Archive for category: Elegant Living

I am still reading Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic by Jennifer L. Scott. Her books are always wonderful reads! The section that I want to share today is Ways to Practice Good Diction.

Jennifer gives 11 ways to clean up your language and to speak with clarity and intelligence. I have been on a quest to become an elegant bearing woman and in today’s society, it is NOT easy.

Rude people are everywhere and always want to challenge “your elegance”. But we must remain strong and continue on the right path.

Here are her tips:

1) Become an avid reader


2) Read classic literature


3) Learn a new word each day and use it in your speech


4) Listen to yourself when you speak


5) Eliminate vulgarities


6) Avoid excessive use of “like” and “um”


7) Avoid slang in most social situations but sill remain au courant with the culture


8) Pause (and think!) before you speak


9) Become okay with silence


10) Listen to audiobooks and be inspired by the eloquent readers


11) If you’re feeling nervous in a social setting, choose silence over mindless babbling 


I love these tips and would encourage everyone to include them in your thinking. It’s a rude world out there let’s try to overcome it!

I have just been a reading queen recently. I am still reading the third installment of Jennifer L. Scott’s book Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic. I am in the chapter about posture.

We have all heard about the benefits of good posture but sitting up straight can be annoying sometimes. I must admit there are days where I just don’t feel like it! But then I remember who I am and what life I am trying to live.

Jennifer talks about making a commitment and becoming aware of your posture. After sitting at the computer for awhile she suggests standing up and rolling your arms backward to reverse the effect. Make an effort to sit up straight while you work. Bring this awareness to everything you do.

Jennifer also mentioned that she got to ask principal dancer Allyssa Bross about a ballerina’s secret to great posture. Here is what was said:

Many times ballet dancers are known for their great posture, and automatically people assume it is because they stand with their shoulders back and spine straight, but posture is more than the way one stands. Posture is the way one carries oneself in any social setting. It starts from within and then moves outward.


Controlling one’s body and posture starts with the mind. Thoughts affect our actions, body, and the way we take care of it. Here are five helpful tips to keep good posture:

1. Loving yourself
2. Confidence
3. Exercise (when you have strong, nimble muscles, posture is easier to maintain.)
4. Chin up and neck long
5. Eye contact

I hope you enjoyed these tips from Jennifer and purchase her latest book Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic.