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Modern Manners: Tools to Take You to the Top
From the world-renowned etiquette expert and her granddaughter, Liv Tyler, an elegant guide to 21st-century manners for professionals who want to be confident and successful in the business and social arenas.
Developing good manners is an important investment in your future. They allow you to feel at ease in any situation--and give you the polish and confidence to become a leader. Etiquette expert Dorothea Johnson's essential dos and don'ts address both 21st-century and classic questions, including:
* acing job interviews
* giving confident handshakes
* making conversation
* proper business attire and meeting protocol
* e-mail etiquette, including what to post--or not--on social media
* how to deal with rude cell phone users
* conducting a meeting at a restaurant
* attending business or social events
* table manners
With style, wit, and delightful commentary throughout from her granddaughter, Liv Tyler, on everything from being a good guest to finding a balance with technology, Modern Manners is the must-have guide to ensure your success.
Developing good manners is an important investment in your future. They allow you to feel at ease in any situation--and give you the polish and confidence to become a leader. Etiquette expert Dorothea Johnson's essential dos and don'ts address both 21st-century and classic questions, including:
* acing job interviews
* giving confident handshakes
* making conversation
* proper business attire and meeting protocol
* e-mail etiquette, including what to post--or not--on social media
* how to deal with rude cell phone users
* conducting a meeting at a restaurant
* attending business or social events
* table manners
With style, wit, and delightful commentary throughout from her granddaughter, Liv Tyler, on everything from being a good guest to finding a balance with technology, Modern Manners is the must-have guide to ensure your success.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published May 8, 2012
284 people are currently reading
1493 people want to read
About the author
Dorothea Johnson
15 books14 followersFounder of The Protocol School of Washington, Dorothea Johnson has presented seminars and briefings on manners to more than 100,000 individuals worldwide. She has authored five books, including the bestselling The Little Book of Etiquette, and has appeared as an etiquette expert on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
March 21, 2022
"Times change. Manners change. However, the need to have good manners never changes."
A light and easy guide with some beneficial practical insight based on the author's experience in the field as a tutor in etiquette. The dinning part in particular was very good.
"The key to a good conversation is in hearing the other person's point of view rather than expressing your own."
A light and easy guide with some beneficial practical insight based on the author's experience in the field as a tutor in etiquette. The dinning part in particular was very good.
"The key to a good conversation is in hearing the other person's point of view rather than expressing your own."
July 5, 2016
I was surprised to see Liv Tyler’s name listed as an author of this book. I thought there was no way I could be thinking of the right Liv Tyler, famous actress (and daughter of the even more famous Steven Tyler, lead singer for rock band Aerosmith). But, no, it IS that Liv Tyler. Apparently, Liv’s grandmother is Dorothea Johnson, a renowned etiquette expert (yes, that’s a legit job that exists). Johnson does most of the heavy lifting in this book, which is probably as it should be, but Tyler chimes in every once in a while with a short thought or anecdote.
The book is written for young professionals just beginning their careers, though Johnson maintains that the book can also be useful to more seasoned professionals, too. Really anyone who is looking to advance in his or her career will benefit, since basic manners help you appear confident and polished and will naturally make you seem more competent.
Modern Manners is divided into six parts:
Meetings and Greetings covers how to greet people, make introductions, shake hands, etc. On the Job talks about how to interview for a job, what to wear to business events (office attire vs. black tie, etc.), how to properly answer phones and leave voicemails, and how to establish rapport with coworkers without crossing boundaries. Electronic Communications discusses when to use (and not use) your electronic devices. Johnson also talks about texting and email etiquette. Out and About very briefly touches on topics like who in the group opens the door to a restaurant, where you are supposed to sit in a taxi, and how to enter and exit an elevator.
Dining Skills is one of the most interesting and widely-relevant sections. In it, Johnson discusses how to arrive at your table, how to excuse yourself from the table, where to put your purse when you’re seated, what basic (and even not-so-basic) place settings look like and indicate for the meal to come, where to place your napkin, American vs. European styles of eating, how to hold chopsticks, and how to eat various foods. There is a lot of info in this section that most anyone can benefit from, and I learned a lot.
The Savvy Host is another helpful section that details how to, well, act like a good host. This part covers topics like how to pay for your table’s bill, how to split the check, how to politely refuse wine (yeah right), how to make a toast, and how to tip.
The book offers a lot of helpful information, but it is in no way exhaustive. If you’ve read other etiquette books before this one, you’re probably going to be familiar with most of the information in here. However, even though that was the case for me, I still learned some new things. And, honestly, it was just fun refreshing my etiquette knowledge by reading this short, prettily-packaged book. I could see this book being a great high school or college graduation gift.
The book is written for young professionals just beginning their careers, though Johnson maintains that the book can also be useful to more seasoned professionals, too. Really anyone who is looking to advance in his or her career will benefit, since basic manners help you appear confident and polished and will naturally make you seem more competent.
Modern Manners is divided into six parts:
Meetings and Greetings covers how to greet people, make introductions, shake hands, etc. On the Job talks about how to interview for a job, what to wear to business events (office attire vs. black tie, etc.), how to properly answer phones and leave voicemails, and how to establish rapport with coworkers without crossing boundaries. Electronic Communications discusses when to use (and not use) your electronic devices. Johnson also talks about texting and email etiquette. Out and About very briefly touches on topics like who in the group opens the door to a restaurant, where you are supposed to sit in a taxi, and how to enter and exit an elevator.
Dining Skills is one of the most interesting and widely-relevant sections. In it, Johnson discusses how to arrive at your table, how to excuse yourself from the table, where to put your purse when you’re seated, what basic (and even not-so-basic) place settings look like and indicate for the meal to come, where to place your napkin, American vs. European styles of eating, how to hold chopsticks, and how to eat various foods. There is a lot of info in this section that most anyone can benefit from, and I learned a lot.
The Savvy Host is another helpful section that details how to, well, act like a good host. This part covers topics like how to pay for your table’s bill, how to split the check, how to politely refuse wine (yeah right), how to make a toast, and how to tip.
The book offers a lot of helpful information, but it is in no way exhaustive. If you’ve read other etiquette books before this one, you’re probably going to be familiar with most of the information in here. However, even though that was the case for me, I still learned some new things. And, honestly, it was just fun refreshing my etiquette knowledge by reading this short, prettily-packaged book. I could see this book being a great high school or college graduation gift.
August 31, 2016
لا شيء أهم من الأخلاق الحميدة في كل اللقاءات الاجتماعية، لكن هناك بعض التصرفات التي إن لم تفعلها لن تكون سيء الأخلاق لكنك تفقد ميزة يمكن أن تكسبك بعض المعارف والصداقات الجديدة، هي ما يسمى بـ "الاتيكيت" والتي يهتم أهل الطبقة المخملية على تعلمها، ويحرص الباني والمطور لنفسه على تعلمها، ميزة جميلة أحببت أن أتعلمها وأنصحكم بها، فالكتاب كافي ووافي ومختصر في هذا المجال.
June 29, 2016
وصف الإتيكيت دائمًا يجعلك في طريق التواصل مع الرُقي الذاتي لا شعوريًا.
كتاب لطيف، بشرح دقيق.
كتاب لطيف، بشرح دقيق.
October 13, 2018
وجدته في المكتبة فأخذته وقرأته.
في بعض التلميحات اللطيفة بس أغلبه ساذج
في بعض التلميحات اللطيفة بس أغلبه ساذج
August 8, 2022
If you do not want to be thought of as a barbarian, this little guide will give you a clue.
December 27, 2013
I found out about this book in a magazine with a photograph of Liv Tyler and her grandmother,Dorothea Johnson, and I though that it had probably been a wonderful experience for both of them to write a book together. Two women from different worlds were bound to have interesting ideas on manners nowadays.Therefore I decided to read it.
The book starts with a lovely foreword by Liv Tyler which may me think how lucky she was to have such a remarkable grandmother ( and made me crave for Carrot Cake ) and another foreword by Dorothea Johnson so I kept reading.
There are chapters on several topics:Meetings and Greetings, On the Job, Electronic Communication (every cell phone and computer we buy should come with a booklet on good manners),Out and About ,Dining Skills (really useful ) and The Savvy Host.It also includes some useful Dos and Don'ts ,tips from Liv and Dorothea at the end of the chapters and entertaining anecdotes.
I thought it was very funny when Liv Tyler calls a Yes Sandwich a Kiss, kick ,kiss ( when a manager starts with a compliment , sandwiches in a negative comment and finishes with another compliment) .
Some of the pieces of advice given are just common sense but this is unfortunately the least common of our senses .I found the book delightful ,it is indeed really pleasant to read , just like if your own modern grandmother was giving you some notions on how to behave correctly in the kindest and loveliest possible manner.
www.theleisurediaries.blogspot.com
The book starts with a lovely foreword by Liv Tyler which may me think how lucky she was to have such a remarkable grandmother ( and made me crave for Carrot Cake ) and another foreword by Dorothea Johnson so I kept reading.
There are chapters on several topics:Meetings and Greetings, On the Job, Electronic Communication (every cell phone and computer we buy should come with a booklet on good manners),Out and About ,Dining Skills (really useful ) and The Savvy Host.It also includes some useful Dos and Don'ts ,tips from Liv and Dorothea at the end of the chapters and entertaining anecdotes.
I thought it was very funny when Liv Tyler calls a Yes Sandwich a Kiss, kick ,kiss ( when a manager starts with a compliment , sandwiches in a negative comment and finishes with another compliment) .
Some of the pieces of advice given are just common sense but this is unfortunately the least common of our senses .I found the book delightful ,it is indeed really pleasant to read , just like if your own modern grandmother was giving you some notions on how to behave correctly in the kindest and loveliest possible manner.
www.theleisurediaries.blogspot.com
January 4, 2015
Useful and comprehensive covering from work to social situations. Some parts have been updated for social media but some sections seem a bit antiquated. I'm hesitant to give a higher rating not because of the material but because the positioning is more for people with higher social class (e.g. hosting a lunch/dinner at an upscale restaurant with a CEO) and missing more practical pieces for the everyday life (e.g. How to host a casual get together or how to be better company).
A worthwhile read for anyone in late teens and early twenties.
A worthwhile read for anyone in late teens and early twenties.
November 26, 2013
This book is entertaining and helpful in many ways. Being updated from the older Miss Manners makes a world of difference as well. I truly enjoyed the writing and perspective given in the book and would recommend it to anyone who has to think twice about social settings.
January 12, 2014
Everything from how to navigate business luncheons to cell phone etiquette to how to make proper eye contact is covered in this book. Books like these should be mandatory in our educational system and required reading once a year.
November 7, 2013
This book is a clear and concise guide to navigating proper manners in public. I liked it.
November 14, 2017
#modern_manners by #liv_tyler and Dorothea Johnson
#كتاب جميل خفيف وسهل القراءة للي يحب يقرا الزبدة يقدر يحصل مبتغاه وللي يحب يتعمق في التفاصيل يقدر يقرأ اكثر ويطول يفهم اكثر، سبحان الله على تجاربي في الحياة تعلمت منه ٨٠٪ عن الاتيكيت في التعامل مع الناس سواء ع الهاتف او وجه ل وجه او في المقابلات او اجتماع عمل سواء في وجبة عشاء او غيره، كيفية التصرف في المطاعم امر جدا مهم وتعلمته وحبيته بصراحة، المام الكاتبة عن الثقافات الدولية من ضمنهم العرب شي ابهرني. كتاب اعتبره مرجعي راح يخليني ارجع له كل ما حبيت اتذكر او أراجع معلومة معينة...
#كتاب جميل خفيف وسهل القراءة للي يحب يقرا الزبدة يقدر يحصل مبتغاه وللي يحب يتعمق في التفاصيل يقدر يقرأ اكثر ويطول يفهم اكثر، سبحان الله على تجاربي في الحياة تعلمت منه ٨٠٪ عن الاتيكيت في التعامل مع الناس سواء ع الهاتف او وجه ل وجه او في المقابلات او اجتماع عمل سواء في وجبة عشاء او غيره، كيفية التصرف في المطاعم امر جدا مهم وتعلمته وحبيته بصراحة، المام الكاتبة عن الثقافات الدولية من ضمنهم العرب شي ابهرني. كتاب اعتبره مرجعي راح يخليني ارجع له كل ما حبيت اتذكر او أراجع معلومة معينة...
September 6, 2023
This book emphasized business dealings and upscale restaurants quite a bit, but I really enjoyed some of the practical advice like how much to tip random services and how to introduce people at parties. It was really fun to have Liv Tyler’s comments and experiences throughout the book too!
August 12, 2016
Very basic etiquette book. Almost useless if you have common sense and have been around adults around.
April 10, 2015
Quick, mostly focused on manners in the workplace/ work-related situations.
October 4, 2017
I learned things that I never knew before, but some of this book is more for someone who would eat out at a fancy resteraunt. . .
October 27, 2019
I don't know why I continue to buy books like this when I know they will ultimately disappoint. The reality is, I'm not huge on etiquette. But I am lukewarm on some etiquette and curious about "proper manners" (because my mom genuinely didn't teach them to me and I learned to say "thank you" in the 6th grade from girls making fun of me), and it's very cute and I love to buy books, so I bought it.
And some interesting stuff! But by the time I got to the eating etiquette, I was a bit over it. There being such specific, and different, ways to use your utensils . . . I mean, really, who cares? Do people genuinely follow things like at how to place their fork and knife when they're "resting" versus done? And I will put my elbows on the table because it's really uncomfortable and awkward to just keep your hands in your lap or resting your . . . wrist on the table? No! Elbows all the way!
And some of the little blurbs were just . . . silly. Prideful people talking in a hoity-toity way I felt. But then, I'm the one that bought an etiquette book. It's a cute book, and I'm often entranced by cute things.
And some interesting stuff! But by the time I got to the eating etiquette, I was a bit over it. There being such specific, and different, ways to use your utensils . . . I mean, really, who cares? Do people genuinely follow things like at how to place their fork and knife when they're "resting" versus done? And I will put my elbows on the table because it's really uncomfortable and awkward to just keep your hands in your lap or resting your . . . wrist on the table? No! Elbows all the way!
And some of the little blurbs were just . . . silly. Prideful people talking in a hoity-toity way I felt. But then, I'm the one that bought an etiquette book. It's a cute book, and I'm often entranced by cute things.
May 28, 2017
If you want to get the book for decoration purpose, this little hardback, well-designed book will definitely add color to your bookshelf. However, don't judge a book by its cover. If you want some smart and comprehensive advice, I would recommend Business Etiquette for Dummies.
Again, I love the illustration of this book, but the content and advice were just disappointing.
For example, on P.47 on DOs and DONTs on Meeting & Greeting, I cannot believe an advice like this was given: 'Don't expect to agree after you have disagreed... You might say, "I don't agree, but I still think of you as a friend."' Sounds like a joke to me.
Another example, the whole page of P.90 was information that has nothing to do with actual 'modern manner'. And half page of it was about a table listing out the pros and cons of texting. This is not an junior school essay.
Some aspects have occupied too much of the book, while other topics were not covered enough in the book. The part I like most was the dinning part. Thought it was the illustration which helped a lot.
Again, I love the illustration of this book, but the content and advice were just disappointing.
For example, on P.47 on DOs and DONTs on Meeting & Greeting, I cannot believe an advice like this was given: 'Don't expect to agree after you have disagreed... You might say, "I don't agree, but I still think of you as a friend."' Sounds like a joke to me.
Another example, the whole page of P.90 was information that has nothing to do with actual 'modern manner'. And half page of it was about a table listing out the pros and cons of texting. This is not an junior school essay.
Some aspects have occupied too much of the book, while other topics were not covered enough in the book. The part I like most was the dinning part. Thought it was the illustration which helped a lot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2022
I picked up this book because I wanted to learn to have etiquette in the workplace as a young professional. The first thing that surprised me was that there were such thing as etiquette experts. (I thought those experts only existed in the times of the princesses and high-class people in England). I guess that these experts’ existence makes sense, as professionals have to act a certain way when they’re representing their companies.
This book taught me how to introduce people, handle emails, gracefully exit heated conversations, deal with people who loudly take calls in restaurants and public places, and more. My most favorite section was ‘Part 2 - On The Job’ because the tips are the most relevant to my life.
I struggled to read this book because reading about etiquette is not my forte, however I was able to get through it when I created a sketchy comic of all the different etiquette tips in my notebook. Being creative was frankly the only way I could engage with this book.
This book taught me how to introduce people, handle emails, gracefully exit heated conversations, deal with people who loudly take calls in restaurants and public places, and more. My most favorite section was ‘Part 2 - On The Job’ because the tips are the most relevant to my life.
I struggled to read this book because reading about etiquette is not my forte, however I was able to get through it when I created a sketchy comic of all the different etiquette tips in my notebook. Being creative was frankly the only way I could engage with this book.
August 30, 2017
My grandmother recently died and I was unable to attend the funeral. A few days after the funeral I was asked why I did not send flowers; my embarrassed reply was I did not know that I was suppose to. I figured that I should read and etiquette (or two). This books is mostly business etiquette; however, it is well written and oddly compelling. I am already changing the way I answer the phone at work and trying not to use the term "No Problem". The food section was insane, I did not know there were proper ways to eat specific food items or for placing silverware when finished with a meal.
May 28, 2022
** Books 43 - 2022 **
3,4 of 5 stars!
This books is really gives me some new updates about manner and etiqutte how the way we introduce ourselves in business and meetings. It is also contains how we respond the email, twitter and another social media that makes me thinking are iam already polite one to respond the email is?
I just know that now women is not really became the first one who initiate the hand-shake and etc. I love the books also shows us the details of food utensils that we have to know very clearly with the picture inside
3,4 of 5 stars!
This books is really gives me some new updates about manner and etiqutte how the way we introduce ourselves in business and meetings. It is also contains how we respond the email, twitter and another social media that makes me thinking are iam already polite one to respond the email is?
I just know that now women is not really became the first one who initiate the hand-shake and etc. I love the books also shows us the details of food utensils that we have to know very clearly with the picture inside
September 11, 2017
Excellent resource. Although this book is geared to business etiquette, it is appropriate reading for anyone who has contact with other human beings. Topics include introductions, phone etiquette, social media manners, and travel manners. The section on table manners and definations of terms such as casual dress vs business attire are especially helpful.
This book would make a wonderful gift for high school or college graduations.
This book would make a wonderful gift for high school or college graduations.
August 30, 2019
“Diplomacy is nothing but a lot of hot air,” said a companion to the statesmen.
“All etiquette is hot air” the statesmen replied.
“But that is what is in our automobile tires, notice how it eases the bumps.”
Some useful tidbits...
Stand up to shake someone’s hand when you meet them
Consider your coworkers your allies
Set aside specific time to read emails. Don’t check all throughout the day.
The host rule is clear: regardless of gender, the person that does the inviting pays the check.
“All etiquette is hot air” the statesmen replied.
“But that is what is in our automobile tires, notice how it eases the bumps.”
Some useful tidbits...
Stand up to shake someone’s hand when you meet them
Consider your coworkers your allies
Set aside specific time to read emails. Don’t check all throughout the day.
The host rule is clear: regardless of gender, the person that does the inviting pays the check.
August 19, 2020
This is a book that i wish I’d read years ago and will likely gift to young adults setting off on their lives in the future. While some things may be outdated, there are many things I’ve been doing wrong for years and didn’t know it, particularly with regard to rating in professional social settings (Bar Association dinners and seminar luncheons come to mind). I never knew any lawyers or classy people growing up, so I’ve been winging it most of this time.
November 8, 2018
كتاب لطيف مصمم تصميم ممتع مع الصور
ستجد ملاحظات تفيدك كثيرا وستعتبر بعض الملاحظات مبالغ فيها
مثلا ملحق طريقة أكل الأطعمة .. يحتوي 4 صفحات عن أنواع معينة من الأطعمة والطريقة الراقية لأكلها ..
لاشعوريا عندما رأيته قلت في نفسي الله لايشغلنا :)
أعتبر كتب الأتيكيت من ضمن كتب التنمية الذاتية لأنها تزيد الثقة وبالتالي الشعور الجيد
November 16, 2020
Absolutely dated and written for the people who buy it, like most etiquette books. I will use the same line for most etiquette books. This etiquette book is for young adults learning basic etiquette. It’s good for them. Not as fun as most of my very specific themed etiquette books that I find in used bookstores, but it balances out my collection.
November 22, 2020
I found myself wishing this book was required reading for everyone. An excellent reminder of basic courtesies that are so easy to forget in today’s fast-paced electronics-dominated world. Remembering these guidelines not only saves one from stumbling through a business gathering but boosts confidence and helps avoid awkward or embarrassing situations. Highly recommended.
June 7, 2019
For some weird reason I've read a few manners books. This one was boring. The writing was completely lifeless. It read more like instructions for putting together a desk. I gave an extra star because there were a couple good break downs of customs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews