THE PROTOCOL SCHOOL OF WASHINGTON: DAY FOUR September 29, 2014 Today I attended SpeakersTrainingCamp taught by Sue Gaulke. Sue really embodies what she teaches: engaging, effective public speaking. We learned that there are different times throughout the day when we present ourselves to others, for example when leading a meeting, conducting training and in everyday informal situations. We learned that audiences prefer enthusiasm and passion in a speaker and they dislike a monotone voice.

THE PROTOCOL SCHOOL OF WASHINGTON: DAY THREE September 28, 2014 Today I learned to Dine Like a Diplomat. Our tutorial luncheon featured a six-course meal including a soup, fish, sorbet, meat, salad, toasting, dessert, and then finger bowl, each with accompanying beverages. The food was delicious and beautifully plated and served. This was my first experience with a finger bowl, and what I discovered is that once you know how to use a finger bowl, they are really not intimidating.

THE PROTOCOL SCHOOL OF WASHINGTON: DAY TWO September 27, 2014 As we attend more classes together and cover more material, we become more relaxed and you can really see our group’s personalities emerging. I am feeling comfortable and challenged here. The photos above show me with our two instructors for class today, with Pamela Eyring on the left and with Leah Hawthorn on the right.

THE PROTOCOL SCHOOL OF WASHINGTON: DAY ONE September 26, 2014 Today was my first full day at The Protocol School of Washington, and we learned How to Succeed in the International Arena, taught by Robert Hickey. Mr. Hickey was kind enough to pose for a photo with me during one of our breaks. He is a very engaging teacher and I greatly enjoyed our class today.

THE PROTOCOL SCHOOL OF WASHINGTON: OPENING NIGHT September 25, 2014 Today was opening night of the Protocol School of Washington’s “Train to be a Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant” course which I am attending in McLean, VA.

IMAGINE IF you could sit across the table from your boss, or a potential client, and know what they’re thinking without them saying a word. It turns out, that reality is not as far-fetched an idea as you might think.

According to a 2013 Society of Human Resources Management article, telecommuting rose 73 percent between 2005 and 2012. It's now estimated that 64 million U.S. employees - almost 50 percent of the workforce - have jobs compatible with telecommuting.

Meet Praveeni Perera - Graduation Date: October 2013  Why did you initially come to PSOW? I wanted to upgrade my skills and knowledge in the area of international protocol.

Meet Patricia Butera - Graduation Date: April 2014 Why did you initially come to PSOW? I came to PSOW to attain my certification as an etiquette and international protocol consultant. I spent approximately 18 months researching the best schools around the globe that offer this type of program. The curriculum offered by PSOW is quite unique - Not to mention the trainers! I was truly inspired by the experience.

Meet Sheryl Miller - Graduation Date: March 2012 Why did you initially come to PSOW?  Attending the Protocol School of Washington was on my ‘to do list’ from the early 1990s as I observed a gradual decline of civility occurring in the work environment. I recognized social skills as the cornerstone of success and it became a lifelong dream to establish my own company, to bring this specialist training to individuals and businesses. Based on research conducted, I discovered that The Protocol School of Washington was the global leader in the industry and offered the high level of training and certification that I needed to realize my dream. Today, I am very glad that I made that choice.

Meet Zhenya Pankratieva - Graduation Date: April 2014 Why did you initially come to PSOW? To help international companies to work on different markets and appreciate the different cultures

Meet Jan Goss-Gibson - Graduation Date: April 2007 Why did you initially come to PSOW? I wanted the highest training available in our country to launch me into a new career. My father was a Colonel in the Army. I was raised with many protocols. I was born in Germany, my brother in Japan. We moved 21 times in my first 18 years of life. PSOW was the perfect fit for me because I wanted the best and was unwilling to settle for anything less. I knew I was a gifted speaker and I knew my “voice” was somewhere within the realm of the training from PSOW. PSOW gave me the tools to create my dream career.

Janet Adetu - Graduation Date: 27 March 2012 Why did you initially come to PSOW? After a couple of trainings from other institutions my drive and passion for excellence led me in search of a more reputable and credible training. The PSOW was well established with global recognition.

Meet Lydia Wan - Graduation Date: April 2013 Why did you initially come to PSOW? Professional trainers, and with Internationally recognized brand name.

Meet Jeannie Vaage - Graduation Date: October 2013 Why did you initially come to PSOW? I was aware of its outstanding international reputation as a school for etiquette training.

Meet Richard Wells - Graduation Date: June 2001 Why did you initially come to PSOW? Knowledge of reputation of PSOW, and the fact that I wanted to develop a course for university students that would incorporate what I learned at PSOW. Subsequently, I did create that course and taught it for several years.

Meet Julie Blais Comeau - Graduation Date November 2011 Why did you initially come to PSOW? -To validate my knowledge  -To get the credentials  -To grow my international network

Meet Dallas Teague Snider - Graduation Date: August 2007 Why did you initially come to PSOW? I originally wanted to work for the State Department following an experience in college with Education for Democracy. I wanted the same training received from those that worked in this arena.

Whether you have been a protocol professional for one day or over twenty years, there are some key essentials that, if applied, will keep you on the right track to success in your profession! PSOW's President, Pamela Eyring, has listed her top ten below:

What is your proudest moment as a protocol officer? My proudest moment as a protocol officer. In 2010, I was in charge of a retirement ceremony for an Admiral from the U.S. Navy. I worked for the Admiral for 8 years. During that time, I was entrusted with coordinating his schedule and daily activities. I was his gatekeeper who guarded the admiral from unscheduled interruptions and I traveled with him and advised him on etiquette and protocol issues when dealing with foreign militaries. I kept him out of trouble and advised him of potential mishaps.