Outclassing the Competition: The Up & Comer's Guide to Social Survival

by Jan Darling

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312591276
• ISBN13: 9780312591274
• Release Date: January 1985
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 330 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Still the Best

Good manners never go out of date and neither will this book. And looking and feeling comfortable in new situations is a skill of ongoing value. For 20 years I have given this book to my kids and hundreds of their upwardly mobile friends because it is the single best guide to "high-class" behavior and etiquette ever published. If you know every thing in this book, it is still a good refresher. If you don't, it might well save your life! Remember, kids, the faster you are moving upward in this world, the more "pop quizzes" you will take on this material every day for the rest of your lives!

Dated, but still valuable!

I can't say I was fully suprised when my local library finally took this book from the shelf due to its age. What really suprised me was that I had to come here to actually buy it! Most etiquette books are usually the type to sit on a 'For Sale' rack until nearly eternity.'Outclassing the Competition' is a bit dated but the advice is invaluable to anyone who would seriously wish to advance themselves socially and be seen as having more manners than most of the general public. Even a slight usage of the techniques in this book would set a reader above a great number of the general public these days. Ranging from pronunciation of words and use of terms, to cooking and entertaining this book has nearly all of what most would want to find out and apply to the 'better' situation life has dealt them.My only wish would be for Ms. Darling to come up with an updated, revised version of this wonderful work. Simply because while 'class' never goes out-of-fashion, times do change.

Still Timely After nearly 20 Years!

I have been referring to this book for nearly 20 years ! As I have risen in the ranks of Corporate Events, I have leaned heavily on Jan Darling's knowledge to make both my client and me look good. Yes, some of the suggestions are a little dated ( Godiva chocolate is not the status purchase it once was) but knowing how to behave in unfamiliar situations, knowing what to say and displaying beautiful manners never, ever go out of style. And,no, I am not selling my copy for love nor money - would love for Ms. Darling to issue an updated edition, though!

Best Book on the Fine Art of Executive Social Skills

I can't believe this book is out of print. My copy of this edition has been circulated to several executives who lacked the time or training to perform skillfully in social events such as formal dinners and parties. This is the ideal book for the folks who had to spend their energy in university learning mathematics rather than learning how to survive in formal social settings.

Get Help Fitting in at Dinner Parties,,which fork..and more

Are you uncomforable in certain social settings because you were not taught certain skills others take for granted? Are you surrounded by people with money that seem to know thingss they take for granted that you do not? This book helps in so many areas, that I have given it as a gift to many friends in the past. It is simply a a book which is rich in details for social survival for those of us that grew up with tv dinners and one fork..and now...for whatever reason, find ourselves in uppercrust surroundings and feel out of place. The book is getting a bit dated, but I recommend it to anyone. Some items covered are: how to pronounce wine names..basic wine knowledge..how to conduct yourself at a very formal table setting...how to be waited on...what a wine steward is...pronouncing designer names correctly...like do you really know how to correctly pronounce Givanchy? It's in the book and much, much more....If you read this book, you can pick up small things like putting your silverware on your plate in an "x" to show that you are finished with your plate. It is endless with advice for all of us that were not raised with proper social knowledge and helps you in business settings,,gives advice on gifts, tipping, clothes. My only complaint is that the book is getting outdated. Tips in the book that were very clever, like giving a box of Godiva as a thoughtful gift with class..are showing their age. I wish the demand was there for the author to update her book, which I believe handled correctly, would have been a major best seller. The book is easy to read, and divided into major areas of concern. Even though it may be difficult to buy now,,,get it! You will have no regrets.