Tweet

Bare Arms at the Palace and Other Faux Pas

Written by: Gloria Starr

Article Overview: Common courtesies and other tips for doing the right thing, at the right time in the right place.

Bare Arms at the Palace and Other Faux Pas

We live in a very casual world today and we need to be aware that gestures, body language, clothing and words that play a role in our acceptance and inclusion.

Michelle Obama arrived at Buckingham Palace in a sleeveless white top worn part of the time with a three-quarter length sleeved sweater. Although she meant no disrespect, I'm sure, this attire was not appropriate when meeting the Queen of England. Another faux pas was when our First Lady, Michelle put her arm around the Queen during the photo shoot.

Proper protocol allows the Queen to touch people if she wishes but does not allow others to touch her.

When I worked in Saudi Arabia, I was not required to wear the traditional attire of the Saudi woman but out of respect for their culture, I wore the garments. I actually felt sacred and protected wearing the Abaya.

The Obamas and the Windsors posed for official photos, with the Americans towering over their hosts, before the meeting continued in private and the Obamas were subjected to the traditional British test of a foreigner's mettle - cucumber sandwiches.

Royal-watchers took careful note of the positioning of the queen's purse. It is always with her, and, when pointed at certain angles, it's said to signal to her attendants that she can't wait to escape from the frightful bores in her company.

The Obamas apparently met with royal approval. The purse rested in the crook of the queen's left arm, which means that she's happy and relaxed with her guests.

Outside the Palace, it wasn't quite as smooth. The palace staff asked Obama's Secret Service driver to move the President's armored Cadillac because it was blocking the garden entrance driveway. After it was moved, Jaguars carrying Prince Charles and other royals pulled up for the queen's reception for leaders attending today's G-20 summit.

Now if this is what our leaders are coping with as they build the bonds of trust around the world, think what we can do as individuals.

Suggestions from International Business and Communication Coach, Gloria Starr: Almost any gesture you make has significance. Think back to the Churchill era with the V for victory symbol. Next think about the okay symbol and then think about the over there and the telephone symbols.

Be assured than any and all gestures you make are going to be perceived as rude and/or vulgar somewhere around the world.

Another thing to consider are the words "you guys." These words are used by Trya Banks when speaking to a room full of young women hoping to be American's Next Top Model. Dr. Phil used the words "you guys" in today's TV show when speaking to a group of women and Oprah uses this term frequently when speaking to the audience of women.

Oh, how I hate going to a restaurant with my female colleagues and friends and being referred to as "you guys."

The power of words can and will make you or break you. Improve your speaking and become articulate. Change your vocabulary, change your life for the better!

Sandals in the White House: You may remember when the professional athletes arrived at the White House and wore sandals in the Oval Office to visit the President of the United States. Whatwere they thinking??

And just one more vital tip: NO gum chewing in public. It is also considered very rude.

Related Articles
  Exercises to Keep Your Mouse From Biting You
  Are Your Arms Wide Open?
  Perspective
  Networking Reluctance Does Not Have to Be Fatal
  What Ice Climbing Has to do With Business

Article Tags: etiquette, Gloria Starr, manners, Michelle Obama, protocol



Related Forum Posts


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

2011 Global Brand Trends Letter

Why Use an Advertising Agency

How Promotional Caps became a Fashion Trend

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.