Join us on:
"If you think business and manners don’t mix, try talking with your mouth full.”
- Diane Gottsman, Etiquette & Modern Manners Expert, Author, Keynote Speaker
- Diane Gottsman, Etiquette & Modern Manners Expert, Author, Keynote Speaker
non
Interested In Our Services?
Please take a brief moment to fill out the form below:
DINING ETIQUETTE
It’s not just dinner…it’s business.
Professional dining skills are an essential part of an executive’s basic “wardrobe.”
A relationship can be built, or a job lost, over a simple meal.
Topics Include:
- Extending Invitations in Business
- Preparation Prior to the Meal
- Ordering from the Menu
- Host and Guest Duties
- The Toast - When, How and to Whom
- Receiving a Toast
- Place Setting Etiquette
- Napkin Knowledge
- Excusing Oneself from the Table
- Coughs, Sneezes and Other Awkward Moments
- Difficult to Eat Food Etiquette
- Handling Accidents
- Unusual Menu Terms to Know
- Handling the Valet, Coat Check and Other Services
- Dining Conversation
- Paying the Bill
- Tipping Etiquette
- and more…
NETWORKING ETIQUETTE
Proper etiquette is not about looking good; it is a fundamental part of your professional skills. Business executives routinely find themselves in situations where they must communicate effectively and understanding the intricacies of networking is what thoughtful business owners and major corporations consider a “survival tool”.
Topics Include:
- The Proper Introduction
- Proper Responses to Introductions
- Tips for Remembering Names
- Handshakes, Eye Contact, and Body Language Basics
- First Impressions
- Communication Skills
- Breaking Into an Existing Conversation
- The Art of The Business Card
- And more…
PROFESSIONAL IMAGE
It’s all in the details!
Topics include:
- Women’s Executive Wardrobe and Accessories
- Men’s Executive Wardrobe and Accessories
- Attire Dos and Don’ts
- Business Casual Defined
- Accessories and Necessities
- And more...
Useful Tips
From internships to interviews, here you will find useful tips to help you navigate your college years.
Useful Tips:
University Testimonials
 |
Harvard Business School"Diane’s Protocol training with our executive education staff received “glowing” reports. Not only did everyone enjoy the seminar, but also they felt they could apply much of what they learned to their jobs and every day life. Diane offered practical advice for anyone who works with people."Jackie Baugher Director Owner Managed Programs Harvard Business School |
 |
Rice University - Rice Ambassadors"Diane was our "go to" person for the last six years when we were known as the Career Services Center. Now as Center for Student Professional Development with a mission focused on providing students with skills for lifelong professional advancement, Diane is an even more important resource for our students. Those who attend the Business Etiquette Luncheon are definitely at an advantage during the recruiting season as they learn how to manage themselves in professional settings. Whether it's learning not to ask for ketchup at a restaurant or knowing that etiquette is used to make people more comfortable around others, students all agreed that her presentation was dynamic, valuable, and educational. It takes a lot for me to recommend a speaker, and with Diane, I do so gladly and without any reservation." Jackie Hing, MS, LPC Associate Director, Post Graduate Planning Center for Student Professional Development Rice University |
 |
Rice University - Jones Graduate School
|
 |
Georgetown University"Diane's words of wisdom are appropriate for a wide array of audiences. Our team ranges from recent college graduates to seasoned professionals, and Diane's guidance provides something for everyone. Her easy confidence and open, engaging style make it fun to learn the finer points of etiquette that are useful in business and in everyday life!" Melissa K. Trotta Associate Dean, Executive Degree Programs Georgetown University |
 |
Baylor University"Diane always brings a special enthusiasm to our Baylor University’s Annual Etiquette Dinner. Her professional expertise, coupled with her ability to relate and engage the students is the reason our etiquette dinner continues to be such an overwhelming success. Diane covers topics that will assist our students in their professional life, as well as immediately empower them to feel more confident in everyday situations. The event is always a huge success. We love Diane!" Kat Evans Career Advisor Baylor University |
 |
Southwestern University"Diane Gottsman delivers informative and entertaining dining etiquette and networking skills presentations to our students each fall. A dynamic speaker, Diane is easy to work with and very responsive to our campus’ needs. Her high-quality handouts help students take away her important message. I highly recommend The Protocol School of Texas for your dining etiquette training needs." Alexandra Anderson, MA, MEdAssociate Director of Career Services Southwestern University |
 |
Texas State University - McCoy College of Business"Diane Gottsman is a pleasure to work with and truly an ‘Etiquette Expert’. The students love her insightful tips and engaging sense of humor. We always have a sold out crowd. Several students/faculty have commented that they have attended etiquette dinners before but none as useful as Diane’s." |
 |
University of St. Thomas"Diane came highly recommended to us from a number of Universities, and at our first Etiquette Dinner, she did not let us down. A dynamic speaker, she held the attention of the audience throughout the presentation and provided valuable information. Her knowledge of the world of etiquette is evident. We will definitely ask her back to speak at our second annual etiquette dinner!!"Lindsey McPherson Associate Director of Career Services University of St. Thomas |
 |
Concordia University"Diane's session are fun, fascinating and full of useful content. Diane is a true professional with a charming, approachable demeanor. The dining etiquette session is enjoyed equally by both the students and the staff and all the comments after the event are extremely positive. We always look forward to having Diane back." Joyce SinclairCareer Services Coordinator Director of Internships |
 |
Sam Houston State University"Wow! We invited Diane Gottsman to speak at our first Etiquette Dinner based on the fabulous recommendations we'd received from our colleagues at other universities and she definitely lived up to those accolades and our expectations! She delivered a polished, fun and informative presentation and the students just loved her! Based on the positive feedback we received in those students' evaluations, we will make this program an annual event and look forward to her return to campus again."SHSU Career Services |
 |
University of Texas Health Science Center School of Medicine"Ms. Gottsman is truly an expert in her field. Our premedical students always walk away from her sessions with new skills and with a greater appreciation for the course material; definitely second to none in expertise and a class act!" |
 |
The University of Texas-Texas Exes Forty Acres Scholars Program"We sent our 14 freshman Forty Acres Scholars at The University of Texas through Diane’s dining etiquette seminar and were thrilled with how it turned out. Our scholars gained confidence to handle any situation they may face while dining. Diane presented her information in a fun, creative way. Since our scholars dine with alumni on a regular basis, it was imperative that they develop those skills early in their college career. We will definitely book this seminar next year."Blakeney Kurad Director of Forty Acres Scholars Program and Development The Ex Students' Association of The University of Texas |
 |
University of St. Thomas"The UST Etiquette Dinner was a great experience for my team and coaching staff. It was another opportunity for these young men to learn life lessons that will assist them long after they graduate from the University. In my opinion these skills follow the ideals of our University to Educate Leaders of Faith and Characters."Aaron Champenoy Head Soccer Coach University of St. Thomas |
 |
University of Texas at Austin - Business Honors Program"The protocol presentation by Diane Gottsman was an incredible experience! I began learning things the moment she walked through the door, about how to handle myself and properly enjoy a meal with co-workers or friends. She was able to answer every single question in the room and taught with poise, friendliness, and approachability. I will always remember the things I learned in the session and I know that they will serve me very well in my future career and social life. Thanks Diane!" Matthew Reagan Barry, Student Business Honors Program Red McCombs School of Business The University of Texas at Austin |
 |
University of Texas at Austin - MBA at Dallas & Houston"Diane is an engaging presenter and is always well received by our students. A couple of Diane's key strengths is her ability to deliver informative material in an interesting manner and quickly respond to student's questions in a substantive and meaningful way. I'm pleased that our MBA programs work with Diane and would definitely recommend her to other universities and corporations."Steven Burton Director, Texas MBA at Dallas & Houston McCombs School of Business The University of Texas at Austin |
 |
University of Texas at Austin - Development Office Staff"Diane's presentation to our campus Development Professionals was informative, engaging, and fun. Primarily focused on business protocol, Diane's teaching style instantly put the participants at ease and created an interactive atmosphere where no one felt uncomfortable about asking questions. Her expertise is clear and practical and can be applied to both work and social situations. Diane is clearly an expert in her field and we are all better for having attended her session." Lee Bash |
 |
University of Texas at Austin Red McCombs School of Business"Diane ensures each of our MBA students walks away from our "Etiquette Dinner" with a thorough understanding of the purpose and substance of dining in either a business or social setting. She also makes the subject more engaging and entertaining than anyone would have expected which is why UT has invited her back to teach our students for 5 years."Stacey L. Rudnick Director, MBA Career Services |
 |
The University of Texas at San Antonio"Diane Gottsman gave an excellent presentation at the annual UTSA Ambassadors’ Etiquette Dinner. The information she shared about business and personal etiquette was up-to-date and appropriate for her audience, and her presentation style was entertaining and engaging. The interaction she had with the UTSA Ambassadors, a group of university student leaders, allowed for questions on individual concerns in a comfortable setting. Student evaluations of the presentation were very positive. Diane instilled self-confidence that will allow students to make a positive impression in both personal and professional situations. This training will have lifelong benefits."Dr. Patricia Graham Executive Director of the Special Events Center The University of Texas at San Antonio |
 |
University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College"Our institution strives to provide a high quality education and opportunities for our students to grow both personally and professionally. Diane’s etiquette training is the perfect complement to these goals and was absolutely phenomenal. She captivated and engaged our students with real life scenarios applicable to both their professional and personal lives. Exuberant, informative and entertaining, Diane’s presentation was thoroughly enjoyed by all that attended and we look forward to having her back again next year. I would highly recommend The Protocol School of Texas to any university or corporation that seeks to provide a high quality training session that is instantly effective and will prepare participants both day-to-day and for the board room."Patricia M. Longoria Assistant Director - Student Union The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College |
 |
HACCC Drive In - Houston Area Consortium Career Center"Diane just keeps on getting better every time I see her present! As the Keynote for the Houston Area Consortium of Career Centers 14th Annual Drive In she set the day off to a fabulous start. Career Services professionals had a chance to be reminded of the do's and don'ts of professional courtesy. Thanks for the interactive presentation!" Vinessa M. MundorffHACCC President |
 |
University of Tulsa"Diane made our Etiquette Dinner this year both enjoyable and entertaining. Her interactive style made the audience feel comfortable and relaxed enough to participate in the presentation and ask great questions. We are looking forward to having her back again next year." Shelly HollyDirector, Career Services University of Tulsa |
 |
Texas A&M University - Central Texas"This experience provided students an interactive and fun approach to business etiquette. Our students enjoyed Diane's ability to engage everyone in the learning process."Brandon Griggs Director of Student Affairs Texas A&M University - Central Texas |
 |
Texas State University - School of Health Administration"Before Diane's presentation, many of the students felt they did not need a presentation in etiquette. After speaking only a few minutes, Diane convinced everyone that they needed the presentation. She accomplished this minor miracle in an informative and entertaining delivery that left students wanting more."Dr. Michael Nowicki, FACHE, FHFMA Professor and Director School of Health Administration Texas State University - San Marcos |
 |
Texas Tech University"Diane Gottsman makes etiquette not only informative, but fun. I highly recommend her smart, polished approach to all things protocol."Deena B. Katz Associate Professor, Texas Tech University |
 |
University of North Texas"Diane always delivers an exceptional program! She has presented at our two most recent Etiquette Dinners, and she has a knack for keeping things entertaining while also teaching students valuable skills that they will be able to use their entire lives/careers. After the dinner, our students have always made a point to thank Diane and the Career Center staff for holding such an informative program. In at least one case, a student commented that this was the best educational program he has ever attended. Since Diane has been presenting at our Etiquette Dinners, we have sold out each of them, and actually had to expand the number of seats. We are looking forward to our next Etiquette Dinner. Thanks Diane!"Dan Naegeli Director University of North Texas Career Center |
 |
University of Houston - College of Pharmacy"Diane Gottsman's networking and etiquette program offered thoroughly enjoyable and instructive guidance for helping our students, faculty and staff successfully navigate around the many pitfalls that can make or break a job offer or business deal. By infusing humor and enthusiasm into her interactive presentation, Diane made the attendees extremely receptive to learning the essential details of effective, professional networking and dining."F. Lamar Pritchard, Ph.D Dean, College of Pharmacy |
 |
Iota Phi Theta – National Chapter"Diane's corporate etiquette training, coupled with her warm personality and down-to-earth teaching method made our Summer Leadership Conference even more special for our members. As we strive to offer our collegiate and alumni membership resources that will equip them to make viable contributions to the communities we serve, we will definitely use The Protocol School of Texas, and Diane Gottsman, again for future training programs. Thanks Diane!" Eric A. McCoy |
Other Universities Include:St. Mary's University, Our Lady of the Lake University, and Texas Lutheran University. |
Looking for a Keynote Speaker or Spokesperson?
"Diane is a fantastic presenter. Her style is so easy that I’ve been able to use what she taught us without even thinking about it. Diane presents the concepts in such a natural way that becomes effortless to execute proper business etiquette."
