Communication & Technology

The inglorious TV election drama has finally ended. In Left Coast San Francisco, a post-election pall of fog hangs over our city, much like the hanging chads of 2000.

We finally have a president-elect, but he might not be the one you wanted. Now what? A basic rule of etiquette is to never discuss politics or religion at social events, and this election proved why: polls showed that 48 percent of the voters felt disenfranchised by both candidates. It’s no wonder that post-election rhetoric remains strong.

On November 8, it was the people’s choice, and the people chose Donald Trump. It was the biggest political upset in history, and it’s has been hard for many to come to grips with the outcome. But many voters clearly wanted a change, and Trump was the change candidate.

As one proud immigrant recently shared with me: “America is so prosperous. Through every election cycle we go through a mini cleansing. 2016 is no different, but we must unite for the good of the country.”

  List No. 4 of my “most asked” etiquette questions will help you solve more of those pesky dilemmas about dining, communicating, and other puzzling social interactions. • Does the napkin go in your lap the minute you take your seat? If there is no host, yes. If there is a host, wait until that…

  Number three on my list of most-asked etiquette questions includes both business and social quandaries, with answers to help you move gracefully through your day. • When applying for a job, is it okay to ask about salary range? As a job candidate, you are within your rights to ask about salary range. It’s…

  Number two on my list of most asked etiquette questions includes both business and social quandaries and how to address them. Here are more answers to help you navigate the modern world gracefully. • Is the continental style of eating (fork in the left hand, knife in the right if you’re right-handed, and the…

  Oprah may have her list of favorite things, but I have my list of “most asked” etiquette questions. If you want to be in the know, or simply want to know the right thing to say or do in different situations, life just got that much easier. • If I am at at a…

When communicating with others in the business world, be sure what you say and write has impact. Here are tips for both verbal and written communications. Verbal Communication • Speak clearly (don’t mumble) and loud enough (but not too loud), while standing or sitting up straight and looking your listener in the eye. • Make…

“I’m as proud of what we don’t do as I am of what we do.” —Steve Jobs No. Nyet. Non. Nein. No matter you say it, the meaning is still the same, but this tiny word can be very hard to say. What is it about the word no that makes us feel uncomfortable? If…

Here are the top 30 things that make me crazy when I’m trying to talk to people. I’ll bet most of them drive you crazy, too. 1. Interrupting 2. Lack of eye contact 3. Holding side conversations 4. No response or feedback 5. Asking questions that have already been answered or are irrelevant 6. Correcting…

Giving criticism of any kind is difficult, though it is often the job of managers and business executives to do so. If we want to be helpful when correcting the mistakes of others, we must always be mindful of the way we do it. Of course, accepting criticism can be even harder to do. Here…