Create Better First Impressions

Creating first impressions is key to attaining success in your professional and personal life. However, many are puzzled by how or what is takes to create a long-lasting, great first impression. In this article, we provide a few useful tips that can be incorporated in our daily lives to enhance your personality and set you up for the next occasion you will need to impress.

First of all, physical appearance needs to be given the highest priority. Proper clothes and a pleasant outlook will help create a positive impression even before you utter a single word. Like it or not, how you look is increasingly important to how other people perceive you. All you are required to do is adorn some clean clothes and appear well-groomed. Of course, depending on the formality setting, you would need to dress appropriately and wear only clothes that fit you. 

In this regard, you can take help from professional personal consultation services that provide expert wardrobe analysis, colour and style analysis, and even personal grooming. Most often, it is considered that such services are a waste of time and money. However, such workshops provide resourceful tips regarding image and etiquette, and help enhance and revitalize a person’s appearance for a better image and outlook. All these play vital roles in creating the first impression that you want to have whether it is during an interview, a first date, or even a high school reunion!

Creating that first impression is just the beginning. Often, what follows during a personal introduction tends to tarnish that great first impression you have created, either because you could not hold a good conversation or the voice did not match the image. Another way how image and etiquette training can help you create long-lasting, better first impressions is by instilling the ability to make good introductions and hold conversations. 

The right introduction requires articulating important personal information like your name and what you do in the right voice, tone, and volume. While this seems simple to many of us, you would be surprised at how many people find self-introductions a challenge. Continuing a conversation after seems like an even more daunting task. The aim is to engage the other person, and this is only possible through effective talking and listening skills. In this regard, you need to try and keep a balance between opening up too much and in other cases, not giving an adequate response. Begin conversation by making the other person feel comfortable and then go with the flow. In most cases, we tend to give less importance to ‘listening’. It is in fact, a very important aspect of making a well-balanced conversation. 

Confidence building is also indispensable to creating better first impressions. Some people are inherently self-assured, while others need a little help. On a personal level, you can work by getting rid of self-consciousness. Sometimes, people tend to focus too much on themselves, where they tend to worry about what the other person thinks about them. This leads to low self-esteem, which outwardly represents itself in form of fidgeting, second-guessing and shyness.  

However, low self confidence is not a problem that you have to live with permanently. There are many workshops conducted by trained image consultants, which aim to inculcate poise and self-belief in people. Speak with a professional today and get a lasting first impression that will set you apart from all the rest.

Bullying at school - why parents should be aware of children manners and social graces

Many parents have been expressing their concern at the lack of children manners and social graces. It is baffling to see a sharp increase in the number of bullying incidents at school. Such non civil behavior in children can be attributed to the lack of awareness and proper guidance. In view of this disturbing situation, I would like to share about a holiday workshop conduced at Image Flair to help promote children manners and social graces. I would particularly mention the Cool Kind Kid program that aims to help children get along with others and impart anti bullying education. 

I see many parents worried that they have no clue as to how they can play a role in instilling children manners and social graces. My advice would be that the best thing you can do for your child is to get him/her professional help at Image Flair. 

Some of the basic causes of why your child becomes a victim of bullying at school are:

•  Lack of confidence
•  Low self-esteem
•  Inability to interact and socialize with others

At the same time you could be one of those parents receiving reports of your child’s misdemeanor and that he/she might be bullying others at school. This occurs from a lack of respect for others as well as poor children manners and social graces. Participants who have attended some of the workshops in this regard are pleased to find out that the foremost principle taught to children is RESPECT. The values instilled in school going children at these workshops help build their character with a strong stress laid on children manners and social graces.

 

 Parents should be aware of the detrimental effects that bullying can leave on children. Any form of bullying can leave a child with long term personality disorder. Some of the effects include depression, anxiety, anger, insecurity and lack of trust.  The three main forms of bullying that children generally face at school are:

• Physical – This includes shoving, hitting and physically targeting a victim.
• Verbal – Victims are usually teased, threatened and mocked in this type of bullying.
•  Emotional – A constant fear is developed in the victim’s mind.
  

The anti-bullying programs are an effective way of eradicating bullying from school and promoting children manners and social graces. The workshops aim to teach students cooperation and dispute resolution techniques that will help them fit in school and avoid bullying.

Now you can take your kids to fancy restaurants

 

Teen Etiquette & Dining Workshop  - Dec 10, 2011

Becoming an etiquette consultant that teaches children social graces isn’t a typical career choice. However, after helping parents and children in building their character and attaining vital social skills, one can safely say that it is probably one of the most rewarding professions. Here at Image Flair, our professionals are well trained in children social graces. The workshops for dining etiquette have been divided into two age groups:

• Children Social Etiquette and Dining Workshop for ages five to twelve
• Teen Etiquette and Dining Workshop for ages twelve to nineteen
  

After attending these workshops, parents have expressed their satisfaction and have been utterly grateful for the services provided. Parents that once avoided taking their children out to high-end dining functions or venues can now look forward to having dinners and attending social gatherings with their children. The whole point of becoming an etiquette consultant is not just to teach etiquette skills to children, but to see families have an enjoyable time always. Some of the focus areas of teaching children social graces in the above mentioned workshops include:

• Communication skills
• Table manners
• Dining etiquette
• Social interaction
• Making Positive introduction
• Confidence building
• Poise and Posture

At Image Flair, the professionals are certified to handle lessons on children social graces. Some of the instructions that you will come across in dining workshops have been thoroughly studied according to the current social situations. From the minor details to comprehensive character enhancement, the image consultants are well versed in all aspects of children social graces.  After attending special trainings and workshops, children as well as teenagers are able to conduct themselves with poise in restaurants and other outdoor gatherings. The parents no longer have to face awkward situations arising at restaurants due to unruly children and teenagers. It destroys the entire eating experience leaving one embarrassed. 

The children will also receive attendance certificates for their proud achievements at the workshops. Some basic tips and children social graces are given below that you can use to groom your kids before going to a restaurant.

• After being seated, unfold and place the napkin in your lap.
• Begin eating only after everyone at the table has been served
• Use the silverware properly
• Do not talk with food in your mouth!

The above mentioned tips just provide an idea to basic children social graces at restaurants. For a complete guide, it is my advice that you enroll your kids in a professional dining workshop so that they can shine at lunches and dinners!

Help your kids adapt to social situations

As adults, most of us choose to remember the pleasant childhood memories -- the worry-free days, play dates and other priceless moments. We sometimes tend to forget the not-so-lovely aspects of being a kid, whether deliberately or unconsciously. The truth is that children in their own capacity come across numerous social situations that they cannot deal with. This shakes their confidence and also builds up anti-social element in their personality. Children Holiday workshops can help kids adapt to such social situations as they offer professional help on character building. The experience can prove to be life altering for many such children. 

The Children Holiday workshops focus on children belonging to all age groups. Every child is different from the other and it is very important to be fully aware of this individuality. A child is going through a development phase till he/she grows up and enters a professional life. During this time period, the kids need to be taught and prepared for what they might expect from life in future. In fact, to be able to deal with social situations with poise, it becomes almost necessary that kids are enrolled in Children Holiday Workshops at least once. Starting from an early age of four, these Children Holiday Workshops help inculcate the skills and manners required to interact with those around them. 

Children are on a constant path to discovery. They lack the experience and familiarity for dealing with a new environment outside home. In fact, sometimes children are also unaware on how to deal with situations arising at home. This may include on how to respond to parents and siblings. Similarly, they come across many occasions that involve dealing with friends, relatives, neighbors and complete strangers.  Children might get confused and agitated if they are unable to establish a friendly relationship with these people. It may also have a lasting effect on their lives in future. Children Holiday Workshops teach children the necessary etiquettes to communicate, listen, understand and socialize. This helps them adapt to any social situations that may arise at home, school, neighborhood or social gatherings. A noticeable effect can be seen in kids in the form of increased confidence after they have attended Children Holiday Workshops.  It also helps resolve anti-social behavior in children that can be quite detrimental to their personalities as kids and even in future. Bullying, disrespectful behavior, shyness and other such negative traits are a hurdle in a child’s social success. It is important to opt for professional advice such as Children Holiday Workshops on helping children adapt rather than isolating themselves. 

Train the Trainer

During the years of my professional life, I have had many inquiries on ‘Train the trainer’ program. I am passionate in my teaching, and whatever I do. I have talked to Lew Bayer, internationally recognized as the “civility expert”, who is President of Civility Experts Worldwide, and we decided to partner to offer live Civility Train the Trainer training in Singapore, along with a self study program.

In addition to 5 years as a credentialed, experienced image consultant and professional presence trainer, I have had interest in positive, courteous behaviour and so Image flair is a founding member of International Civility Trainer’s Consortium (ICTC).  And since I’m a master trainer, certified by ICTC, it is my responsibility to see that our country receives the best talent in terms of etiquette teaching.

Are you looking forward to be a trainer for kids, teaching them etiquette? Now you can - with our Train the Trainer program.

With Image Flair Academy of Modern Etiquette, you can now achieve certification as a trained ICTC trainer though programs offered by Distance/Online or face-to-face through the Academy of Modern Etiquette in Singapore. The Academy is providing training classes to people who would like to work with kids and to teach them etiquette. This will be a 5 day coaching, and will help people in becoming a child etiquette consultant.

And if you do not belong to Singapore, or cannot join my course due to some reason, you can enroll in the online course that is offered now at a flat 50% discount rate. You can get online training and an ICTC approved certificate.

Benefits of becoming an etiquette consultant

When you become an etiquette consultant, you can get authority over the behavior of kids. You will get hands-on training from Ms Eunice Tan, the ICTC certified master of etiquette. From there on, you can add credibility to your services by being a caring and compassionate etiquette coach. To add children etiquette training in your resume, you need a certificate of training that is provided by the Image Flair Academy, and high courtesy standards that speak out for themselves.

Becoming a children etiquette consultant is a lucrative profession, but it’s not all about money. Of course it offers good growth prospects, but you need to have the passion and flair to be a good coach. And when you are handling kids, patience is a must. I handle all the kids with patience and love, and want all the trainers to do the same.

The Children Etiquette consultant certificate that you will receive from Image Flair would be approved for the ICTC credit. Once you complete the self study program or live training, you can take the International Civility Trainer’s Consortium Certification exam to achieve International certification in the field of children’s etiquettes. And after 5 years of teaching and training experience, you can apply for the ICTC Master Trainer Certification.

Interested in knowing more? Contact Ms Eunice Tan at 65.94311895 or email eunice@imageflair.com.sg today.

Beauty is in the Eyes of the Beholder

A very true statement indeed, but being a professional makeup artist, I also believe that in order to enchant the beholder’s eyes, a little touch of makeup is required.

Makeup is an art and it comes from within. If you have it, you are lucky, but if you don’t have it, you can train yourself to refine the skills. My make-up coaching class lasts for 2 hours and trains you for the following how-to’s:

·        Apply your make up for that flawless look.

·        Enhance your features, liven up your eyes- especially single-lid eyes, droopy eyes and puffy eyes

·        Wear false lashes (optional)

·        Achieve natural day and transform to night make up

·        Individual face shape analysis & advise on suitable hairstyles to compliment the look

This make-up lesson will provide you with everything you need to know to achieve the look you want.   Walk away with a renewed sense of confidence and a new look that will garner plenty of compliments, amaze you and your friends and boost your confidence to a new level!

As the base for a good color spread is good skin, you will receive many professional tips and easy, fuss-free tips on skin care too.

I have refined many adults as well as teenagers, including employees and housewives, and taught them the intricacies of makeup and skin care. I love to share my knowledge with my clients and they are very happy with the results.

Getting a personal makeup consultation is probably the best solution. As I said, makeup is an art and to learn it, you need good consultation. Get an appointment with me and let me give you a flawless look based on your skin tone and features. I also have you some expert tips to increase your face value, along with skin care advice and color selection guide. I’ll explain the different types of brushes and why it is important to get the right one for the task. Also, you’ll be taught the various methods of makeup application, and the compact that is good for you.

If you have always heard about fashion makeovers, but never witnessed one, this is your time. Shed your inhibitions and say hello to a new you. Let the more beautiful, the more attractive side of you take over- the you that you really are….

And if you believe that makeup is for shallow people, just touch yourself with makeup once and then feel the difference. It doesn’t just make others look at you, it will make you look at yourself! If you think you could look prettier if you just had the right person to help you out, you’ve got an answer to your prayers. Attend my makeup training sessions… or better still- contact me for a visit and see yourself transform.

It’s all about the features. If you buy lipstick shades by the advice of others, just keep in mind- what suits them wouldn’t necessarily suit you. Come for a personal consultation on make up or color analysis and purchase colors that look flattering on you. If you want to learn the best hairstyle for your face(depending on its shape), make an appointment with me for 1-1 hands-on hairstyling consultation. After this hairstyling session, you can create your own daily, nightly, and glam hairdos by mastering the use of the tools and products for hairstyling.

Here is a useful handy tip:

Makeup brushes are very important and if you can’t buy them all, make sure you have the foundation brush at least. It takes very little effort and helps everyone put on foundation and compact easily. You can get many foundation brushes in the market, but if you want the right one for you, contact me.

For all your makeup needs, feel free to contact me. You can also get color and style consultation along with personal and business etiquette courses. … See you soon.

Little Phoenix and Dragon Etiquette Workshop

  

To begin with, I would like to say that I truly enjoyed the The Little Phoenix and Dragon Workshop .

I’m extremely happy to share with you that the Little Phoenix and Dragon Etiquette Workshop had turned out to be very successful. It was held on Thursday, 16 June 2011 - 2 to 4pm at Lecture Room & Ixora Room.

 

There were 8 lovely kids age between 7 to 9 year old. I always try to keep the number of participants to the minimum so that each kid can get equal attention.

Children were encouraged to dress up in Peranakan fashion and the museum provided kebaya sarong and batik cina shirts for participants who wanted to dress up. When young kids were dressed up in traditional outfits, they looked amazing and the whole environment looked ethnic and grand.

 

The museum staff was very hospitable and helped in setting up the entire program. We started with some games and activities for the kids to open up and have fun. With the help of these games, they had a chance to interact with each other. It was fun to watch kids stand up and talk to each other. It gave them more confidence and I felt proud of them.

Then there was also a tour of the Peranakan culture where they were explained the meaning and the heritage of Peranakan history. The best part was when they learned about the Peranakan wedding events and culture. All kids were excited to know about various wedding functions. The kids also love the etiquette workshop segment conducted by me and wished the etiquette workshop was longer.

We soon had snack break and parents were allowed to join us later. Children enjoyed the variety of finger foods we had for them, and they practiced dining etiquette skills while eating. We also had sweet kueh, which became the favorite of all kids there. There were tea and coffee for parents and juices for kids. The whole menu was decided keeping in mind the taste preferences of young kids.

 
Later we handed out certificates to the participants. I was happy to see proud parents taking pictures of their young ones.

The program ended at roughly 4.30 pm and we bid farewell to happy kids and their parents.

 

It was certainly fun and I enjoyed the entire function. If you would like your child to participate in our holiday programs, contact me now as seating is limited. Early Bird Registration will save 10%.