What is the Difference between Etiquette and

Protocol?
To know the difference is to recognize how the two meld together and support each other
like the term "art + science". Distinguishing them individually is key in comprehending
their differences.

Etiquette "The Art"

The rules and conventions governing correct or polite behavior in society in general, or in a
particular social or professional group or situation.

Protocol "The Science"

The official procedure governing affairs of state or diplomatic occasions. The established
code of procedure or behavior in any group or organization in a particular situation

Business Protocol & Etiquette will demonstrate the impact of positive or negative Business Protocol and Etiquette on a
company. Delegates will be able to identity and apply personality and communication styles, learn how to portray a
positive friendly image as well as how to interact in diverse contexts. Delegates will also learn how to generally hold
better conversations.

The purpose of introducing people is to give them an opportunity to know each

other. Beyond just stating names of the two parties, it is often the obligation of
the person making the introduction to establish an acquaintance and help the two
parties initiate a conversation.

The Art of Making Introductions: Four Steps

The basic protocol of introductions calls for introducing the ‘lesser-ranking’
(socially, professionally, by age or seniority) to the ‘higher-ranking’ person.
Here are four steps.

1. First, state the name of the person being introduced to. This is the ‘higher-
ranking’ person.
2. Second, say “I would like to introduce” or, “please meet” or, “this is,” etc.
3. Third, state the name of the person being introduced. This is the ‘lower-
ranking’ person.
4. Finally, offer some details of each other, as appropriate. As I wrote in a
previous blog article, add a snippet of information about a topic of common
 interest between the two parties. Do not elaborate. This will help them
connect and pursue a conversation.

When introducing people of equal seniority or status, you may introduce either
person to the other.

A Few Examples
 Introduce a younger person to an older person. “Grandma, please meet
Alicia and Carlos, my neighbors.”
 Introduce a relatively junior professional to a senior professional. “Ms.
Director, I would like to introduce Mr. Nakamura, the Chief Product
Architect for our software division.”
 Introduce an employee to a customer. “Mr. Sung, I would like to introduce
our plastics engineering team. This is Mark Smith, Jessica Ramos and
Liang Zhu. All three participated in last week’s teleconference regarding
product definition.”
 Introduce a host to a guest. “Elaine, I don’t think you have met my
daughter, Anna. Anna arranged for all the food at this festival party. Anna,
Elaine is my Project Manager.”
 Introduce a local guest to a from-another-town guest. “Charlie, this is
Debbie. Debbie is my colleague from work. Debbie, Charlie is visiting me
from New York. We shared an apartment when we were at Columbia
together.”
 Introduce a peer from your company to a peer from another organization.
“Melissa, I would like you to meet Steve, our Systems Engineer. Steve,
Melissa Hoffmann is from Marketing. She is our Account Manager for
Wal-Mart.”

Gender Distinction
Customarily, a number of people introduce a man to a woman out of respect,
regardless of the guidelines presented above.

When introducing a man and a woman at work, consider their positions and
seniorities alone. Outside of work, it may be more appropriate to introduce a man
to a woman, in contradiction to the above guidelines. Only be judicious and
sensitive.
Concluding Thoughts
Many people have difficulty introducing people to one another and helping
establish a conversation. With some practice and a sense of social and/or
professional ranking, you too can master the art of introductions

Protocol International delivers professional consultancy and training

programmes, in both Dutch and English on international protocol and
business etiquette for Royal Courts, Governments, International
organisations and Corporations.

After retiring as the Master of Ceremonies of Queen Beatrix of the

Netherlands the company was founded by Gilbert Monod de Froideville
who has over 40 years of experience in international protocol.

Services

Today protocol needs to respond to the modern rules of engagement and

to be aware that building relationships depends on recognising the
different cultures that we face throughout the world.

At Protocol International we can assist you by assessing and evaluating

your current understanding and requirements and offer you our direct
consulting services as well as offering training courses to help you and
your staff deal directly with issues of international protocol.

With our valuable experience and knowledge we can assist you with
ensuring that you and your staff have all the knowledge and tools to
present yourselves in the up most professional manner.
Consultancy
Protocol International offer professional bespoke consultancy to ensure the correct
protocols are followed and advise on expert solutions to ensure the smooth running of your
upcoming foreign visit, ceremony or event.

Read more...

Training Courses
We offer professional training sessions that ensure you develop your capabilities and skills
to equip you with the necessary tools to deal effectively and efficiently with all aspects of
international protocol. Read more...

Training

Courses

We offer bespoke training courses that can be created around your

business need or within your organisation.

Here are the various subjects we give training about.

01.

Introduction to protocol

The history of protocol

The difference between protocol and etiquette

The different meanings of protocol and its role in both the private and
public sector

Cultural awareness

Participants will gain a valid insight into the history of protocol and the importance
of showing respect for other cultures. Without specific knowledge of our own
cultures and others communication becomes increasingly difficult.

Organizations and businesses that do not address the differences of cultures

beforehand can create more harm than good resulting

in them not achieving the desired outcomes.

02.

Order of Precedence and the Applications of Protocol

What is an order of precedence? How is the order of precedence set

within an international organisation?

Applications of protocol

An introduction to seating arrangements at a lunch/dinner or ceremony

Greeting procedures, processions, receptions and cortèges

Participants will learn to define the order of precedence, its usage and importance
as a protocol tool as well as how to determine precedence of individuals, Heads of
State, Diplomatic Missions, Delegation Visitors, country flags and how to apply this
to seating strategies.

•
•

03.

Types of Visits and their components,

Gift Exchange and Exchange of Decorations

Organization of Official visits

Exchange of gifts

Exchange of decorations

The participants will learn the differences of International Visits including state,
official, working and private visits. They will learn to identify key elements to
consider when selecting an appropriate gift and understand how culture affects the
gift selection.

They will learn more about the Exchange of Decorations regarding international
rules, different grades of decorations, how medals should be worn and the
international policy on Gift exchanges.

04.

Etiquette

•
•

Invitations

Guest lists

Presentation of guests

Reception and Dinner

Management of Hospitality.

Participants will learn the appropriate way to prepare and to send out invitations,
to create a guest list, to apply the rules of dining etiquette, the correct way to handle
the flow of guests and the Management of Hospitality. Furthermore they will learn
the factors involved for creating effective seating arrangements for dinners and
identifying considerations to make with international guests as well as guests with
special needs. This part includes activities on seating and the flow of guests.

05.

Flags, Anthems and Logos

•
•

History of flags

The meaning of colours and different designs

The appropriate way to display country flags

Laws, customs and observances as well as how to show the correct

respect during national anthems and determine flag and logo precedence.

Flags and the order of precedence in International organisations

Participants will learn the appropriate way to display country flags, laws, customer
and observances, how to show proper respect during national anthems and
determine flag and logo precedence. In addition they will learn the order of
precedence in International Organizations in the Middle East en Europe and USA.

06.

Dress Codes Western Styles

Corporate and Government dress codes

Dress codes by appointment of invitation

Participants will learn the different rules of etiquette with regards to clothing
depending on the circumstance and occasion. Different societies and cultures will
have different dress norms although Western styles are commonly accepted as valid.

07.

Ceremonies, Traditions and Rituals

•

Participants will learn the history of ceremonies.

Understand the common practices and key

elements of ceremonies.

Participants will learn that a ceremony is a celebration for a visitor, community,

business or organization, which marks an event with tradition and commonality
creating a memory of a lifetime.

Further information will be provided on the meaning of State Visits, its components,
and common practices in the organization of these visits abroad and as the hosting
country.

The definitions of concepts in the world of Media,

Who are the media, what role-play media in Daily Life,

the importance of Media Coverage

Crisis Communications

Media Pools
Press Conferences

Participants will learn the definitions of various concepts in the world of media such
as - who are the media, what role media play in daily life, the importance of media
coverage, crisis communications, press conferences, media pools, security and the
media.

09.

Relationship Management

Strategic networking

Participants will learn the Strategy for building, deepening and strengthening long-
term relationships, the importance of a data base for your relations, social and
strategic networking at corporate events and at a Royal Court.

08.

Media

Consultancy

By assessment, recommendation and implementation we can improve the

quality and performance of your organisation on the following
procedures:

•
•

Standard procedures for outgoing foreign visits (state visits, official

visits, working visits and private visits).

Standard procedures for incoming foreign visits (state visits, official

visits, working visits and private visits).

Standard procedures for the preparation of foreign visits and the role of
advance teams.

Standard procedures for visits of members of the Royal Family inside the
country.

Standard procedures for ceremonies; presentation of credentials,

welcoming and departing military ceremonies, signing ceremonies,
wreath-laying ceremony, presentation of medals such as Palace Events,
Gift Exchange, State Decoration exchange, Medals and Banquets.

Partnerships

Protocolbureau and the Institute of Protocol The Hague

The Protocolbureau plans and develops relationship events and official
events for companies and governmental organisations. Our protocol
officers provide assistance at these events as hosts, ushers, liaison
officers, masters of ceremonies, coordinators or organizers.

The Protocolbureau has been set up in 1995 by by students of the The

Hague Hotel Management School. Their motive was the need to gain
experience in hospitality up to the highest level by organizing lectures
and working as hosts at (business) meetings. The first lecture was
delivered by the former Master of Ceremonies of Her Majesty the Queen,
and the first assignment was to present the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four
Freedoms Awards.

The Protocol Institute The Hague delivers training courses for students
and course participants of government agencies, international
organizations and corporates to become professionals in modern protocol
and relationship management.

Protocol School of Washington

The Protocol School of Washington celebrating 25 years as the global
leader in business etiquette, image and international protocol training,
The Protocol School of Washington is recognized worldwide as the most
trusted name in the industry. The School has trained more than 3,500
men and women from 60 countries.

The Protocol School of Washington is accredited by the Accrediting

Council for Continuing Education & Training (www.ACCET.org) as the
first and only nationally accredited school of its kind. ACCET is
officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. As an
accredited institution we continue to review, monitor, and revise our
curriculum, instructional delivery, and facilitators in order to ensure the
highest quality education and training.

European Investment Council, The Hague

The European Investment Counsel (EIC) is a non-profit organization.
The EIC provides its members and the business community with a
comprehensive range of tailor-made matchmaking opportunities. It
promotes economic, commercial and scientific contacts between
governmental and non-governmental organizations and companies.

With its offices in The Hague and China and its contacts in Brussels the
EIC is in a unique position to arrange contacts between interested parties
resulting in mutually beneficial match making. It assists companies in the
investment process, in finding potential partners, in organising business
promotion, seminars, meetings with senior government officials, and
their participation in investment missions and trade fairs.

Diplomatic Council
The Diplomatic Council (DC) is a United Nations (UN) registered global
Think Tank with the objective to serve as a bridge between diplomacy,
economy and society. A thriving economy bringing prosperity to
mankind is one of the best guarantor for peace. As members the
Diplomatic Council welcomes not solely members of the diplomatic or
consular corps but also personalities from industry, politics, society,
culture and sports. The DC network encompasses more than 5000
personalities worldwide. The main aim of the Diplomatic Council is to
contribute the combined power of diplomacy and business for peace
everywhere on earth. Worldwide cooperation is the only instrument
which may help in solving international problems on any level:
economical, social, cultural or humanitarian.

Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs

The Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA),
based in Kathmandu, Nepal, is a premier research, consultation and
study-based organization, in the field of diplomacy, as well as
international affairs. AIDIA aims at contributing to a qualitative
understanding and expression of Nepal’s foreign policy, through
research, meetings, publications, workshops and seminars. AIDIA also
aims at engaging academic scholars, experts, diplomats, political leaders
and the youth, through debates and discussion, with a view to promoting
a fuller appreciation of what constitutes Nepal’s national interest, in the
immediate region and globally.

So what is a Protocol, and what is Etiquette?

Protocol is defined as:

 A code of correct conduct
 The system of rules and acceptable behaviour used at official ceremonies
and occasions:

Etiquette is defined as:

 conventional requirements as to social behaviour.
 the set of rules or customs which control accepted behaviour in particular
social groups or social situations

From these definitions it is obvious that protocols are more widely recognised as being
official behaviour, whereas etiquette is predominantly social behaviour, but the basic
element is the same, they are about correct behaviour in certain situations.

The D/s lifestyle has various situations which can involve different levels of protocol, for
example an informal night at home might be low protocol, having D/s guests for dinner
maybe medium protocol, but a formal D/s dinner would be high protocol.

Low protocol is easy going and usual in most informal situations or casual stay at home
nights. It is also what many D/s couples use if they are in “vanilla situations” such as
family get togethers, where not everyone is aware of the lifestyle. Only to the practiced eye,
is the subtle D/s interaction noticeable, but there is no doubt in the submissive’s mind that it
is there.
Medium protocol is basically just a step up from low protocol. It is still fairly easy going,
but there is a bit of an edge to things, and the submissive is a little more aware of his/her
behaviour. It may involve things such as wearing a collar at the table for the evening, being
mindful and respectful to whomever is around you, but being able to speak fairly freely, as
long as you are respectful.

If a submissive or slave is “put on” high protocol, she/he is instructed to behave in a certain
manner befitting a high protocol situation - she/he would have certain rules to follow. High
protocol usually means all focus is on the Dominant, and no communication with anyone
else, unless directed, is allowed. The submissive would keep eyes lowered and be quiet at
all times, and remain in whatever position or place she/ he has been instructed to stay in.
Being in high protocol is a very good way of remaining focussed, and also a good way of
lessening stressful situations. As a submissive, on high protocol you do not think of
anything except your Dominant.

A personal example for me, was to be placed on high protocol for almost a whole day, i
wore a chain attached to my collar and was at Master’s side constantly, doing things for
Him and being in His presence. The reason was that it was the anniversary of my mother’s
death, and i needed to focus on something else rather than my sad thoughts.
At the end of the day i was much more calm and relaxed and able to think of her without
the devastating sadness that had overcome me that morning.
Master had recognised that i would need something to get me through that day, and high
protocol was the answer.

Protocols are also in place at such things as formal collarings, or training workshops, where
certain codes of conduct are expected, and should be adhered to by everyone.

Etiquette is like a set of protocols or rules for social situations. Many Dominants like the
formal side of D/s so they tend to teach their submissives to use correct etiquette, and to
learn what is appropriate and when.

My Master requires different styles of greetings for me to use depending on which

Dominant we may encounter.
For example, for most Dominants we meet up with, i would be likely to greet them in a
fairly informal way, with a hug and a kiss on the cheek…. However there are one or two for
which Master requires a formal greeting from me, that is - down on my knees with my
forehead to the ground.
At home, there are rules for how we greet our guests and who comes first.
When out, there are rules for where we walk in relation to Master, and where we stand, this
is all etiquette – correct behaviour in certain situations.

But to add to this discussion, is it only the submissives who are subject to protocols and
etiquette rules, or should Dominants also follow those guidelines?
For example as a submissive i know that i must always be polite and respectful and greet
any Dominant we meet up with, in the correct manner.
My behaviour is a reflection on my Master, and i am always conscious of that fact.
But what about Dominants who simply don’t respond, or who ignore submissives…. Is that
really the right thing to do?
What about a Dominant who greets another Dominant, then goes around the group of
people saying hello to each person, but yet ignores the collared submissive of the Dominant
he first greeted.
My opinion of this behaviour is that it is almost an insult to the Dominant who owns the
submissive, is she simply not liked or is she ignored because she is only a submissive?