Spotlight on Gabriella Kanyok

 

Meet our Contributor in the Spotlight for February 2025, Gabriella Kanyok

Meet Gabriella Kanyok,  a diplomatic protocol, etiquette and communication expert with more than 15 years' experience in working with EU institutes, NGOs, international organizations, and supporting professionals. She not only advises and trains government and EU officials, and businessmen in the field of diplomatic protocol and business etiquette, but she leads the communication department of an international organization. Gabriella holds a Master’s degree in International Studies, and a Master’s in Protocol, Diplomacy and Cross Cultural Relations. She speaks Hungarian, English, French, and Mandarin Chinese.

Below are links to Gabriella Kanyok’s articles on etiquette which you’ll find on Etiquipedia:

• Forest Visiting Etiquette
• Social Etiquette and Masked Messaging
• The United Nations’ White Chair
• Black Tie Etiquette
• The Etiquette of Smiles

The following is a Q. & A. with Gabriella:

What was the impetus for starting your Etiquette business or career involving Etiquette?
About 16 years ago, I recognized a significant gap in the availability of etiquette professionals, particularly in Europe and specifically in Hungary. While working at the European Parliament, I observed how customs varied from one country to another. I realized that if etiquette—both general and international business etiquette—were more widely taught throughout Europe, it could greatly benefit professionals in their daily interactions. Upon my return to Hungary, I served as a protocol officer at the Trade Office of the Embassy of the Republic of The Sudan in Budapest, where I was heavily involved in diplomatic protocol. This experience highlighted the growing need for business etiquette. While I initially focused on advising regarding diplomatic protocol, I took a significant step in 2017 by launching my business, Etiquette.hu, to share my knowledge and expertise in this essential field.

Apart from “White Tie Attire,” “Black Tie” is the most formal of all dress codes. It requires a sophisticated level of dressing. For women, the code typically calls for a floor-length dress or gown. While cocktail dresses can be an appropriate option for Black Tie (when the dress is stipulated as “Black Tie optional”), long dresses tend to be a more elevated choice.

What do you find the most enjoyable about what you do with regard to Etiquette in your work?
During my studies for a second master's degree in diplomatic protocol, I developed a passion for table manners and the art of setting a table beautifully for various meals and occasions. What began as a professional focus has now blossomed into a cherished hobby, allowing me to create diverse table settings and share them on my Instagram page and blog. A beautifully arranged table truly fills my heart with joy.

In addition to this, I find great satisfaction in sharing my knowledge through real-life examples, recounting stories of my own challenges and successes as I navigated my career. It’s rewarding to witness the transformations in others, especially when small adjustments in communication or behavior lead to significant outcomes, such as promotions or perfect dates. I firmly believe that manners are always in style, and etiquette offers personal security by protecting the feelings of others, clarifying communication, enhancing your status at work, and ensuring impactful first impressions.

I find great satisfaction in sharing my knowledge through real-life examples, recounting stories of my own challenges and successes as I navigated my career. It’s rewarding to witness the transformations in others, especially when small adjustments in communication or behavior lead to significant outcomes, such as promotions or perfect dates.

What do you find the most rewarding aspect of your career regarding Etiquette?
The most rewarding aspect of my career in etiquette is the opportunity to witness personal growth and transformation in my clients. I find immense joy in helping individuals improve their professional demeanor, refine their communication skills, and enhance their self-presentation. These changes can lead to significant achievements, such as promotions or meaningful relationships. Additionally, sharing my passion for etiquette through creating beautiful table settings allows me to inspire others to appreciate the finer aspects of social interactions, including the importance of proper dining etiquette and appropriate dress codes. Ultimately, knowing that I can positively impact people's lives by boosting their confidence and social acumen is incredibly fulfilling.

Proper etiquette not only aids in securing jobs and promotions but also fosters strong relationships within the workplace. 

What types of classes or training do you offer, if any? If you don’t offer classes or training, how do you share your expertise?
I offer a range of classes and training programs designed to enhance etiquette in various contexts. In the realm of Business Etiquette, I emphasize the importance of good manners as a vital component for success in today’s competitive environment. Proper etiquette not only aids in securing jobs and promotions but also fosters strong relationships within the workplace. 

For professionals navigating the complexities of international relations, I provide training in Diplomatic Protocol, which focuses on the etiquette essential for diplomacy and state affairs, outlining the correct conduct and procedures in this field. 

My Private Coaching sessions offer personalized, one-on-one training tailored to individual needs, ensuring that participants present themselves with a level of polish and professionalism that stands out. Additionally, my Corporate Training programs equip companies with the necessary tools to instill business and international etiquette in their teams, preparing them for global interactions. Lastly, I delve into the nuances of Table Manners, where mastering international dining etiquette is crucial—especially during job interviews and important meetings—ensuring every gesture reflects confidence and grace.

What age group do you enjoy working with most when it comes to etiquette? And why?
I particularly enjoy teaching adolescents and young adults, especially young professionals, about business etiquette. I feel a strong sense of purpose in guiding them as they embark on their career journeys. The teenage years are a pivotal time to shape daily habits and instill a foundation of good manners and etiquette. With young professionals, I find great satisfaction in witnessing their transformation and the positive outcomes that result from incorporating business etiquette into their everyday lives.

While there are general guidelines that govern etiquette, each of us brings a unique perspective shaped by our diverse career paths. This collective knowledge and experience enriches our understanding and helps us all grow in this ever-evolving field.

Who are some of the older etiquette authors or authorities you enjoy reading most?
I greatly admire the works of those established etiquette authors and authorities whose insights resonate with my own values in the field. Additionally, I find the resources available in Etiquipedia to be invaluable. I believe that learning from colleagues in the etiquette community is essential; while there are general guidelines that govern etiquette, each of us brings a unique perspective shaped by our diverse career paths. This collective knowledge and experience enriches our understanding and helps us all grow in this ever-evolving field.

If you would like to reach Gabriella, you can can contact her via her website https://www.etiquette.hu/en/ or find her on Instagram @kgetiquette

🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia