ENSOMA

10/09/2018

- When passing the salt or pepper, always include both. They’re like a little couple, you never want to separate them. The theory: even if one diner asks only for the salt, the person next to them may want both, so they should be kept together. And remember—always pass to the right!

10/05/2018

Be sure to focus on building a relationship with your potential Italian clients. Business is personal, and you should focus on building a friendly repartee and solid trust before attempting serious negotiations.

10/02/2018

- Many small chivalrous acts towards women—such as opening doors and pulling out their chairs—stem from the elaborate outfits worn by high society women many years ago. These clothes were so restrictive that anyone wearing the fashionable styles required assistance with such things.

10/01/2018

Did you know in France, lunch can last up to two hours? Be ready for a long meal! Also, if you don't speak French, that's ok, but be sure to apologize for your lack of knowledge! Try to learn a few phrases to show you've made the effort.

09/25/2018

- Touching or clinking glasses for toasts has a couple different origins. The first is that the gesture is a subtler form of spilling a little of your beverage into your neighbor’s glass, a practice that was developed as a sign of faith—if you were trying to poison your dinner companion, you too would be poisoned. A slightly less cynical origin comes from the middle ages; when alcohol was thought to contain literal “spirits” that made those who partook behave outrageously. Bells were thought to drive away such evil spirits and clinking of glasses was the closest approximation on hand. However, in fine dining today, it is frowned upon to actually clink glasses because of the damage it could cause to fine glassware. Just raise your glass and say "cheers!"

09/21/2018

If attending dinner in South Korea, you may find yourself afterwards engaged in Noraebang, or karaoke. It's ok if you're shy; usually these are private rooms just for your group. If you're NOT shy, don't be a mic hog!

09/18/2018

Just what are analytical skills, and why do they matter? We’ll explain the inherent value of analytical thinking skills both inside and outside the workplace, and how you can use these skills to improve your life.

One great way to begin expanding your critical thinking talents is to download a brain training app that will challenge your cognitive abilities.

09/14/2018

You don’t need to choose one or the other. By implementing these tactics, you can learn to work smarter as you see your creativity flourish.

09/11/2018

- Saying "bless you" after someone sneezes dates back to at least 590 CE, when Pope Gregory I commanded that anyone who sneezed immediately be blessed out of fear that it was a sign they had contracted The Plague.

08/31/2018

The difference between "Afternoon Tea" and "Royal Tea" is the addition of a glass of champagne. We know which one we'd prefer!

08/29/2018

During our "Art of Being Intriguing" class, we all agreed that it's more difficult (and important) at social events to be able to gracefully end a conversation than it is even to introduce yourself to new people! Do you feel this way too?

08/28/2018

Making a meaningful exit doesn't start at the door. There are many ways to be remembered for your charisma as you exit the room at social and business networking events. This is the type of thing we cover in our ENSOMA classes.