How to Live Like a Gentleman: Lessons in Life, Manners, and Style

Today, young men need etiquette guidance more than ever! And men’s magazines such as Maxim and Esquire don’t cover the array of potentially awkward moments. This little guide offers the last word on walking, talking, dressing, as well as: •    shaking hands •    tipping •    tying a bow tie •    small talk •    fashion do’s and don’ts

Table of Contents:
CONTENTS Introduction: Manners matter Why manners? Self-confidence Self-respect Attitude and personal presence Putting the gentle back into the man Top ten qualities to nurture: Competence, Patience, Resolve, Respect, Self-assurance, Spirit, Diplomacy, Tact Chapter one: Stepping Out The first impression – establishing your presence and introducing yourself to others The handshake The greeting The hello kiss Walking – how to carry yourself so that you make an impression Meeting people Small talk and conversation skills Introducing people to others Diction and eloquence Speak up – speaking clearly in all situations Cultivating vocabulary without swallowing a dictionary Public speaking Lessons in listening Commanding respect through the words you use How to speak to the authorities: what to say, what not to say Phone, email and online etiquette             Cell phones             Call waiting             Netiquette             Beepers Chapter two: Hygiene, Grooming, and Dress Personal hygiene – You might not need a range of skincare products but you do need to shower every day How to shave: what to do if you cut yourself How to iron: shirt, trousers Your image – the importance of developing your own style Dressing for respect The perfect wardrobe for winter, spring, summer, fall Essential stylish items that will last a lifetime Fashion do’s and don’ts from head to toe Chapter three: Eating and Drinking Table manners             Elbows on or off the table             How to use a napkin             Eating and talking, do they mix?             Must you wait until everyone is serves or let your food get cold? Being on time Out on the town:             How to order in a restaurant             Sending food back             Which fork?             Glassware – stem or bulb, where to hold?             Food masterclass: Sushi, soup, spaghetti Selecting wine             Tasting wine                         How to send it back if it is vinegary How to give a toast What to do if you’ve drunk too much Smoking cigarettes – when it’s cool, when it isn’t Splitting the bill, stress free Being the perfect host:             So you’re throwing a party – what now?             Supplies to keep around – food, drink, glassware, dishes, cookware Cleanliness is Manliness: Home appearance – interior, hiring a maid service How to set the table for a dinner party – styling tips Your signature cocktail How to open a bottle of wine/champagne How to tie a bowtie Sending invitations What to do when you receive a gift you don’t like Writing thank you notes Being the perfect guest:             How to receive an invitation             What to take – great gift ideas for all occasions and people of all ages             Invited to dinner – how to be the perfect dinner guest             Being a great party guest Saying thank you: with cards, email, phone calls Chapter four: The Fairer Sex How to woo with flair How to ask a woman out on a date How to say no How to hear no How to pay a compliment Door etiquette (not only for the woman you are dating) Romantic dinners for two When to call someone you like When to kiss her, when not to kiss her Birth control – a gentleman’s responsibility How to behave (or not) in bed The morning after Remembering dates Presents – when to give them and what to give Home attire – living alone, with a woman Getting engaged – asking her father, getting a ring Meeting your girlfriend’s/wife’s parents Pregnancy How to behave when your wife tells you she’s pregnant How to behave when your girlfriend tells you she’s pregnant Chapter five: Men at Work The job interview What to wear to the office Elevator etiquette How to be successful at a business meeting The holiday party – what to wear, who to talk to, what to say Dating at the office – to do it or not to do it Email etiquette Business phone etiquette Work speak and speaking at work Giving the perfect presentation The business lunch Chapter six: Gentleman at Large The bachelor party Best Man etiquette Good sportsmanship How to watch sports well with others How to know when enough beer is enough How to drive in traffic to avoid getting road rage What to wear on an airplane How much luggage to bring How to act in a foreign country What to do on crowded subway cars Technology – the etiquette of never switching off from the office, the Playstation, etc. The new etiquette             Gym etiquette and more Conclusion

About the Author :
Sam Martin is the best-selling author of How to Mow the Lawn and How to Keep House.  He has traveled widely and worked as a tree planter in Canada and as a senior editor at This Old House magazine. Sam is a modern gentleman.  He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Denise, and two sons, Ford and Wren.