From Clueless to Class Act: Manners for the Modern Man

by Jodi R.R. Smith

To make a favorable impression in his social and professional circles, a man has to have panache, style, and excellent etiquette. He should know how to dress for a night on the town, how to transform himself into a gracious host and a welcome guest, and how to write an impressive e-mail. With an eye toward contemporary issues, this witty and informative reference shows him the best way to handle every situation, from dining and dating to attending parties and the theater to proper cell phone conduct to putting his best foot forward in the workplace. What’s more, it teaches those skills and gestures that separate ordinary men from the gentlemen—including how to tie a bow tie and help a woman with her coat.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference

176 pages, Hardcover

First published April 11, 2006

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know why I even read this.
Well, I do. Because I got it as a present. But if I really felt like I had a choice, I wouldn't have.
First, I'm not a man.
Second, I disagree with lots of stuff in this book.
Third, etiquette is just bullshit in my opinion.
I'd never use anything I read in this book.
But I understand that other people might find it very useful, so don't really count my rating a general one.

[Nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that this book is packed with a lot of useful information. It covers so many topics such as the proper way to set a table and how to succeed in the business world. I definitely recommend this book for anyone (13+) wanting to learn about etiquette.

[Jbussen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was just curious to see what else there was besides get her coat etc. Meh.

[Luke Daghir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in my junior year of college for a course. I found the book to be very helpful in improving etiquette for a man. I enjoyed the different situations/events presented and how a man ought to act. There were a lot of different forms of etiquette that I did not know before reading this book. Some of the best chapters of the book included tipping at restaurants, how to dress for particular events, sending letters/cards at particular times, and most importantly during a typical day.

I recommend this book to those men who would like to improve their etiquette.

[Carianne Carleo-Evangelist · Rating 2 out of 5]

I skimmed it toward the end. The book is well meaning and has some good tips but for the most part is quite outdated for its readership. While grandma & grandpa might invite folks via a formal letter two months out, they're not reading this book. Some bits are nice though especially to see the chivalry isn't (completely) dead.

[Sylvia]

own it, but haven't been able to get back into it...