In today's culture, there appears to be a growing sense that arrogance is appealing. However, I am a firm believer in the need for good manners and social decorum in everyday life. This blog post will discuss why manners are important and the advantages of adopting basic etiquette. I'll also show you some real-life examples of how good manners can make a tremendous difference.

Let us begin with the most important question: Why Are Manners Important?

Good manners represent our personality and ideals. Good manners demonstrate respect for others, regard for their feelings, and a desire to go above and beyond to help them feel at ease. Good manners may help us create great connections, earn the trust of people, and set us apart from our competition in the workplace.

So, why is Bon Ton required?

Bon ton, often known as proper etiquette, is a collection of social standards that determine appropriate behavior in certain contexts. Ignorance of these rules might result in misunderstandings, offense, and even missed opportunities. Sending a thank-you note after a job interview, for example, is a standard habit that demonstrates appreciation and professionalism. Failure to adhere to this standard may create the appearance that we are uninterested in the job or lack fundamental social skills.

Here are some instances of how excellent manners may benefit our personal and professional lives:

• A solid handshake, eye contact, and a welcoming smile at a job interview may leave a lasting impression on the interviewer and set us apart from other candidates.

• Arriving on time, being prepared, and actively listening to people at a business meeting may demonstrate that we value their time and thoughts, and can help develop trust and credibility.

• In a social context, we may build new contacts and grow our network by introducing oneself, memorizing people's names, and participating in discussion.

• In a challenging scenario, a customer service professional who remains cool, patient, and kind may convert a poor experience into a positive one, producing loyal consumers who will return in the future.

• A student who holds the door open for their classmates or offers to carry their books can foster a welcoming and helpful learning environment, leading to improved connections with peers and instructors.

• A person who actively listens to others without interrupting or speaking over them might help to build a more productive and polite working atmosphere.

• A job candidate may demonstrate their attention to detail and genuine interest in the position by sending a tailored follow-up email following an interview, highlighting particular points addressed during the interview. This can set them apart from other candidates and boost their chances of getting the job etc.

Consider the following instances of how good manners have influenced people's lives:

1. Oprah Winfrey - Oprah is well-known for her genuineness, friendliness, and genuine interest in others. She's built a reputation for making her guests and audience members feel valued and appreciated. She has become one of the most popular and beloved figures in media by having good manners and caring about others.

2. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson comes in second. Dwayne Johnson is recognized for his friendliness and giving to fans and coworkers, despite his tough-guy attitude. He frequently engages with his social media following, replies to fan letters, and goes out of his way to make people feel appreciated. He has created a devoted fan following and a successful career in entertainment by exercising excellent manners and expressing thanks.

3. Emily Post was a well-known etiquette expert who wrote books and essays on the subject of etiquette and social behavior. Her novels have had a huge impact on American culture, impacting how we interact with one another in both personal and professional settings. By teaching good manners and social grace, she has helped people from many walks of life face social situations with confidence and ease.

4. Michelle Obama was known as the First Lady of the United States because to her poise, elegance, and charisma. She was regularly highlighted in the media for her impeccable fashion sense and ability to communicate with people of all backgrounds. She has become a role model for women all across the world by exhibiting compassion and attention to detail.

5. Last but not least for today, Warren Buffett - Warren Buffett, one of the world's most successful billionaires, is noted for his humble manner and philanthropic efforts. He made his money by making wise investments and taking prudent risks, but he has also utilized his riches to make important contributions to society. He has won mine respect, and the respect and admiration of people all around the world by exercising excellent manners and displaying humility.

I'll throw in a little motivation:

Understanding excellent manners and bon ton might be very crucial especially for young people's personal and professional development.

They may gain respect and appreciation from their classmates, instructors, and potential employers by demonstrating good manners and etiquette. Furthermore, exercising excellent manners will you  bring you confidence, self-esteem, and social skills, all of which are necessary for success in life.

If you want to enhance your manners and etiquette, I highly recommend the following books:

• Margaret Shepherd's "The Art of Civilized Conversation: A Guide to Expressing Yourself With Style and Grace" - This book provides practical guidance on how to converse with tact and elegance, as well as how to avoid typical conversational traps.

• Peggy Post's "The Etiquette Advantage in Business: Personal Skills for Professional Success" - This book offers practical advice on how to manage various business scenarios with calm and professionalism, such as networking events, business dinners, and job interviews.

• Peggy Post and Anna Post's "Emily Post's Etiquette, 19th Edition: Manners for Today" - This thorough guide covers everything from table manners to social media etiquette and is a great resource for anybody wishing to improve their manners in all aspects of life.

If you don't want to read, have you seen the film "The Intern" (2015) with Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway? It's a comedy-drama about a retired executive who works as a senior intern at an online fashion business, where he establishes a strong professional connection with the creator. The video explores subjects such as intergenerational dialogue, mentorship, and workplace professionalism.

Here are a few highly ranked podcasts on the subject of manners and etiquette:

Emily Post Institute's "Awesome Etiquette" - This podcast covers a wide range of manners and etiquette subjects, from table manners to business etiquette. Lizzie and Dan Post Senning, the hosts, give practical advise and answer listener queries in a lighthearted and friendly manner.

Tricia Y. Fleming's "The School of Etiquette" - This podcast is dedicated to improving listeners' social skills and confidence via proper etiquette. Tricia Y. Fleming offers practical guidance on a number of issues such as dining etiquette, networking, and personal branding.

Abbey Campbell Cook's novel "Manners & Madness" - This podcast delves at the significance of manners and etiquette in classic literature, focusing on the Gothic and Victorian eras. Abbey Campbell Cook, the host, delivers interesting and enlightening insights into the era's social conventions and practices.

To summarize, good manners and bon ton are more than just being nice or courteous; they are about demonstrating respect, consideration, and professionalism. Making excellent manners a part of our everyday routine can help us achieve success in many facets of our life. So, let us commit to becoming the greatest versions of ourselves and having a positive influence on people around us. Remember, manners are important!

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You'll discover useful insights, ideas, and methods to assist you improve in your personal and professional life. 

Remember that having excellent manners is about respecting yourself and the people around you, not just obeying regulations. "To be well-favored is the gift of fortune," William Shakespeare famously observed, "but to write and read comes by nature."

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