really want to learn the art of dining you can reach us.

my Áura provides customized programs & workshops which are comprehensive & well-structured with “real life applications” for individuals, corporate and educational institutions. We help in strategic planning to form the foundation of your powerful image.

For further details mail us at info@myauraimageconsultant.com

So, when are you FLYING next!!!

In this series to learn travelling, dining and cross cultural etiquette let me introduce you to some common manners expected from you while travelling in flight.Etiquette tips in flight when travelling:1. When checking in, please make it easy on the agent and have your ID, boarding pass (print it online) ready. This makes your time at the ticket counter go efficiently and the person behind you will appreciate it.
2. Say "Thank You" to the passenger service agent as you leave their station after checking in.
3. As you go through security, be as prepared as possible. Don't wear belts, lots of jewelry or put change in your pocket.
4. Always stand in a line and wait for your turn when checking in.
5. Do not take seats in flight which are not assigned to you.
6. When moving inside the flight do not climb over fellow passengers repeatedly.

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7. Do not fidget in your seat and do not complain of a crying baby
8. Ask your children to be in place and do not allow them to disturb other passengers.
9. Avoid being demanding and rude to the flight attendants.
10. Do not refuse to follow the requests and instructions of airline personnel.
11. Do not repeatedly press button to summon the flight attendant
12. Do not snore, cough or gag, unnecessarily.
13. Remember others personal space and keep your elbows in your space.
14. Always switch off your mobile phones once you are seated.
15. Be aware of conversation during the flight. Some people just want to be left alone.
16. Don't push your knees into the back of the person in front of you when seated. This is out right rude!
17. Always show kindness and respect to the flight attendants. Wait until they come through with their carts to ask for a drink not when they are trying to secure the aircraft for departure
18. If you have children, please let everyone get off the plane and then you get off last.
19. If you have been drinking and are intoxicated, you are technically not allowed to fly and can be asked to leave the aircraft.
20. Do not speak too loudly with your fellow member or family member…U are disturbing others with your family conversations.

Next time when you travel follow these few tips and see the difference….Will introduce you to the correct use of fork and knife next time till then enjoy travelling!!!!!!
Learn the art of creating everlasting great impressions and manage to portray a positive powerful image with ‘myAura’. my Áura provides customized programs & workshops which are comprehensive & well-structured with “real life applications” for individuals, corporate and educational institutions. We help in strategic planning to form the foundation of your powerful image.

For further details mail us at info@myauraimageconsultant.com 

Power of "ME''

We really wonder why some people climb the ladder of success easily and quickly?
Why is it that few are the privileged one that things are much more easier to them?
Do you all really agree that probably they are few lucky humans having a big brain or more gray matter?
Whatever, the aim is to achieve success and appreciation in life....
What about Lateral thinking?  thinking out of the box, must have heard many times?
We are all bound to the so called boundaries which are set by the conditioning may be social, family, friends and above all the restricted perceptions we make about the things which are happening..

No doubt we create the limitations and wait for the D day to arrive for the accomplishments of the desires. Hard work and luck goes hand in hand but somehow if we could make our thinking process  controlled and free to the horizons then definitely the painted picture will be beautiful...
Think about it!! A small thing with deep impact   'Visualization'....

Visualization has that power to make you the real' You' , you always wanted to be. Visualize success you will be successful, visualize making a good presentation and you have done it..
Make a 'mark' and prove your worth . Along with it one thing which also matters a lot is self concept.
A clear self concept i.e. what you think as an individual about your being? Are you a self believer?
When you think positive then this positivity is your guide and shows the right path.

Positive self concept is your brand and value you add to your personality. You cater your inbuilt qualities for a productive outcome which also gives you an added advantage of projecting your power 'IMAGE'..
Trust and belief in self are the two key components of success , so make sure you don't miss the chance!!!!!

'Success is one part talent and nine part perseverance', so don't give up move ahead and reach the horizons.....

Why have Corporate Grooming Workshops??

Business is about first impressions and on-going interactions. Employees’ appearance, attitude, and behavior are direct reflections of your company and brand.
Image has an undeniable impact on your company’s success. And as your employees serve as ambassadors for your business the appropriateness of their Appearance, Communication and Behavior/ Etiquette is crucial.

Now the question arises whether Business Etiquette and Business Communication are really that important???

There is a growing field of solid research that can help you to show that etiquette is crucial.
Here are a few examples:

1. Research on etiquette by Will Felps revealed that having just one "jerk" (defined as someone violating norms of respect) in an office can reduce performance and productivity by 30% to 40%.
2. Another study showed that negative interactions with someone at work had five times greater impact on a person's mood than a good interaction. In other words, one bad apple can really bring us down.
3. A study of work teams with rude leaders showed that these teams failed to make progress -- and members vividly recalled the leader's rude behaviors, much more than his or her positive actions.

Proper etiquette and effective communication skills is now understood to be vital to career and professional growth, and it is important to personal growth as well. Integrating civility into your behavior allows you to stop worrying about what to do in complex social and business situations. When good manners become part of who you are, they provide a foundation that you can take for granted when you encounter stress and anxiety. More than that, etiquette helps you recognize the importance of other people and the ways in which you can be a presence without being a burden.

“Employees are the companies’ walking Advertisements”

First Impressions in Business are based upon few general things like:

1. Proper introductions mean being business savvy. Being good with introductions puts people at ease and shows that you have both finesse & leadership skills. 
2. Telephone skills can make or break your business
3. What to Wear: Business Formals and BUSINESS Casuals
4. Whether the fork’s in your hand or in that of an employee, the impression left by your dining performance can make or break a deal.
5. Correct  norms for gestures and body language in a business
6. Excellent Communication Skills
7. Appropriate Business English

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Do You Have Employees Who Would Benefit From Business Etiquette and Business Communication Training? 
Then, we have the solution for all your needs. "my Áura" Image, Etiquette & Business Consultant, is a unique initiative and proud to introduce a unique corporate workshop on Business Etiquette and Communications.
“Polish your Skills” for corporate and can help you in producing your yourself and employee s as a complete package

Why it’s a must to conduct such workshops for every organization?
Successful companies groom their employees for internal growth opportunities. It’s about confident individuals who can represent your company and be ready to fully stand up to play a leadership role. It’s about employees making connections that foster profitable relationships. It’s about employees conveying a strong professional presence while being approachable.
Without a strong professional presence, your employees can not be effective negotiators or managers that confidently represent your company to higher levels of profit and productivity.
The entire workshop can also be restructured according to the need of your organization.

my Aura is always there in case you need any further information.
Please feel free to visit www.myauraimageconsultant.com or
contact us at: info@myAuraImageConsultant.com 

my Aura quoted in the national print media ( outlook magazine)

www.outlookindia.com | The Fork In Thy Hand

www.outlookindia.com

Handshakes: "Speak a lot about you"

Handshakes are used in greetings, meetings, introductions and day to day life situations. The way you shake hands speaks a lot about you as a person, your self Image you want to project, your authority, position and how friendly you are to bond with others confidently.

Few hand shakes which reveals what kind of a person you are..
1) Cold clammy hand  You are showing your nerves i.e you are nervous and this could be a let down to others.
Make sure your hands are dry and clean.
2) Bone crusher  Are you a breaking bone kind? making people wince when you shake hands shows that probably you are insecure..thus you try to overcompensate it by trying to one up the person.
3) Finger hook  You reach for someone's fingers instead of palm, shows you are indecisive and in a rush..
4) Limp Fish      Giving your hand partially like a dead fish shows lack of interest and shows insecurity and fear. You are not allowing him to know that you exist.
5) Two handed grip  It is a sign of friendship and informality . Men need to be careful about using this style with women, unless they are too familiar.
6) Fist Bump  Save it for your buddies outside your office.


Perfect Hand shake...
Best hand shake is when you stand up as the person approaches you or extending your hand when you are about two to three feet away. Extend your arm angled across your chest with your thumb side up and make a confident eye contact with a smile. Shake hands two to three times before letting go.
Give a firm hand shake and show your warmth and confidence. Hand shakes lead to the perceptions  made about you by others and are also responsible in creating everlasting ' First Impressions'. It also helps in building a rapport between the individuals so next time while shaking hands remember these simple pointers..

• Rise if seated ( both for men and women)
• Walk up to the person confidently.
• Keep your hands out of your pockets and keep your right hand free.
• Smile briefly but don't overdo it.
• Make eye contact but don't stare or look at your shoes.
• Face the person heart to heart.
• If your hands are clammy or wet, wipe them first with a handkerchief or tissue.
• Reach out your right hand with confidence and smile.
• Hand should be straight with thumb on top.
• Make palm to palm contact.

Hand shake is a very important element in communicating your personal image and intent. It speaks a lot about you as a person and what you think, so next time get ready to make an everlasting first impressions and reach the success in life.....

To know more about hand shakes like when  and when not to extend hand ? What to do when the other person is eating or his/ her hands are full?, When you meet some one of higher ranking? or what to do when you leave the house or the meeting gets over? or probably when you travel how about the international protocols? or when you face a female client /boss? For a detailed description contact 'my Aura' Image, Etiquette and Business Consultants.


my Aura is always there in case you need any further information.
Please feel free to visit www.myauraimageconsultant.com or
contact us at: info@myAuraImageConsultant.com

Exchanging Business Cards

Business card is an identity of the individual and about the work with which he or she is associated. It is an extension of introducing yourself to others on paper. It shows your personality and the Image you want to portray.

Here are ten "my Áura" rules of etiquette for business cards:
1. Always use a neat, crisp, clean and pristine card when offering to someone.
2. Always offer card either with right or both the hands. Never offer card with your left hand.
3. While offering the card always look towards the face of the person and keep the front printed side of the card upwards and facing the receiving person.
4. Always receive a card with your right or both the hands. Give it a look for few seconds and try to compliment about it like' how beautiful the color of the card is 'or' you really appreciate the design of the card'.
5. Do not scribble or write on the card in front of the person who is offering you. In Japan it is considered to be writing on the face of the person.
6. Never put the business card in the back pocket of your trouser and sit on it. Always keep the card either in the front pocket of your shirt or in the card case.
7. Always present only one card to one person. Never distribute your business card like you are playing poker cards.
8. Never offer business card during meals.
9. If presenting business card to more than one person start from the highest ranking and move down according to the position and authority.
10. Always offer your business card with a smile and see the difference.

my Aura is always there in case you need any further information. 
Please feel free to visit www.myauraimageconsultant.com or 
contact us at: info@myAuraImageConsultant.com