Book

Modern Manners: Tools to Take You to the Top

by Dorothea Johnson, Liv Tyler

📖 Overview

Modern Manners provides guidance on professional and social etiquette for contemporary life. The book combines Johnson's expertise as an etiquette instructor with Tyler's perspectives as a public figure navigating modern social situations. The text covers essential topics including digital communication, dining protocols, workplace behavior, and networking skills. Each section presents clear rules and practical examples that readers can apply to their professional and personal interactions. Specific chapters address interview preparation, business meeting conduct, social media etiquette, and the art of conversation. The authors incorporate real-world scenarios and solutions while acknowledging how traditional etiquette rules have evolved for today's environment. The book emphasizes that manners serve as tools for success rather than rigid rules, presenting etiquette as a means of showing respect and building relationships in an increasingly connected world.

👀 Reviews

Readers describe this etiquette guide as basic but practical. Multiple reviewers note the book works well as a refresher or introduction for young professionals, though experienced business people may find it too elementary. Liked: - Clear, concise writing style - Useful illustrations and photos - Strong sections on dining etiquette and electronic communication - Good reference for interview preparation Disliked: - Content feels obvious/common sense to many readers - Too focused on basic manners vs advanced business etiquette - Some find the tone overly formal - Limited depth on modern workplace scenarios One reader noted: "Perfect for recent graduates but too simplistic for seasoned professionals." Another commented: "The digital etiquette section needs updating for current social media." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (200+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.4/5 (30+ ratings) Most negative reviews center on the book's basic nature, while positive reviews praise its value as a foundational guide.

📚 Similar books

Emily Post's Etiquette by Emily Post This comprehensive guide presents traditional and contemporary etiquette rules for social situations, business settings, and digital communication.

Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work by Jacqueline Whitmore The text outlines protocols for workplace behavior, from dining with clients to navigating office politics and international business customs.

The Essentials of Business Etiquette by Barbara Pachter This manual provides practical solutions for professional interactions, including email etiquette, meeting conduct, and networking strategies.

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie The book presents techniques for building relationships, communicating effectively, and navigating social interactions in professional settings.

Letitia Baldrige's New Complete Guide to Executive Manners by Letitia Baldrige The former White House Social Secretary details corporate etiquette rules, from conducting meetings to managing workplace relationships and social events.

🤔 Interesting facts

🎯 Dorothea Johnson founded The Protocol School of Washington, which has trained over 4,000 corporate executives, military personnel, and diplomats in business etiquette and protocol. 🌟 Co-author Liv Tyler, besides being a renowned actress, is Dorothea Johnson's granddaughter and credits her grandmother's etiquette lessons for helping her navigate Hollywood from a young age. 📱 The book specifically addresses modern challenges like smartphone etiquette and social media behavior, bridging traditional manners with contemporary needs. 🤝 One of the book's key teachings is the "Three-Handshake Rule": never shake hands for longer than three pumps, as anything more can make people uncomfortable. 🍽️ The authors include a unique "napkin test" for dining etiquette - observing how someone handles their napkin can reveal their level of sophistication and attention to detail in social situations.