University Testimonials

What Diane’s clients have to say about her

“The University of St. Thomas has been blessed with the opportunity to host Diane Gottsman for the last 13 years for our Etiquette Dinner and Networking Night. Her ability to capture the room, entertain, and teach proper etiquette and networking skills is astounding to say the least. Our students, staff, and faculty are always eager to attend this event and leave with smiles and confidence in their abilities to network with others. Diane is one of the kindest people you will ever meet and makes you feel at home. We look forward to many more years of having her on campus!”

“Diane was a lifesaver! She was able to cover our etiquette event on short notice and students at Texas A&M University-Kingsville raved about her. They especially enjoyed her direct approach while learning the proper techniques to use at the dinner table. Thank you, Diane!”

“Diane continuously delivers serious content with energetic wit. She knows how to captivate an audience and keep them engaged. Her no nonsense feedback charming manner, and “tell it like it is” approach is fresh, relatable and authentic. She deeply cares about empowering others and inspires them to do the same. Her tips are always current, practical, and timeless and she is “the real deal.”

“Diane Gottsman has been presenting our Annual Etiquette Dinner for the past 12 years and each year is better than the last. We routinely have standing room only based on the importance of the topic, as well as Diane’s engaging demeanor coupled with her interesting wealth of knowledge. She knows how to command a room and our students routinely rate her as top notch. Diane’s reputation is exemplary and we are honored to have her back each year. She truly provides a great service for our students at Sam Houston State University.”

“We live with daily uncertainties and yearn for foundational civilities that enhance professionalism and build self-confidence. Fortunately, there is Diane Gottsman who eliminates our doubts and brings poise to our chaotic lives. Diane is sharp, savvy, smart and leading the way to clarity in a time of ever-increasing confusion. We all can benefit from her wisdom and advice.”

“Diane Gottsman has conducted our annual etiquette dinner for the past several years and knocks it out of the ballpark each and every time. Diane is not only a noteworthy expert, but she has an innate ability to put our students, corporate sponsors and faculty at ease. Her information is timely and topical and her delivery is always right on point. We recommend Diane highly and are delighted to welcome her back each year.”

“Our goal is for all of our students to be polished professionals when they enter the corporate world. As speaker Diane Gottsman repeated, business meals are not about the food. They’re about presenting your best self to employers and customers over a meal. I’m confident the students who attended will be well-prepared for every dining situation.”

“Transforming business students into business professionals is our goal.  Diane Gottsman recently told 400 students in our Career Action Program that if you think “manners don’t matter in business, try talking with your mouth full.”  Our students quickly learned Diane Gottsman means business, especially when she emphasized the finer points of professional dining. The students came away more confident and with a clear understanding of how executive etiquette can open doors in any situation. Diane’s information is timely and her delivery commands attention and gets it!”

“Diane Gottsman has been a fantastic long-time partner for Southwestern University for the past 18 years. Her engaging and dynamic personality, coupled with her vast knowledge and experience when it comes to dining and networking etiquette make our annual event a perennial favorite. You will advance your professional development and have fun when you work with Diane.”

“The University of St. Thomas has been honored to host Diane Gottsman as our speaker for the last 13 years for our Etiquette Dinner and Networking Night. Her ability to capture the room, entertain, and teach proper etiquette and networking skills is astounding to say the least. Our students, staff, and faculty are always eager to attend this event and leave with smiles and confidence in their abilities to network with others. Diane is one of the kindest people you will ever meet and makes you feel at home. We look forward to many more years of having her on campus!”

“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.”

“Diane came highly recommended to us from a number of universities, and in 10 years, she has not let us down. A dynamic speaker, she holds the attention of the audience throughout the presentation and her knowledge of the world of etiquette is evident.”

“Diane’s sessions 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 our 7 years of annual events are extremely positive. We always look forward to seeing Diane.”

“Diane Gottsman is truly an expert in her field.  Our premedical students always walk away from her sessions with new skills and a greater appreciation for the course material; definitely second to none in expertise and a class act!”

“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 dining situation.  Diane presents her information in a fun, informative, creative way.   Since our scholars dine with alumni on a regular basis, it is imperative that they develop those skills early in their college career.”

“The protocol presentation by Diane Gottsman was an incredible experience! I began learning things the moment she walked through the door. She was able to answer every single question in the room and taught the course with poise, friendliness, and approachability. I will always remember Diane Gottsman!”

“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.”

“Working with Diane and her team is always a pleasure. The instruction she provides our McCoy MBA students during the annual Business Etiquette Dinner is not only engaging and entertaining, but absolutely critical to their long-term success in the business world.”

“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 makes the attendees extremely receptive to learning.  Thanks Diane.”

“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.”

“Diane Gottsman gives an excellent Etiquette Dinner presentation annually  to the UTSA Ambassadors. Diane instills self-confidence into each of our ambassadors that they will have for a lifetime. We are honored to have Diane back each year.”

“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!”

“Diane’s Protocol training with our executive education staff continues to receive “glowing” reports. Diane offers practical advice for anyone who works with people.”