ENSOMA

10/09/2018

- When passing the salt or pepper, always include both. They’re like a little couple, you never want to separate them. The theory: even if one diner asks only for the salt, the person next to them may want both, so they should be kept together. And remember—always pass to the right!

10/05/2018

Be sure to focus on building a relationship with your potential Italian clients. Business is personal, and you should focus on building a friendly repartee and solid trust before attempting serious negotiations.

10/02/2018

- Many small chivalrous acts towards women—such as opening doors and pulling out their chairs—stem from the elaborate outfits worn by high society women many years ago. These clothes were so restrictive that anyone wearing the fashionable styles required assistance with such things.

10/01/2018

Did you know in France, lunch can last up to two hours? Be ready for a long meal! Also, if you don't speak French, that's ok, but be sure to apologize for your lack of knowledge! Try to learn a few phrases to show you've made the effort.

09/25/2018

- Touching or clinking glasses for toasts has a couple different origins. The first is that the gesture is a subtler form of spilling a little of your beverage into your neighbor’s glass, a practice that was developed as a sign of faith—if you were trying to poison your dinner companion, you too would be poisoned. A slightly less cynical origin comes from the middle ages; when alcohol was thought to contain literal “spirits” that made those who partook behave outrageously. Bells were thought to drive away such evil spirits and clinking of glasses was the closest approximation on hand. However, in fine dining today, it is frowned upon to actually clink glasses because of the damage it could cause to fine glassware. Just raise your glass and say "cheers!"

09/21/2018

If attending dinner in South Korea, you may find yourself afterwards engaged in Noraebang, or karaoke. It's ok if you're shy; usually these are private rooms just for your group. If you're NOT shy, don't be a mic hog!

09/18/2018

Just what are analytical skills, and why do they matter? We’ll explain the inherent value of analytical thinking skills both inside and outside the workplace, and how you can use these skills to improve your life.

One great way to begin expanding your critical thinking talents is to download a brain training app that will challenge your cognitive abilities.

09/14/2018

You don’t need to choose one or the other. By implementing these tactics, you can learn to work smarter as you see your creativity flourish.

09/11/2018

- Saying "bless you" after someone sneezes dates back to at least 590 CE, when Pope Gregory I commanded that anyone who sneezed immediately be blessed out of fear that it was a sign they had contracted The Plague.

08/31/2018

The difference between "Afternoon Tea" and "Royal Tea" is the addition of a glass of champagne. We know which one we'd prefer!

08/29/2018

During our "Art of Being Intriguing" class, we all agreed that it's more difficult (and important) at social events to be able to gracefully end a conversation than it is even to introduce yourself to new people! Do you feel this way too?

08/28/2018

Making a meaningful exit doesn't start at the door. There are many ways to be remembered for your charisma as you exit the room at social and business networking events. This is the type of thing we cover in our ENSOMA classes.

08/27/2018

Sometimes motivation can be reactive. Even if you're not feeling motivated, can you find one tiny step to take in the direction you want to go? Chances are that will be enough to start the ball rolling.

08/24/2018

Despite what you may hear in America, "high tea" is filled with savory treats, more substantial food and typically served in the early evening. "Afternoon tea" is a more elegant affair, usually occurring in the mid-afternooon and filled with sweet morsels like scones and petit fours. To show the difference, our photo is HIGH TEA (not afternoon tea).

08/22/2018

Style and etiquette are about what you want to communicate to the world. Choices, mannerisms, clothes, shoes, accessories, etc. are just the medium - you are the message.

08/21/2018

Did you know that raising your pinky while you drink tea is most definitely NOT proper? It arose from a misunderstanding in the 11th century and is one of the most common faux pas at Afternoon Tea.

08/20/2018

Our Afternoon Tea Etiquette class was a smashing success! We hope you can join us for the next one. We don't have a date picked out quite yet, but we'll post here as soon as we do!

08/17/2018

What is a snob? Someone who thinks he or she is better than everyone else in one or all areas of life. This creates a mindset of entitlement. This is NOT good etiquette. Good etiquette is about showing respect for others. Snobbery does the opposite and makes the person practicing this boorish trait a toad (no offense to toads!).

08/15/2018

"Etiquette is all human social behavior. If you're a hermit on a mountain, you don't have to worry about etiquette; if somebody comes up the mountain, then you've got a problem. It matters because we want to live in reasonably harmonious communities." - Miss Manners (Judith Martin)

08/13/2018

- Looking for something unique to do this Sunday as well as grow your social skills? Check out our two classes "Afternoon Tea Etiquette" and "The Art of Being Intriguing." It's a great deal if you take both together!

https://www.ensomastudios.com/ourevents

Events

08/10/2018

Having excellent etiquette comes from a place of wanting to serve others. There is no dream job or life, but an attitude of service to others can create purpose and contentment that make even the most difficult job feel rewarding and fulfilling.

08/09/2018

- If you keep thinking about learning a new skill but haven't acted on it, ask a friend to do it with you! It will help you get out of your comfort zone and propel you into action.

08/08/2018

- Complimenting other people can help you feel more positive about yourself.

08/07/2018

Having personalized support is beneficial because _________ (fill in the blank).

08/06/2018

In case you missed it, check out this video from July 12th to learn about an important networking skill.

Everyone who attended our Inaugural Class of the ENSOMA School of Social Etiquette and Business Protocol got a deeper look at this skill in action!

08/02/2018

It's important to evaluate your path from time to time. Every August ENSOMA likes to shake things up a bit. This year we're taking a break from "Insights with Aymii" on Facebook Live, but stay tuned to our social media channels for exciting new things to come! Aymii will be back, better than ever, in September!

07/31/2018

THANK YOU to all of the participants in our Inaugural Class of the ENSOMA School of Social Etiquette and Business Protocol.

We hope you can join us for our UPCOMING CLASSES: Afternoon Tea Etiquette (the full version) and The Art of Being Intriguing (with a special approach just for introverts!).

07/30/2018

- We cannot master every language in the world, but one thing that every culture understands is respect. This we CAN learn.

07/29/2018

Getting excited for our etiquette school guests!!! Fun, fashion, food and influence - we love it all!

07/28/2018

We are so thrilled to announce that our Inaugural Business and Social Etiquette class for tomorrow (7/29) is SOLD OUT!!! A huge thank you to everyone joining us.

Stay tuned for announcements of more upcoming modules... (And don't hesitate to let us know your suggestions.)