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The Modern Butlers’ Journal, December 2020, My Butler Julius

Julius SmithMy Butler Julius

by Julius Smith

GREETINGS IN A COVID WORLD

In today’s socially distanced world, the shaking of hands has now become taboo and temporary made redundant. To find an elegant alternative to make a greeting, I believe we should follow HRH The Prince of Wales and do what is called a “namaste,” a popular custom in India and Asia.  To perform this welcome, place your hands together fingers upwards and thumbs resting close to the middle of your chest. This is ideal for butlers, as the gesture includes a slight bow of the head, something we as butlers are well used to executing.

Hand gestures can also make up for the lack of facial expressions when wearing a mask; one of my favourites is when a person compliments you, you can place your right hand over your heart to show appreciation and also, in our world, signal “It is my pleasure.” This is a warmer response than simply nodding when no smile is visible to communicate the correct emotional response.

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.”