A real gentleman has mastered the art of etiquette under any circumstances and always shows impeccable manners. A man will generally allow a woman to take precedence. However, when entering a restaurant, it is the man or host who leads the way. The woman leads the way when leaving a restaurant, bar or club. The same applies when climbing stairs – be it in a stairway or on an observation tower. When going back down, the man leads the way.

Clever is who remains polite

Persons in positions of authority or superiors generally take precedence over those in lower positions: the guest before the host, the boss before the employee, the older person before the younger one. However, should you be given precedence, accept this polite gesture immediately and without causing a stir.

Beware of stumbling blocks
Irrespective of whether in everyday business or private life – try not to put your foot in it with regard to style. Jostlers always leave a bad impression, whether at the buffet, the ticket machine, the pay booth, or in traffic. Even if it is a matter of getting into a vehicle or onto public transport: allow everyone to get off first before getting on yourself. The same applies to doors and entrances – always let someone go out first before entering. Be patient and allow your good manners to speak for themselves. By the way: which is the seat of honor in a private car or a taxi? In the case of several passengers, seating is arranged in such a way that the person who pays can also claim the seat of honor on the front passenger seat.

Appreciated attention
In the business world, “ladies first” has become almost unusual today. However, it is no faux pas to occasionally allow a lady to take precedence with a friendly gesture: be it when getting in or out of a lift or vehicle (car, taxi, bus, tram, train, coach), when standing in line, at the ticket counter, or at the service counter of a shop. And should you ever be at a loss: simply remain as gallant and forbearing as possible and let your common sense guide you.

\\ tags: Style

A real gentleman has mastered the art of etiquette under any circumstances and always shows impeccable manners. A toast can be raised at practically any occasion, from a barbecue to an engagement party to a highly official festivity. It is usually raised by the host – as an expression of gratitude for the attendance and to the health of his guests. Raising a toast can also be the task of the toastmaster, who leads through the event on behalf of the invitee. Everything from witticism to a songs of praise is possible, depending on the event, the number of guests, and the setting.

Humorous and pointed

The popular time for a small toast to invited guests is immediately after serving the appetizer and before the first sip of wine. Simultaneously, this is the host’s signal that the official meal can now begin. A small after-dinner speech is usually made after the main course and before dessert – it should be short, to-the-point and should congenially address the event or the celebrated person, ideally accompanied by humorous gestures, facial expressions and choice of words in a moderate volume.

Beware of stumbling blocks

Irrespective of whether in everyday business or private life – try not to put your foot in it with regard to style. Although there are an almost immeasurable number of toasts, they should always be adapted to the event and the class of the invited guests. No ego trips for the sake of witticisms. Neither indiscrete innuendos about a guest’s privacy nor any talk about internal business matters or gossip about staff members. The worst-case scenario for guests: long-winded, boring or impersonal babble.

Always authentic and heartfelt

A toast often lifts the spirit of all those around. The celebrating guests are usually thanked and wished happiness, health, wealth, and success, whereby the toast is usually dedicated to one person or an entire group. A personal toast on the occasion of a birthday usually does not require elaborate preparation. The toasting person can spontaneously express what he feels in his heart. And should you ever be at a loss: simply let your discretion and common sense guide you.

\\ tags: Communication, Style

A real gentleman has mastered the art of etiquette under any circumstances and always shows impeccable manners. Mishaps happen everywhere. You forgot a meeting, waited for the meeting at the wrong place, or were too late in returning something you borrowed. Nobody likes to admit mistakes. Friendships can be patched up with a clarifying telephone call. In the business world, this usually requires a letter of apology. A bouquet of flowers or a bottle of wine can also be helpful.

Keep a cool head and don’t be hasty

People living or working together are inevitably faced with situations that can go wrong. Maybe your counterpart has misunderstood you, you have unintentionally offended or stood someone up, and the boss did not receive the documents in time. There are thousands of ways to bungle. Wait a little for the bad mood, the irritation and the frustration to abate, then solve the problem openly and understandingly.

Stumbling blocks

Irrespective of whether in everyday business or private life – try not to put your foot in it with regard to style, but don’t wait too long to apologize. This could leave the impression that you are either too forgetful, arrogant, discouraged, or cowardly, or indifferent to taking the responsibility for the mishap. Show you have backbone and face your counterpart face to face or in written form.

Admit – don’t deny

In a world fully programmed to perfectionism, admitting your own inabilities or any mishaps you have caused is not easy. Reassess the events, recognize what caused the faux pas and put your apology in the right words. The main thing is to say it from the heart and being 100 % honest. And should you ever be at a loss: simply let your respect and common sense guide you without too many words.

\\ tags: Style

A real gentleman has mastered the art of etiquette under any circumstances and always shows impeccable manners. In a business context, the greeting order is based on position, age and gender. If you find it difficult to define the greeting hierarchy, you may of course deviate from this rule and just shake hands with one person after the other. In private society life, the arriving party always greets first – while on the road, it is the person who first sees an acquaintance. A simple nod or smile is sufficient for a casual encounter.

Accommodating no matter what

The protagonists, circumstances and situations at the location ultimately determine the greeting order: position – age – gender. The most senior or oldest person or the lady is greeted and welcomed first.

Beware of stumbling blocks

Irrespective of whether in everyday business or private life – try not to put your foot in it with regard to style. This includes prematurely extending your hand while simultaneously disregarding any hierarchies, leaving your left hand in your skirt or trouser pocket, or introducing yourself with your academic titles or honors.

Esteem at all levels

A correct greeting denotes esteem. Getting up from a sitting position not only means good manners but is an absolute must – for both men and women. A short, light handshake creates closeness and trust. Looking your counterpart in the eye with a friendly smile can break the ice. The correctly pronounced name will definitely help in opening the doors of trust even wider. Talking about doors: a customer or visitor should never have to open or close the doors – this is always the host’s job. And should you ever be at a loss: simply let your respect and common sense guide you.

\\ tags: Communication, Style

A real gentleman has mastered the art of etiquette under any circumstances and always shows impeccable manners. In German, Austrian, and Swiss restaurants, a service charge or tip is usually included. However, it is still common to give service staff an extra bonus for attentive and personal service. In these three countries, five to ten percent are considered appropriate. Good service and treatment at the hairdresser’s, in the taxi, from the courier or hotel service usually warrants a tip (2-5 Francs or 1-3 Euros) or a rounding-up amounting to approximately five percent of the check. The higher the check the lower the tip can be. If you want your tip to also go to the kitchen staff in a restaurant, you should expressly mention this.

Extra pay for extra service

Additional services that warrant a tip (in the sense of a bonus) amounting to between five and ten percent of the amount billed are: short waiting periods; advice in the menu selection; offering options; an excellent wine suggestion; anticipation and attentive observation; refilling of drinks; being at the right place at the right time; friendly and attentive service from A to Z.

Stumbling blocks

Irrespective of whether in everyday business or private life – try not to put your foot in it with regard to style. Miserly behavior is just as frowned upon as showy boasting. In the catering business, too, money is also not easily made – the staff might consider an arrogantly dropped tip that is too high as condescending and degrading. Don’t place the tip under small plates, coffee cups or ashtrays where it could easily be overlooked by the staff clearing the table.

Cash or credit card

After asking for the check, you will have the option of paying with cash or credit card. Either you place a large bill on the tip tray together with the check and leave an appropriate amount of the change behind as a tip, or you pay your check with your credit card and also leave behind an appropriate cash amount on the tip tray. At the end, guests express their thanks for the good service and the waiter thanks them for the generous tip. And should you ever be at a loss: simply let your good-will and common sense guide you.

\\ tags: Style

A real gentleman has mastered the art of etiquette under any circumstances and always shows impeccable manners. Express your thanks for invitations to festivities one to two days after the event by telephone or in writing. Thanking by SMS is allowed if followed by a personal telephone call. In the case of an official, business, or highly festive invitation, you can show your style in four ways with an appropriate thank-you by telephone or in writing: first, after you have received the invitation, second, at the host’s door, third, when leaving the event, and fourth, the day after, but no later than two days after the event.

Personal thanks at the event

When you have been invited to a larger event, you first greet the person opening the door as you arrive. Immediately following, you thank the host for the invitation as you hand over the host gift. Should the host already be mingling amidst the illustrious group, start looking for him with your gift in hand. Only after you have given it to the host should you turn to the other guests.

Beware of stumbling blocks

Irrespective of whether in everyday business or private life – try not to put your foot in it with regard to style. Never pass on a personal invitation to third parties without prior consultation with the host. Arrive at the event as punctually as possible; this honors your host and shows your gratitude. If you are delayed, call the invitee immediately and give your estimated time of arrival. In general, you should never use over-exuberant or affected words of thanks.

Nonverbal gratitude

An honest smile or a friendly gesture radiates sympathy while giving the host a feeling of appreciation. This elegantly documents sensitivity to the needs of the invitee. Gratitude as an expression of giving and taking of mutual esteem creates trust and improves the quality of the relationship. And should you ever be at a loss: simply let your heart speak and your common sense guide you.

\\ tags: Style

A real gentleman has mastered the art of etiquette under any circumstances and always shows impeccable manners. Small talk is a non-committal conversation, during which people with different backgrounds meet for open and animated talk. It serves as a verbal gauge to discover similarities. Topics are of general character, simple to understand and are to be commented while maintaining one’s distance. Show interest, enquire and ask open questions. Be yourself.

Communicate with all senses

Those proficient in small talk, getting involved with new people without reserve, and easily joining or leaving a discussion, will establish many new contacts in a very short time. A perfect entry is usually created by asking open questions. If you already know your counterpart, a discussion on current daily affairs is most suitable. General conversation is usually the better path to take with people you have not met before. Ideal topics: leisure time, hobbies, family, children, art, culture, theatre, education, exhibitions, sports, the weather, and the host.

Stumbling blocks

Irrespective of whether in everyday business or private life – try not to put your foot in it with regard to style. Absolute taboo topics are: religion, politics, racism, illnesses, and any related jokes. Although gossip is unavoidable, you should never discuss a person in a derogative or disrespectful manner. On the other hand, there is no sense in acting the moralizer. Respect, composure, forbearance, openness, and generous thinking are in demand.

Entertaining broadening of horizons

This form of exchanging ideas broadens the horizon and enriches both parties with information and knowledge. Let your counterpart talk. He will gladly talk about something he likes. The irresistible small talker’s success lies in the fact that he is able to immediately adjust to his counterpart and convey a feeling of wellbeing, enhanced with a good dose of wit, charm and entertainment. And should you ever be at a loss: comment on what you have heard and what has been said with common sense and thus show that you are responsive to your counterpart.

\\ tags: Style

A real gentleman has mastered the art of etiquette under any circumstances and always shows impeccable manners. It all starts with a successful first impression for which you will not have a second chance. Especially in business, it is always the entire appearance of the other person that is perceived and assessed. Therefore, you should pay attention to your posture, facial expression, gestures, voice, and language, as well as well cared-for hair, hands and teeth. Wellbeing means surety. Healthy self-confidence is just as beneficial as goal-oriented, positive charisma. The most important thing, however, is your authenticity: always stay true to yourself – your personal style reflects your profile.

Smile and show enthusiasm

A happy smile opens hearts and doors. Your heart-felt enthusiasm for people, issues, and projects makes you a lovable human being. This is what you radiate, even without talking. Tactfully display as much justifiable interest in a discussion as you can. Your whole appearance should be a harmonious whole reflecting your personality.

Beware of stumbling blocks

Irrespective of whether in everyday business or private life – try not to put your foot in it with regard to style. Never point at people with an outstretched finger or permanently stare at, bad-mouth or obviously whisper about others in restaurants. Do not interrupt your counterpart – rather distinguish yourself as an attentive listener. Always be honest and direct. Every masquerade is unveiled sooner or later.

Make sure to maintain eye contact

Your environment perceives practically everything, be it verbal or nonverbal. If possible, maintain eye contact with your counterpart – this makes you likeable. Most of your body postures reveal a lot about your personality. It is important that both of your feet remain firmly and securely planted on the ground. This reveals your stability, both in life and with regard to an opinion. Never stay on the edge of an event but happily dive right in. And should you ever be at a loss: simply take a good look around and let your common sense guide you.

What is important for you when you meet somebody for the first time?

\\ tags: Look, Style

A real gentleman has mastered the art of etiquette under any circumstances and always shows impeccable manners. Dress codes are a science in their own right. They range from casual to casually formal to formal, and from very formal to highly official and highly festive. Not to forget are special cases like traditional dress and uniforms. It is important that your clothing always fits the event, the circumstances, your age, and your physique. Contrasts (black-white) generally seem more professional than combinations of the same color. Effective esteem: adhere to dress codes at all times.

The most important dress codes

Leisure time: single-breasted jacket, shirt/polo shirt, no tie, calf socks
Business meetings: classic single/double-breasted suit, single-colored shirt, silk tie, knee socks
Official business meeting: dark single/double-breasted suit, white shirt, silk tie, knee socks
Evening gala: black tuxedo, silk bow-tie, cummerbund, white tuxedo shirtBall/reception/white tie: black single-breasted tail-coat, white tuxedo shirt, white hand-tied silk bow-tie

Beware of stumbling blocks

Irrespective of whether in everyday business or private life – try not to put your foot in it with regard to style. Ties with cartoon characters, childish batik patterns or over-dimensional company logos have no place in the business world. Clothing should not be too tight, too loose, or too old-fashioned. Visibly naked calves, white or patterned socks, brown shoes with a black suit, or suspenders with evening wear are also taboo.

First impressions are decisive

Score from the get-go! Make sure that packaging and contents appear identical. In addition to perfect head-to-toe hygiene, you should keep an eye on the following key aspects: the length of your jacket covers your derriere; your tie touches your belt buckle; trouser pockets should only contain whatever is absolutely necessary; shoes, belt and socks form a single-colored unit; double-breasted jackets are open when seated and closed when standing, and single-colored shirts are ideally combined. And should you ever be at a loss, simply let your good taste and common sense guide you.
How do you dress?

\\ tags: Look, Style