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From Clueless to Class Act: Manners for the Modern Woman
Get a clue! Put your best foot forward with the help of this thoroughly modern and revised handbook on style and etiquette. Written with zest and humor, its the unstuffy guide to life. Every woman wants to avoid those dreaded faux pas that turn off employers and coworkers, dates and friends. Fortunately, this female-centered guide makes mastering good behavior simple and fun. It explains everything a lady needs to know to feel at ease no matter where she goes-from a business meeting to a romantic dinner, from a rock concert to a fancy wedding. Whats more, this entertaining rulebook enlightens its audience on issues specifically encountered by women, such as how to ask a guy out; how to navigate the world of womens wear, from sensible work suits to the little black dress; and what the proper protocol is for applying makeup when in public.
Book covers such everyday quandaries as :
- Tipping via technology
- Frenemies at work
- Social media posting at lifecycle events, like weddings and funerals
- Social media and job hunting
- Social media and political postings
- Internet dating dos and donts
- Video interviewing
- Matching modes of communication to the message
- Tattoos, piercing, and other personal expression
- Clues and cues from body language and facial gestures
Book covers such everyday quandaries as :
- Tipping via technology
- Frenemies at work
- Social media posting at lifecycle events, like weddings and funerals
- Social media and job hunting
- Social media and political postings
- Internet dating dos and donts
- Video interviewing
- Matching modes of communication to the message
- Tattoos, piercing, and other personal expression
- Clues and cues from body language and facial gestures
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
176 pages, Hardcover
First published April 11, 2006
8 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 27, 2024
Clever, helpful book - glad my roommate lent it to me!
Favorite Quotes:
• Follow the Leader: I liken gracious dining to a grown-up game of Simon Says. Your host is “Simon.” Until this leader does–or tells you to do–something, you must wait. Simon is generally the person who did the inviting or the person who will be paying for the meal. If you are at someone’s home, the home owner is Simon. If you are out at a restaurant the person who coordinated the event is Simon. If you are with a group of friends at a restaurant and each of you will be covering your own costs, you are your own Simon, but must watch what the other Simons at your table are doing. (p68)
• Fast Finish: If you notice that you always finish your meal before everyone else, it’s time to slow down–you should be eating at the same pace as those around you. As for those who tend to be the last ones finished, you should come prepared with questions to ask others so that the conversation continues to flow as you finish your food. (p76)
• Continuous Conversation: Another way to keep the conversation flowing involves the way you phrase things. Ask open-ended questions–ones that require at least a sentence as an answer. “How do you know the host?” “What makes you say that?” “What was your favorite vacation?” “Tell me about…” (p111)
• The Receiving End: When asked a question, avoid giving a monosyllabic answer. Even if the person asks a “yes or no” question, expand upon your response with some sort of explanation to keep the conversation rolling. Do not put the other person in the position of having to do all the work by giving her one-word answers. If the conversation seems boring to you, change the subject to one that interests you more. (p111)
• Staying Connected: It is interesting to note that people who are successful, both socially and professionally devote a good deal of their energy to keeping in touch. They do not call just because they want something. They call to catch up or share some information they think the other person might find interesting or useful. They write birthday cards, anniversary wishes, and thank-you notes. They send interesting articles that made them think of the other person. They pass along names of people, books, and restaurants. They understand that building friendships, networks and support structures takes time and effort. Keeping in touch and maintaining relationships is a lifelong success skill–and anyone can do it. (p157)
• Better Late than Never: It is never too late to write a personal thank-you note. Yes, you should write the note as soon as possible–within a few days of a gift-giving holiday and within a week of a birthday party, for example. But even if you have gone beyond the proper time frame, you still need to send a note. Be sure to apologize for your tardiness, but don’t give excuses. The later the note is sent, the longer it will need to be (so do it when you’re supposed to)! (p160)
• Exit Stage Right: It never fails–there is an inverse relationship between the chattiness of one party and the workload of another. While ringing your own doorbell may work at home to exit a conversation, this option is usually not available at work (unless you work at home). Luckily, there are a number of “verbal doorbells” that are just as effective. Here are a few lines to help close the conversation: “Thank you for your time–I will look into this now.” “I will follow up with you on this matter by the end of the week–thank you so much for calling.” “This input is very valuable to us and we truly appreciate your bringing it to our attention.” All of these closings, spoken with the proper tone and tact, can ease the discussion to and end. (p169)
• Etiquette is about respecting yourself and showing respect towards others. It is about having confidence in yourself and making those around you feel comfortable. No matter what the era, if you know what behaviors are appropriate in any given situation, you are able to relax and enjoy yourself. When you relax, you put others at ease. And when you put others at ease, they enjoy being with you. (p173)
Favorite Quotes:
• Follow the Leader: I liken gracious dining to a grown-up game of Simon Says. Your host is “Simon.” Until this leader does–or tells you to do–something, you must wait. Simon is generally the person who did the inviting or the person who will be paying for the meal. If you are at someone’s home, the home owner is Simon. If you are out at a restaurant the person who coordinated the event is Simon. If you are with a group of friends at a restaurant and each of you will be covering your own costs, you are your own Simon, but must watch what the other Simons at your table are doing. (p68)
• Fast Finish: If you notice that you always finish your meal before everyone else, it’s time to slow down–you should be eating at the same pace as those around you. As for those who tend to be the last ones finished, you should come prepared with questions to ask others so that the conversation continues to flow as you finish your food. (p76)
• Continuous Conversation: Another way to keep the conversation flowing involves the way you phrase things. Ask open-ended questions–ones that require at least a sentence as an answer. “How do you know the host?” “What makes you say that?” “What was your favorite vacation?” “Tell me about…” (p111)
• The Receiving End: When asked a question, avoid giving a monosyllabic answer. Even if the person asks a “yes or no” question, expand upon your response with some sort of explanation to keep the conversation rolling. Do not put the other person in the position of having to do all the work by giving her one-word answers. If the conversation seems boring to you, change the subject to one that interests you more. (p111)
• Staying Connected: It is interesting to note that people who are successful, both socially and professionally devote a good deal of their energy to keeping in touch. They do not call just because they want something. They call to catch up or share some information they think the other person might find interesting or useful. They write birthday cards, anniversary wishes, and thank-you notes. They send interesting articles that made them think of the other person. They pass along names of people, books, and restaurants. They understand that building friendships, networks and support structures takes time and effort. Keeping in touch and maintaining relationships is a lifelong success skill–and anyone can do it. (p157)
• Better Late than Never: It is never too late to write a personal thank-you note. Yes, you should write the note as soon as possible–within a few days of a gift-giving holiday and within a week of a birthday party, for example. But even if you have gone beyond the proper time frame, you still need to send a note. Be sure to apologize for your tardiness, but don’t give excuses. The later the note is sent, the longer it will need to be (so do it when you’re supposed to)! (p160)
• Exit Stage Right: It never fails–there is an inverse relationship between the chattiness of one party and the workload of another. While ringing your own doorbell may work at home to exit a conversation, this option is usually not available at work (unless you work at home). Luckily, there are a number of “verbal doorbells” that are just as effective. Here are a few lines to help close the conversation: “Thank you for your time–I will look into this now.” “I will follow up with you on this matter by the end of the week–thank you so much for calling.” “This input is very valuable to us and we truly appreciate your bringing it to our attention.” All of these closings, spoken with the proper tone and tact, can ease the discussion to and end. (p169)
• Etiquette is about respecting yourself and showing respect towards others. It is about having confidence in yourself and making those around you feel comfortable. No matter what the era, if you know what behaviors are appropriate in any given situation, you are able to relax and enjoy yourself. When you relax, you put others at ease. And when you put others at ease, they enjoy being with you. (p173)
December 12, 2018
If I could give zero stars I would. Picked up in the remainder bin, total waist of money.
August 10, 2019
was kind of a fun read
November 7, 2021
This is a useful and matter-of-fact compilation of doing life with manners.
December 6, 2022
It was an easy and educational read. I will reference it now and again, but thankfully I learned a lot of these tips growing up and through other etiquette classes.
December 22, 2013
"Etiquette is fascinating because it involves so many different areas: history, sociology, psychology, gender issues, race relations, and technology. (173)"
What a true statement! Smith has done an excellent job providing quality information an entertaining way. The subject of etiquette can be a daunting task to educate others about because everything you do in life is tied to a certain type of behavior that expected.
Jodi R. R. Smith covers a lot of ground in her book--from public places and events to personal appearances to keeping in touch. Chapters are organized according to events and the chapters are separated into sub-topics. Under each sub-topics the information is provided in short bursts which, in my humble opinion, makes this information easier to process.
I read this book cover to cover but you really can use it simply as a point of reference. It's great book to have on your reference shelf. It did what a non-fiction book should do, provide insight to a subject. And not only did I learn a thing or two, the way the information was written and presented (non textbook like) kept me turning the pages.
Since Smith's style is different from Emily Post's style I won't compare the two. They both provide excellent information in their own way and, frankly, both authors should sit on your reference shelf.
What a true statement! Smith has done an excellent job providing quality information an entertaining way. The subject of etiquette can be a daunting task to educate others about because everything you do in life is tied to a certain type of behavior that expected.
Jodi R. R. Smith covers a lot of ground in her book--from public places and events to personal appearances to keeping in touch. Chapters are organized according to events and the chapters are separated into sub-topics. Under each sub-topics the information is provided in short bursts which, in my humble opinion, makes this information easier to process.
I read this book cover to cover but you really can use it simply as a point of reference. It's great book to have on your reference shelf. It did what a non-fiction book should do, provide insight to a subject. And not only did I learn a thing or two, the way the information was written and presented (non textbook like) kept me turning the pages.
Since Smith's style is different from Emily Post's style I won't compare the two. They both provide excellent information in their own way and, frankly, both authors should sit on your reference shelf.
November 16, 2007
I was just sort of curious so sue me. It's a quick read, finished it in a day, it gets fairly repetitive at the end of the day.
Was a good reminder to be a little nicer and respecting a little more often. Somethings were nice like always return a phone call promptly, write handwritten thank you notes (the darker the ink the more formal the tone!), and a guide on what to tip whom and for what occassion (goes far beyond just your server at dinner), while some things I could do without--none of which I can think of right now.
It's certianly written for a certain class of people--they don't cover the basics of, no spitting in public etc.
Generally speaking though, unless you're anal rententive like me, as long as you have the general jist of how to handle yourself and don't need a long bulleted list with every specific occasion and detail, I'd say skip this.
(I'm infringing on a rule right now since I'm not rereading this or checking it for spelling errors, thus showing my lack of respect for my readers--Sorry guys!)
Was a good reminder to be a little nicer and respecting a little more often. Somethings were nice like always return a phone call promptly, write handwritten thank you notes (the darker the ink the more formal the tone!), and a guide on what to tip whom and for what occassion (goes far beyond just your server at dinner), while some things I could do without--none of which I can think of right now.
It's certianly written for a certain class of people--they don't cover the basics of, no spitting in public etc.
Generally speaking though, unless you're anal rententive like me, as long as you have the general jist of how to handle yourself and don't need a long bulleted list with every specific occasion and detail, I'd say skip this.
(I'm infringing on a rule right now since I'm not rereading this or checking it for spelling errors, thus showing my lack of respect for my readers--Sorry guys!)
January 4, 2011
While not the most exciting read, I found this book of modern etiquette to be very informative. I felt like I had solid knowledge of good manners before reading this, but I have to admit that there was a LOT I didn't know or didn't realize. Some of it seemed silly to me (a 4-page description of how to eat a lobster?), but for the most part, the book contained very practical tips. The challenge now is remembering them -- I read the book a few months ago and I already have forgotten many of the details. And unfortunately, the layout makes it somewhat difficult to flip through and find something specific. I might just have to re-read it...
August 4, 2013
What a hoot! Among all my etiquette books (gifts from mom-hint?) this one I purchased and roared. The author, Jodi, R. R. Smith (who also has a groovy blog), does not mock etiquette but, rather, adds humor to a topic that demonstrates how essential a bit of light-heartedness adds to one's personality. People who seem too serious and try to appear WAY intellectual frighten me and typically end up making faux pas in their behavior (no names, ex-bro-in-law: etymology vs. entomology--oops!). No loss and family events have lightened up to the 10th power!
Love this book!
Love this book!
March 8, 2017
This was enjoyable enough. It would be better to have on hand as needed, as opposed to reading it straight through and trying to remember everything - although most people should already be aware of most of these manners tips.
Read
July 14, 2007A lot of this is conservative, old-school Western manners. Which some may find outdated, and some may find life-changing. Nothing wrong with learning the basics of being polite!
August 18, 2007
There's nothing really new here that you won't find in other etiquette books. Most of it is common sense.
November 21, 2008
It's a pretty good review / education on basic manners. Although I did laugh (out loud) at some of the suggestions. :)
Read
August 23, 2010Loved it!
August 11, 2016
My friend loaned me this book when I asked for etiquette tips prior to attending a formal diner. A refreshing reminder of the little things in life we tend to forget.
October 23, 2014
Most of it is common sense, but I do love my etiquette books.
January 18, 2015
This book teaches me etiquette, but only some of the tips apply since I am fourteen. Still, it is overall enjoyable and reminds me to improve myself constantly.
September 11, 2015
Read this to get it off my shelf. Heterocentric, dated, uninteresting, reads as though it was written for aliens newly arrived on earth instead of women.
February 3, 2016
Definitely a cute book if you're anything like me and find a lot of nostalgia, humor, and sometimes useful tips in etiquette books :)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews