The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Expert tips for women on etiquette

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Feb 26, 2006

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Expert tips for women on etiquette

Staff Reporter

FICCI and FLO conduct seminar for professionals

A TOUCH OF CLASS: Chayya Momaya, a corporate grooming and image consultant, demonstrates business etiquettes at a seminar in Hyderabad on Saturday. — Photo: Mohd. Yousuf

HYDERABAD : Style to reflect substance was the message that a seminar on `grooming secrets for the professional woman today' gave women who gathered at ITC Kakatiya Sheraton on Saturday to pick a cue or two about personal and business etiquette.

Speaking of body language, grooming and image consultant Chayya Momaya asked women to watch their posture, `sit sensually', make a graceful entry into a room, shake hands applying the right pressure, introduce people warmly and make direct eye contact.

"You must have a smile when you walk into a room, indicating that you are approachable and that you exude warmth."

Small things like picking up something that someone has dropped make a difference. "Don't bend towards the object you have dropped, but go right next to the object and pick it up, she said. You must remember not to shut the door with a bang, so clutch the handle until the door has clicked shut behind you," she said.

Fine dining

About fine dining and playing the gracious hostess, she told women to specify the delicacies that they are offering as hostesses in their home.

"Never try to be a social butterfly, flitting from person to person, making small talk, if you are the guest. Instead greet the hosts first and make polite but warm conversation with all those you stop to talk to."

"When you want to treat friends at a restaurant, first reserve a table, make sure the food you want is available there, and enquire about the cover charge if there is any."

She then explained the nitty-gritty of bread and cheese etiquette, the kind of glasses you need for serving a particular kind of wine and how you need to hold the glass, and things to watch while eating the main course.

One thing she emphasised was that through the meal, it was essential that the person eating keep the napkin on his or her lap.

Neha Bhatara, working with ICICI Prudential, discussed smart investment and easy saving options.

She explained the pros and cons of investing in stocks, real estate, jewellery, banks, mutual funds and bonds. Your portfolio should be a portfolio of your choice, not a portfolio that you have hit upon by default or by ignorance.

Irrespective of the income you are earning, saving three thousand a month can see you through to a comfortable lifestyle, she said.

The seminar was organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO).

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