Send us a text As the year draws to a close, so too comes the season of office parties, client events, and festive gatherings, occasions that test our networking skills as much as our social confidence. In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, etiquette and lifestyle coach Louise Percy shares elegant, practical strategies for making genuine connections during the end-of-year party season. From starting conversations with confidence, remembering names, and joining groups gracefully...
Send us a text From managing late friends to mastering graceful exits, this episode of Manners and Other Matters explores the everyday moments that test our social finesse. Join etiquette and elegant lifestyle consultant Louise Percy as she answers real questions from listeners in 90 countries, women and men seeking calm, confident guidance through modern social dilemmas. Whether it’s how to decline an invitation politely, handle a phone-addicted friend, or graciously accept a compliment, Lou...
Send us a text In this vibrant episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise Percy welcomes renowned stylist Belinda Sutherland from the Department of Style to discuss the art of dressing gracefully through the changing seasons. As spring blossoms in Australia, Louise and Belinda discuss the essentials of self-auditing your wardrobe, exploring the balance between elegance and current trends. Discover how to embrace your personal style, understand your body shape, and choose colours that enhanc...
Send us a text In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise Percy invites you into her personal ritual of a yearly “self-audit”, a practice of thoughtful reflection, renewal, and refinement. From her sunlit garden in Perth to the carefully curated wardrobes and welcoming homes she nurtures, Louise shares how intentional choices in clothing, surroundings, friendships, and daily habits shape a more elegant and fulfilling life. More than a seasonal tidy-up, this practice is about cultiva...
Send us a text In this heart-warming episode, Louise is joined by friend, Laura McRae, to discuss how everyday manners shape confident, curious children. Fresh from a family trip abroad, Laura shares the simple practices that helped her daughters (ages 7 and 10) move from “shy at the table” to ordering for themselves, conversing with adults, and even reminding Mum where the napkin belongs. Beyond knives and forks, Louise shows why conversation, courtesy, and cultural awareness are confidence ...
Send us a text Milestones invite reflection. As I recorded the 50th episode of Manners and Other Matters, I found myself pausing to consider not only the journey so far, but the deeper question that continues to come from listeners and clients alike: do manners still matter in today’s unconventional and fast-changing world? It’s a fair question. After all, we live in an era where artificial intelligence can mimic human conversation, misinformation spreads faster than truth, and traditional s...
Send us a text This episode of Manners and Other Matters is a heartfelt celebration of one of life’s greatest treasures — enduring friendship. I’m joined by my best friend, Christine Simmonds, as we reflect on over 25 years of shared adventures, business ventures, and unwavering support through life’s highs and lows. From the joy of chance encounters to the wisdom of listening before speaking, we explore what it takes to keep a friendship strong across decades, cultures, and continent...
Send us a text In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise Percy explores the fascinating differences in communication and etiquette across the generations and addresses the evolving standards around workplace professionalism, RSVPs, punctuality, social courtesies, and what constitutes politeness in the modern era. Whether it’s a blunt email or a missed invitation reply, understanding these shifting norms is key to bridging the etiquette divide. Louise welcomes her school friend and...
Send us a text In this elegant and thought-provoking episode, Louise Percy unpacks the modern tension between true personal elegance and the stylised, curated version of “elegance” popularised by social media. Drawing on her decades of experience, Louise explores what elegance really means from presence, poise and deportment to emotional regulation, dignity, and intention. Whether you’re seeking a more refined presence or questioning the allure of online aesthetics, this episode offers clarit...
Send us a text In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise Percy is joined by the inspiring Natalie Love, a single mother of three and founder of a heart-led business designed to support women in creating lives they truly love. Together, they explore what it means to transition gracefully—from overwhelm to empowerment—and how resilience, rituals, and refined systems can transform daily chaos into confident, elegant action. With candid reflections, practical insights, and a heartfelt ...
Send us a text In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise Percy explores the evolving—and often perplexing—landscape of social etiquette for people aged from their 20s. From the nuances of texting and dating app interactions to more complex issues like ghosting, sexting, and catfishing, I take a considered and compassionate look at how good manners can still shine through in the fast-paced, often impersonal world of modern communication. With her signature elegance and warmth...
Send us a text In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise Percy is joined by business communication coach and meeting specialist, David Julian Price, to explore how professional etiquette is deeply intertwined with the way we communicate—whether in meetings or informal moments at work. Together, they discuss the vital role that tone, timing, structure, and courtesy play in establishing a respectful and high-functioning business culture. SHOW NOTES: I'd love to hear from you...
Send us a text In this thought-provoking episode of Manners and Other Matters, host Louise Percy discusses the evolving landscape of corporate etiquette, a topic that has gained new relevance in the wake of recent global changes. As workplaces adapt to remote work and digital communication, the traditional rules of professional conduct are being redefined. Louise offers invaluable insights and practical advice on maintaining professionalism while fostering respectful interactions in today's c...
Send us a text In this enriching episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise Percy is joined by the remarkable Dr. Fernanda de Silva Tatley—a molecular microbiologist, artist, and founder of a pioneering botanical skincare company based in New Zealand. Together, they explore the deeper meaning of elegance, the emotional and energetic power of skincare, and how self-care can become an intentional act of wellbeing and gratitude. This conversation invites listeners to reframe skincare not as a...
Send us a text Discover the life-changing potential of modern etiquette in today’s episode of Manners and Other Matters. Host Louise Percy offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into her acclaimed one-day Modern Etiquette and Manners Course, designed for individuals of all backgrounds seeking greater confidence, poise, and elegant living. Whether you are stepping into new social circles, re-entering the professional world, or simply refining your personal presence, this course promises...
Send us a text In this insightful episode Louise Percy delves into the often-overlooked world of in-flight etiquette, inspired by her recent journey from Perth to Sydney on Qantas. Drawing from her observations, she highlights the importance of kindness and cooperation among passengers, while also addressing the less desirable behaviours that can arise in the confined space of an aircraft. Louise shares heartwarming anecdotes of fellow travellers assisting one another, as well as candid disc...
Send us a text In this captivating episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise Percy welcomes renowned entertaining expert, author, and event designer Joseph Marini. Together, they explore the essence of gracious hospitality, the beauty of intimate gatherings, and how authentic entertaining fosters deep connections. From the charm of French-style hosting to the importance of thoughtful details, Joseph shares invaluable insights from his book Mastering the Art of Entertaining. Whether you’re ...
Send us a text Since the pandemic, have you noticed that in-person conversations feel… different? Awkward pauses, small talk struggles, and even a fear of making a simple phone call have become common concerns. In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, I explore how digital communication has reshaped our social confidence and share practical strategies to help you regain ease in face-to-face and phone conversations. From mastering active listening to navigating networking events with pois...
Send us a text In this engaging episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise Percy tackles a variety of social etiquette dilemmas submitted by listeners. From addressing interruptions in conversation to navigating the complexities of reciprocation when hosting, Louise offers insightful advice that blends kindness with practicality. She shares personal anecdotes, including her recent observations from New Zealand, and discusses effective ways to handle mispronounced names and awkward questio...
Send us a text Elegance is more than appearances—it's a way of life. In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise Percy explores what it truly means to live with elegance. From cultivating inner grace and composure to refining social etiquette, deportment, and conversation skills, Louise shares timeless insights that help you embody elegance in a way that feels natural and authentic. She also discusses the importance of lifelong learning, cultural appreciation, and how small, intentio...