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What is The Protocol School of Washington?

The Protocol School of Washington is the only nationally accredited educational institution providing international protocol, cross-cultural awareness, business etiquette and image training that prepares professionals with the critical behaviors necessary to build lasting business relationships.

The Protocol School of Washington brings two distinct entities, etiquette and protocol, together under a new definition: Etiquette and Protocol Intelligence, which is the ability to think, learn, and apply etiquette and protocol skills, especially when this ability is highly developed.

What is the Difference between Etiquette and Protocol?

To know the difference is to recognize how the two meld together and support each other like the term "art + science". Distinguishing them individually is key in comprehending their differences.

Etiquette "The Art"

The rules and conventions governing correct or polite behavior in society in general, or in a particular social or professional group or situation.

Protocol "The Science"

The official procedure governing affairs of state or diplomatic occasions. The established code of procedure or behavior in any group or organization in a particular situation.

PSOW HighlightsPSOW Highlights

  • PSOW conducts training program for Kurdistan Regional Governement

    The program covered international protocol functions, such as precedence, seating strategies, flags, and dining etiquette. "This training represents [their] commitment to professionalism and their vision for the future of the Kurdistan Region,” said Ms. Pamela Eyring.

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  • Save the date!

    PSOW's 2014 Educational Forum will be held at The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City in Arlington, Virginia...conveniently located near downtown D.C. and plenty of nearby attractions. More information coming soon!

  • We Are the Experts Who Train the Experts®

    Celebrating more than two decades as the global leader in protocol and etiquette training and certification, the School is proud to have trained more than 3,500 men and women in 60 countries. We serve as trusted counsel to governments and industries worldwide.

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  • PSOW Reopens a D.C. Area Office

    Returning to its roots, The Protocol School of Washington is reopening an office in McLean, a block from where founder Dorothea Johnson established the business in 1988.

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  • PSOW is GSA Approved!

    We are proud to announce that we have obtained approval from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) under contract GS-10F-0357Y to provide our protocol and etiquette training services and products to the federal government.

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Reviews

“You have put together an incredible line-up of trainers. At one point [during Protocol Officer Training – Level 1], I was struck by the notion that all of the most signficant historical events of this century (ceremony) were orchestrated by the people in that conference room.”

- Michael R. Cooley
Chick-fil-A, Georgia

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PSOW Blog

"The world was my oyster, but I used the wrong fork." -Oscar Wilde

PSOW Staff - Thursday, October 31, 2013

When most of us think about how we're perceived professionally, we conjure up images of ourselves giving boardroom presentations or skillfully negotiating contracts with clients. Yet one of the strongest indicators of being truly professional is how you conduct yourself at the dining table.

Your behavior gives potential clients, employers, and partners a sense of how you will handle their business and the relationship. While there are many fine points to dining, the following are a few simple pointers that will establish you as a professional at the dining table and beyond:

KEEP THE TABLE CLEAR. Never place cell phones, keys, purses, hats, gloves, eyeglasses, folders, or anything that is not part of the meal on the table. If items must be in reach, tuck them in a pocket or neatly beneath or behind your chair.  Read more



"The world was my oyster, but I used the wrong fork." -Oscar Wilde
POSTED BY: PSOW Staff
10.31.2013

Business Dining Etiquette Quiz

Guest Blogger - Tuesday, September 17, 2013
We love this business etiquette quiz from guest blogger Stacye Wagner! Test your knowledge below...

Questions: 

1. When inviting a client to a business meal, you should ask he/she where they would like to go. T / F
2. In a typical place setting, the beverage is on the left and the bread plate is on the right. T / F 

3. A seafood or oyster fork is placed to the left of the place setting. T / F 

4. A guest should begin eating when her food is served. T / F 

5. It is okay to rest your smartphone on the table as long as it is on silent mode. T / F 

6. "Corked" wine means that the cork is stuck in the wine bottle. T / F 

7. If you are honored with a toast, you should raise your glass and sip your drink at the conclusion of the toast. T / F 

8. You must order an alcoholic beverage if your host is drinking alcohol. T / F 

9. You may use your napkin to blow your nose if you don’t have a tissue handy. T / F 

10. It is appropriate for a dinner guest to offer to pay for the meal’s tip. T / F

Answers: 

1. False. The host should choose the location.

 2. False. The bread plate is on the left and beverages are on the right. 

3. False. A seafood or oyster fork is always on the right.

4. False. The guest should typically wait for the host to begin eating before beginning her meal.

5. False. You should never rest your smartphone on the table during a business meal.

6. False. "Corked" means the wine is spoiled.

7. False. You may take a sip after the others have taken a sip in your honor. (Please note that this rule is often broken at casual gatherings.)

8. False. Drinking alcohol is always optional. Also, it is better not to drink during a business meal in order to stay sharp.

9. False. Never use your napkin to blow your nose and never blow your nose at the table.

10. False. A guest should never offer to pay the tip when invited to a business meal.



Stayce Wagner is a graduate of The Protocol School of Washington and the CEOand Founder of Spencer Crane Etiquette, LLC, located in Los Angeles, California and Atlanta, Georgia. Stayce specializes in showing busy professionals how to successfully navigate corporate settings with the use of modern and relevant business etiquette. For more information, email Stayce at swagner@spencercrane.com.
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Business Dining Etiquette Quiz
POSTED BY: Guest Blogger
9.17.2013