Teen & Sport online magazine

Interview in Arabic

What been added to your foundation Etiquette Touch since our last interview?
 

Since our last interview in 2016, we have added few services: bridal service, consultancy services for staff training (private houses, restaurants and hotels).
 

Etiquette Touch offers etiquette and protocols courses for all ages, please explain how many courses are available and how long each course takes?

Etiquette touch, we offer a variety of trainings targeting different objectives and different age groups:
For the social etiquette training we offer 5 major courses/trainings 18 years and above:

• Host and impress course
• Art de table and fine dining etiquette course
• The elegant and gracious lady course
• Afternoon tea etiquette course
• The modern social etiquette program

For the business etiquette training we offer 4 major corporate trainings/workshops:

• International business success workshop
• The art of business entertaining
• Business dining workshop
• Executive image workshop
• The fresh graduate program

For the youth etiquette trainings we offer 3 major trainings:

• The fresh graduate program
• Young and polished program
• Dine and lead workshop
• Master your invitation
• Netiquette (is a combination of the words network and etiquette and is defined as a set of rules for acceptable online behavior).

These courses vary in duration. Some courses are just 75 min and other is a 3-day program. However, we need to keep in mind that every course can be tailored to the client’s needs.
 

What courses do you advise for teenagers and why?
 

Teenagers are the young adults of our world. They are our future hope and future leaders. Success nowadays is not only measured with your degree or master, but with your soft skills, social skills and people-to-people skills. Hence, I advise teenagers to take the “young and polished program” as it covers all the subjects that will help them stand out among their peers.
 

Do you have online etiquette and protocols courses?

Yes, since the Covid-19 pandemic, we started to offer online courses for everyone.
 

How do you build personality with etiquette classes and help shy teens become more confident?

Etiquette is a need and not just an added value for the teenagers as it allows them to build their personality by:

• building leadership skills
• building Self confidence
• having a pleasant character
• becoming a respectful person

At the end of each course, the teenagers will feel very confident and start to lead by example.
 

What is the different between etiquette and protocol?
 

Thank you for asking this question, because many tend to confuse these two words: Etiquette and Protocol. I will explain the difference in a very basic and easy way for people to remember. Etiquette is a set of norms and conventions governing social behavior, in general. The objective of etiquette is to make people more polite and respectful and make sure people are treated with respect and shown respect in return. Protocol is the etiquette of diplomacy and affairs of the state. Protocol refers to the code of conduct or behavior prescribed for government, head of states and international officials. Protocols facilitate the smooth interaction between officials, the ultimate aim to avoid unnecessary confrontation or disharmony.
 

What age do you recommend for children to start etiquette classes?

There is no specific age to start, but the sooner the better. I recommend parents to start since they are babies at home: saying please and thank you, asking politely, no shouting, eating in a clean way. I would recommend starting taking courses by the age of 7, but this doesn’t mean that it is “too late “for older kids. Keep in mind that it is never too late to start.
 

What are the basic guidelines for sharing your life on social media?
 

1st rule: be careful of what you post. Remember that social media has no boundaries. Anyone can use your photo or your words and use them as they please. 2nd rule: if posting a picture of a friend always ask for their permission first. 3rd rule: be considerate with your words, I mean respectful and kind. 4th rule: do not follow the crowd, do what makes you feel good. REMEMBER: Social media is not the reality.
 

Many teens are obsessed with social media and the attention and fame they’re getting, what are the disadvantages that might have bad effect on their image and life?
 

I always tell my students that one day, when doing an interview or applying for higher degree, the other person will do a research about you and old pictures or comments will reappear. Competition is fierce and there is no mercy.

You had mentioned on a TV program that each person should be considerate of other's feeling while posting negative things or sad news on social media, so we understand that etiquette care about sensitive people. Please explain more about this to help protect sensitive people and teenagers.

Etiquette in general revolves around honesty, respect and consideration. With social media, as there is not face-to-face interaction hence no live reaction, people tend to cross the line. Moreover, people tend to post shocking (bad, scary, dangerous, disrespectful) posts or stories to gain attention from their peers and get more “likes”. I advise the sensitive people to filter the list of their followers and who they follow. You can block or un-follow anyone that has a negative impact on you. Choose wisely and honestly who you want to follow. Surround yourself with people that make you feel good and happy on social media and in your life.
 

In a formal dinner what kind of topics should be avoided?
 

Topics we should avoid: - sickness (now it is hard with this pandemic, but we should do our best not to talk about it) - money (salary offer for older teenagers, cost of things you bought) - talking negatively about people - sharing personal family issues or problems.

A teenager needs to answer a call or text during a formal dinner, what should you do?
 

If the teenager should inform the host that she/he is expecting a very important phone call (usually it is 1 phone call only) that should be answered on spot.
 

By mistaking someone dropped any utensil like a fork or napkin on the floor what the proper thing to do?
 

If you are in your house or at a friends’ house, I would recommend to pick it up. If in a formal restaurant, you should keep it and ask gently for another fork or napkin and inform the waiter/waitress that you have dropped it.
 

Is it appropriate for teens to take photos and videos while they’re in restaurants or shops?

No, it is not appropriate to take pictures and videos. But I understand the will to do so. So I recommend, if you really need to take some pictures or vides, do it fast and focus on the gathering and the time spent with your loved ones (family or friends). Also, note that when taking pictures or videos, do not include strangers, because some would not want to be part of anyone’s picture or video.
 

Someone felt uncomfortable at a dinner or a party and needed to leave what is the proper way for excusing yourself?
 

Etiquette states that no one should leave before dessert, only if it is an emergency. If feeling too uncomfortable, go talk to the host and leave discreetly without making any scene.
 

Is gift wrapping necessary for all occasions and why?
 

Yes it is, it shows that the other person took time wrapping the gift. I always advise to personalize the wrapping, use colors or decorative items that the receiver likes. Always remember to write a card, saying why you chose this gift.
 

When you receive a gift should you open it in front of the guests?

In our culture, in Lebanon and in many countries in the Middle East, we shouldn’t open the gift in front of everyone. The only time you can open the gift, if you are seated alone with the person and they insist to open the gift.
 

What would be the proper reply to someone that trying to made fun of you in a joking way?
 

Do not laugh to their joke if you did not find it funny but offensive. Look them in the eye and just tell them politely and assertively: “this was not a funny joke. I hope next time you and whoever laughed will respect my boundaries” then start another subject of conversation.

If a teen isn't getting along with one person from his/her group of friends at school what should this teen do?
 

Tell your friend what your feeling and the reason why you are not getting along. Sometimes, a simple and frank conversation will clear the misunderstandings. By doing this, the teenager will also learn how to face and confront people.
 

As an etiquette consultant what your advice for teens and young adults?
 

Always remember that you are the future of our country, of our culture and our traditions. Etiquette is different in every country as it respects the country’s culture. Always remember to respect the person in front of you, whether the person has special needs or is older, younger, wealthier or poorer. Etiquette is not old fashioned or scary, etiquette is the essence of social behavior. Life is very competitive now, master your social skills and always leave a positive impression on people you meet. I know life is not too easy now, but stay strong and stay safe.