Private Coaching with Dr Philip Sykes
Course Overview
A Distinctive Invitation to Personal Refinement and Social Command Key Themes and Outcomes In today’s world, where excellence is expected and elegance admired, the ability to present oneself with poise, presence and refined social intelligence has become a non-negotiable asset.Confidence & Poise: The Path to Social Mastery is a highly curated, private learning experience for individuals who appreciate that sophistication and charm are vital elements of success-both professionally and personally. Led by Philip Sykes, Founder of The British School of Excellence, this transformative programme will equip you with timeless etiquette, modern communication mastery and elite-level presentation skills to elevate your presence in any room, in any country, and on any occasion.
Key Themes and Outcomes
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First impressions and non-verbal influence: posture, presence and polish
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Cross-cultural protocol and global business etiquette
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High-level networking, introductions, and strategic small talk
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Conversation mastery, digital decorum and email etiquette
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International protocol for dignitaries, executives and global affairs
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Emotional intelligence and advanced interpersonal finesse
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Personal branding and image refinement
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Communication style discovery through DISC personality insights
DISC Personality Assessment & Personalised Communication Report Included within the programme is a comprehensive DISC Personality Assessment and individualised Communication Style Report, offering valuable insight into your unique behavioural profile.
Introduction
Are you striving to make a lasting impact and interview with confidence? Do you wish to navigate any social or business scenario with poise and assurance? Perhaps you recognise the need to refine your networking skills or find yourself uneasy and at a loss for words during business meetings. Remember, you have only one chance to make a first impression, which is crucial. So presenting the absolute best version of yourself is not just important but essential. Your conduct significantly influences how others perceive and respond to you, from conversation techniques and email etiquette to body language and international business protocols. In today’s competitive global arena, ‘soft’ skills (which we describe as `hard skills’ or essential human skills), such as business etiquette and good manners, are beneficial and indispensable for career success and securing your dream job.
Demonstrating respect and courtesy towards customers, clients, and colleagues enhances productivity, profitability, and career advancement.
Investing in yourself with our course enhances your skills and gives you a competitive edge in establishing valuable and enduring relationships. Our bespoke, private social and business etiquette course, Confidence and Poise: The Path to Social Mastery, is a trusted and recognised programme that will set you on the path to success, equipping you with the essential etiquette skills to excel professionally and personally.
On completion, you will receive a CPD-accredited certificate from the CPD Standards Office UK and a certificate from The British School of Excellence. Additionally, you can acquire a certificate from ILM, which is part of the City & Guilds Group and the UK’s foremost provider of leadership coaching, management qualifications, and training.
We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to engage with you, understanding that your unique journey and aspirations are at the heart of our mission to unlock your potential and elevate your social and business interactions to new heights.
PHILIP SYKES
Founder and CEO, The British School of Excellence In 2013, Philip founded The British School of Etiquette, which has since evolved into The British School of Excellence as of June 2021. Under his visionary leadership, the school has expanded its influence internationally, forging partnerships in Bermuda, Brazil, The Bahamas, Pakistan, Poland, and Oman. The institution remains committed to its foundational pillars of etiquette, manners, emotional intelligence, and customer excellence.
Royalty, diplomats, presidential staff, and celebrities have sought Philip’s expertise worldwide. He frequently contributes to British andinternational media, providing insights into modern manners and behaviour. His appearances include BBC Radio, Channel Five Star TV, NBC, RTL German News, Dutch TV’s Trippers, and Mexican TV station Televisa. His work has also featured leading publications such as The Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Times, Mirror, The Wall Street Journal, The Mayfair Magazine, and Gentleman Magazine Mexico.
Social Etiquette
- Origins and evolution of etiquette
- Principles and importance of etiquette and manners
- Fundamentals of meeting and greeting
- Effective conversations
- Dealing with uncomfortable situations
- Meeting & Greeting
- Introductions
- Remembering names
- Recovery from uncomfortable situations and conversational gaffes
- Listening skills
- Savoir-faire, savoir vivre
- The Art of Small Talk
- Polished language skills
- Luxury Lexicon
- Telephone skills in the workplace
Business Etiquette
- Nonverbal communication, principles of body language
- Deportment, poise, and posture skills
- Essential tools of how to project a positive image
- Basic standard, business and casual attire rules for men and women
- Dress codes and the importance of clothing, accessories and grooming in creating a favourable first impression
- Business Networking skills
Business Communication
- Business communication: how to create a range of communication demonstrating the nuances of structure, form, language, and context for various audiences
- Written letters, emails, thank you notes, invitations, RSVPs, instant messaging
- Your digital presence, including social media
- Netiquette
- Appropriate language usage and structure to communicate with the right intent for both formal and informal contexts, e.g., reports and memoranda
- Verbal communication: conversations, interviews, calls
- Intrapersonal – conversations with ourselves
- Interpersonal – one-on-one conversation
- Small group – press conferences, board meetings, and team meeting
- Written communication: letters, memos, reports and professional communication
Fine Dining Etiquette
Elevate Your Dining Experience: Unleash the Power of Polished Poise
Our Fine Dining Experience is meticulously crafted to provide participants with the comprehensive skills and knowledge necessary to navigate formal and informal dining events gracefully and confidently. By enrolling in this course, you will learn to master the art of dining etiquette, ensuring a polished and poised presence at any table.
Fine Dining Topics Covered
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- Appropriate Etiquette for Formal/Informal Events: Learn the distinctions and proper behaviours for various dining scenarios.
- Conducting Oneself at the Table: Master the nuances of table manners and the art of dining etiquette.
- Dress Codes and Grooming: Discover the appropriate attire and grooming standards for different dining events.
- Gain insights into extending and responding to invitations and the importance of follow-up etiquette.
- Seating Plans & Precedence: Understand the protocols of seating arrangements and the concept of precedence.
- Toasts & Speeches: Learn the art of delivering and responding to toasts and speeches with confidence.
- How to Eat Different Foods: Develop skills to manage a variety of foods, including those that are problematic or unfamiliar.
- Protocol and Hierarchy at Dining Events: Enhance your understanding of dining protocols and hierarchical structures.
- Types of Menus: Familiarise yourself with the five most commonly used types of menus and how to navigate them effectively.
This refined introduction presents the course as a comprehensive and professional program designed to impart the highest standards of dining etiquette, appealing to those seeking to enhance their social poise and elegance.
Afternoon Tea Etiquette
An Elegant Ritual of Refinement, Tradition and Influence Our Afternoon Tea Etiquette Experience, is included as part of a two or three day coaching programme, offers discerning professionals the opportunity to immerse themselves in one of Britain’s most elegant and enduring social traditions. Tailored for high-net-worth individuals and senior executives, this refined experience goes far beyond the surface charm of tea and scones. It is a masterclass in cultural intelligence, polished presence, and elevated hospitality. In today’s global circles of influence, the ability to navigate both formal and informal settings with elegance is a mark of distinction. Afternoon tea presents an exceptional setting for discreet networking, gracious hosting, and strengthening relationships—all within a framework of tradition, etiquette, and impeccable taste.
Afternoon Tea Topics Covered
- Cultural Significance of Afternoon Tea: Understand the heritage, symbolism and evolution of this quintessentially British tradition and its modern-day relevance in elite circles.
- The Anatomy of Afternoon Tea: Decode the format, sequence, and structure of a traditional afternoon tea—from finger sandwiches to patisserie—ensuring you appreciate and participate with confidence.
- Executive Presence at the Tea Table: Refine your posture, gestures, and conversational etiquette to exude gravitas and polish in any social-professional setting.
- Tea Service Etiquette: Master the subtle art of pouring, stirring, and sipping tea with elegance—down to the correct way to hold a teacup or place a teaspoon.
- Strategic Hosting and Guest Protocol: Learn how to extend or accept invitations with grace, manage introductions, and act as a host or guest with impeccable courtesy.
- Attire and Aesthetic Excellence: Understand appropriate dress codes and presentation standards for exclusive venues and private afternoon tea events.
- Navigating Social Hierarchies with Finesse: Explore the nuances of precedence, seating arrangements and diplomatic sensitivity in a relaxed yet structured environment.
- Discreet Conversation and Influential Dialogue: Cultivate the art of refined, engaging conversation—balancing charm with intellect, and small talk with strategic rapport.
This experience is ideal for global leaders, luxury brand executives, diplomats, and accomplished individuals who appreciate the power of refinement. You will leave not only with a deeper understanding of afternoon tea but with enhanced confidence to engage in the most sophisticated of settings.
Accreditation
The British School of Excellence is the only organisation of its kind to be awarded internationally recognised accreditations by CPD, ILM (Part of City & Guilds), Investors in People and The Institute of Leadership & Management. We are also a fully accredited Provider of Training Excellence, further cementing our position as the leading school for etiquette, manners, life skillsa nd service training.
Meet The Team Become a Country Partner
Learn Etiquette from the Worlds #1 Etiquette Trainers
It’s never too late to acquire good social skills and master the etiquette rules that will help you sail through a job interview, formal dinner or international business meeting.
View Available Courses Recognition and Accreditation Our certified training courses help you fulfil your personal and professional potential, paving the way for you to reach the pinnacle of your career. ILM – A City & Guilds Business ILM is the UK’s leading provider of leadership, management and coaching qualifications. ILM has
over 50 years’ of experience in learning and development. As a City & Guilds Group business, ILM is part of a global leader in skills development.
Four of our training courses – have been endorsed and certified by the ILM.
ILM Recognised is the benchmark for high quality, bespoke leadership, management and coaching training.
Upon completion of one of these courses you will receive a separate ILM Recognised certificate from ILM/City & Guilds. All Students undertaking an ILM qualification will access 1 years free Institute of Leadership and Management membership at the point of registration.
Private Coaching with Dr Philip Sykes
In-Person:
£1995
Live, Online:
£1995
About this course
- One, Two or Three Day Privately Tailored Workshop
- 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Why choose the British School of Excellence?
- We are the only organisation in the industry to be accredited by CPD, ILM (part of the City & Guilds Group) and Investors in People.
- You will become part of a global network of 200+ etiquette consultants with access to our members-only alumni platform.
- You will get practical hands-on advice to make your business a success from day one.
- You will gain in-depth knowledge about all aspects of etiquette.
- We can offer flexible payment plans to enable you to spread the cost of the course over 3-6 monthly payments.
