Posted on November 6th, 2025

By Donna Paige Riley, Master-Level Etiquette and Leadership Trainer and Coach

When I first began my journey, I was that shy girl in the back of the room, unsure of my place. I never imagined I would one day be standing at the front, training leaders, executives, and students to carry themselves with confidence and grace.

What I discovered along the way is that etiquette isn’t about perfection or rigid rules. It’s about presence. It’s about showing respect to others while honoring yourself.

As a leadership and etiquette coach, I’ve seen again and again that the smallest habits make the biggest difference:

✅ Listening with full attention, because people know when they’re truly heard.
✅ Walking into a room with posture and grace — before you even speak, your body introduces you.
✅ Choosing words that uplift, not diminish, because leaders set the tone.

These are not just manners. They are leadership tools. Leaders who embody confidence, character, and class inspire trust, invite collaboration, and leave lasting impressions.

💡 Here are two quick things you can try this week:

• Before your next meeting, pause for a moment. Take a breath, center yourself, and enter with calm assurance. Watch how the atmosphere shifts.
• At the end of the meeting, thank one person by name for their contribution. You’ll be surprised how powerful that simple courtesy can be.

✨ Remember: confidence isn’t about being the loudest in the room. It’s about walking in with a quiet assurance that says, “I belong here.”

👉 What’s one action you take to show confidence in your daily interactions?