Memphis: Best Show on Earth

I had the good fortune to see the Tony Award winning muscial Memphis on opening night this week at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Florida. The set, sound, singers, dancers, actors, wardrobe were all in perfect unison as they performed heart-thumping, soul-jumping theater to a sold out crowd. I have never seen a play twice…but this one was so very AMAZING that I am going back Sunday.

Thank you Ruth Eckerd Hall for bringing in such dynamic shows to our hometown. Memphis is touring the entire U.S. this year. I urge you to see it when it comes to your town.

Thank you to all the actors, cast, and crew for giving it your all. I was awed and enjoyed every second.

Just before the curtain, a few minutes before 8:00 p.m., I had the chance to meet lead cast member Quentin Earl Darrington. His voice will make you cry. It is such a unique, beautiful, heart-wobbling voice.

 
Theater / Performing Arts Etiquette

An evening at the theater can be a magical experience. The music, actors, musicians and audience all come together for one goal — to have a memorable and spectacular evening. With so many people packed into one place, it’s important to take common courtesy and respect along with your ticket with you when you go.

Tips to keep in mind when going to the theater:

• Have your tickets out and ready. Don’t plunder through your pocketbook or pockets to retrieve them. If you’re with a large group of people, let each one of them give their own ticket to the ticketmaster.
• Once you’re inside you may wonder, “Do I face the stage going into my row and finding my seat or do I face the people?” You always want to face the people, and as you pass them, look them in the eye and say, excuse me, hello, good evening, how are you; do that all the way down until you find your seat.
• Being prompt at the theater means arriving fifteen to twenty minutes before the show is due to start. You want to have time to find your seat, read the program, and relax.
• Don’t be a seat thief. I know you see those two seats down there twenty rows in front of you, and think nobody will ever know if you “move down”. Once you safely land in those seats, the people that had the flat tire that is now fixed are going to arrive and you’ll have to do the hike of shame twenty rows back up; so sit in the seat you’ve bought.
• Be respectful and don’t talk, whisper, sing, or hum during the performance. You can be sure you aren’t what the other guests came to hear and see.
• Don’t use your atomizer before going to the theater. People didn’t come to the theater for aroma therapy, or an allergic reaction. Many people are allergic to fragrances, so make sure scent isn’t a part of your outfit when you depart for the theater.
• Remember the 3 C’s: no cameras (or video), no cell phones, and no candy (or gum). If you forgot to get rid of the sweet treat before the show, just put it on a piece of tissue in your purse or pocket.
• Applaud. Performers appreciate when guests give an enthusiastic applause, shout “bravo” and give standing ovations. It is appropriate to applaud after a well performed song or dance, after each scene or act, and at curtain call.
• The protocol for curtain call is, at the end of the show when all the actors come out, clap and show them your appreciation. I know your bunions are barking, your Spankx are pinching and you put your loved one in a suit that’s scratching him, but please stay and show those actors the love. They need to see your pride and not your backside.

 

Gift Giving to Your Boss & Office Party Etiquette

Mingle, mingle, and mingle some more. Arrive on time; don’t hang out with the same old office friends, and walk around together in a clique all night. Step out of your comfort zone. Introduce yourself to everyone and have a few ice breakers ready like, “What are your travel plans for the holidays?” Never be the last to leave. There is nothing worse than being that catatonic co-worker propped up on the bar, bloated from too many toddies and pigs-in-a-blanket. Resist the urge to overindulge.

Following are a few more tips on suitable behavior at a holiday office party:

• Be tasteful, not tacky. The office party is a social extension of your business day. The way we dress is the number one indicator of how we value ourselves and the corporations we represent. If it’s not a Halloween Party, leave these thigh-high disco boots at home!
• Toasting. The host is always the first to toast. If you are being honored with a toast, don’t raise your glass, drink, or even clap, as that would mean you are cheering for yourself. You can show your gratitude by making a toast to the person that toasted you. Just be brief, 30 seconds or less, as people’s eyes begin to glaze over if you ramble on any longer. Note: This is not just a holiday rule; it should be applied all year long.
• Don’t overindulge. If you’re a big eater, you may want to eat a little something before you leave home. No one will be impressed if you can down more peel and eat shrimp than everyone else.
• Keep your dancing PG rated. Be sure not to emulate the dance moves you’ve seen on MTV. Keep it appropriate and do not cross the line.
• Behaving gladly. Upon arriving, find your host and thank them for arranging the party. You also want to say a brief thank you when you are leaving. If you really want to shine and warm a heart, send a handwritten thank you note, mentioning the food, location, and your gratitude for a festive and fun evening. And just like that, you have arrived, survived and successfully navigated your holiday office party!

The dos and don’ts of holiday parties: MyFoxTAMPABAY.com

4 Tips On How To Choose The Perfect Host Gift

With the holidays rapidly approaching, your social calendar may be filling quickly with holiday dinner and festive party invitations. Are you wondering if you should bring the host a gift? Have you ever struggled to come up with that perfect little token of appreciation? Although it is not expected, a gift is a thoughtful gesture to show your gratitude for the time, effort and expense that went into hosting the get-together.

Here are a few tips that may make it a bit easier to find the ideal gift.

• Consider how well you know the host. If you have known the host for a long time, then you probably know their likes and dislikes, personal tastes, décor, style and preferences. You could choose a personal gift for them or their home that you know they will love. If you don’t know the host well, then stationary or an unscented candle is a safe bet.
• A gift from the heart. Your gift does not have to be expensive, but should reflect thoughtful consideration.
• Make a list before you shop. Prior to heading to the stores, you may want to jot down a few details to make your shopping experience a success. Decide how much you would like to spend. Then determine if there is a party theme, what are the host’s likes and dislikes, etc. Finally, come up with a few gift ideas.
• Fresh flowers. Flowers are beautiful, but they can be a burden to the host if they are not already arranged in a vase. The host will be greeting guests, taking coats, serving food and drinks, and so forth. Having to find a vase, clip stems and arrange the flowers could cause even the most patient of hosts to come unglued. If you choose to bring flowers, make sure they are ready to be placed on display without any effort on the host’s part, or have them delivered to their home several hours before the party starts so there is plenty of time for arranging.

A few host gift ideas include: organic chocolates, homemade treats from your kitchen, a festive bowl or serving dish, holiday ornament, bottle of wine or host’s favorite beverage, festive cotton cocktail napkins, unscented candles, personalized stationary, a book, spa type gift set, a warm and cozy blanket, a basket of fresh fruit.

Do you have a favorite host gift that you gave or received? Let us know.

Happy Holidays!

Patricia Rossi, America’s Business Etiquette Coach

Everyday Etiquette Released Today!

Heart is full — Dream come true.

Honored and excited to share Everyday Etiquette with you.

I so appreciate each and every person along the journey that has helped make this happen. I could not have done this without all of you. Thank you, thank you for being in my life and making my dream come true.

SOCIAL KISS

Etiquette of the Social Kiss

When you go to a social engagement do you do the social greeting kiss? When you arrive, do you kiss everybody hello? The decision on whether or not to opt for a social kiss depends on the situation and the relationship between the parties involved.

Discussion: The social kiss: MyFoxTAMPABAY.com

Following are a few tips to keep in mind when determining the prospect of a social kiss:

• Strangers – As a general rule, you should not kiss people you do not know. A handshake would be more appropriate in formal and professional settings.
• Colleagues – In a boardroom setting, a social kiss would be out of place. In a casual setting with colleagues, a social kiss would be determined by the professional level and familiarity between you and your co-workers. If you are in doubt, allow the other person to take the lead.
• Technique – If you decide a social kiss is appropriate, make sure your actions are clear to the recipient. Equally, rejecting a social kiss would be considered rude and cause unnecessary discomfort.
• Kiss on the Cheek – You will want to avoid the overly affectionate smacker, but also, just touching cheek to cheek may feel insincere. A simple peck on the cheek is acceptable.
• Right Cheek First – In some cultures, both cheeks are kissed. Generally, you kiss the right cheek first, but prepare to change direction to avoid any embarrassment.
• Don’t Linger – Do not hang onto the other person too long and make sure that your hands are kept well above the waist. Social kissing is strictly cheek-to-cheek and not on the lips.
• Hand Shake – If you are more comfortable with shaking hands, make sure you hold your hand out before the other person begins a social kiss, as you don’t want to embarrass them.

If you are in a group setting and you just don’t know what is appropriate for that particular situation, allow others to take the lead a follow suit.

Wishing you much success and happiness!

Patricia Rossi, America’s Etiquette and Protocol Coach, www.patriciarossi.com

Wedding Invitations: 5 Tips for Responding

Since a wedding is a very special celebration for the happy bride and groom, you should consider it an honor if you are invited to share in this beautiful union.

Here are five tips to follow that will show them how much you care:

1. Open your invitation immediately and respond as soon as possible, even if you will not be able to attend. A wedding requires a great deal of planning, so the sooner guests reply, the smoother plans will progress.
2. The response should match the invitation. If you receive a formal invitation with a RSVP card and self-addressed stamped envelope, then that it the appropriate way to respond. An Evite, for example, would call for an online response.
3. Who’s invited? Whoever’s name is on the envelope. Children are invited if their names are on the envelope along with the parents.
4. If your plans should change after you have returned your RSVP, call the bride or groom immediately. It is best to honor your commitment, but occasionally unexpected circumstances are unavoidable.
5. Once you have sent your RSVP, be sure to put the invitation in a noticeable location, such as the refrigerator, to use as a reminder of the upcoming event.

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