At first glance, afternoon tea might seem like an unusual pairing for a motivational talk. Yet, it offers a profound metaphor for many of the challenges and opportunities women face. Think about it:
The Ritual:
Afternoon tea is a ritual that demands a pause, a moment of mindfulness in a chaotic world. How often do we, as women, truly allow ourselves this pause? Our lives are typically a juggling act and we often measure ourselves against the part we are NOT finding much time for…rather than seeing the bigger picture. Jane encourages us to carve out these moments of intentional reflection and self-care. Stop for some quality time and enjoy an afternoon tea treat because you definitely deserve the treats and the restorative quality that the occasion brings!
The Etiquette:
Beyond simply knowing whether it’s a napkin or a serviette, etiquette is about consideration and respect – for oneself and for others. It’s about projecting grace and presence. Jane expertly guides her audience through these nuances, not as rules to fail by… but as tools for empowerment and social ease. It’s also fascinating to know why we should most definitely not hold our pinky finger out when sipping tea…the ‘posh’ way to stir…and just how to open a scone or scon (and it may not be the way you think!). Understanding etiquette can boost your confidence in any social or professional setting, allowing your true self to shine without hesitation.
The Presentation:
The beauty and artistry of afternoon tea, from the tiered cake stand to the delicate pastries, remind us of the importance of presentation and attention to detail in all aspects of life. Of course, the sandwiches and cakes are, at one level, rather delicious carbohydrates. However, afternoon tea is presented in such a way that it’s about valuing the quality, the attention to detail – and finding joy in the aesthetic. It becomes about savouring the moment and the morsel. These delicacies are treats rather than fuel and we can all do with reminders to fully enjoy life and bring our best selves to every occasion, complete with attention
to detail!
The Company:
The simple rituals involved in sharing tea with others are a masterclass in the all-important soft skills of life. No-one person eats ALL the sandwiches or cakes on offer…we all pass and share – and indeed, notice who hasn’t eaten their strawberry tart (‘ah, I think that’s yours’!). We don’t partake of the afternoon tea experience every day and so it beomes special, well deserved and charming. We rise to the occasion in interacting beautifully with others, building rapport and relationships. Importantly, we bring our best selves to the event, pausing the hectic noise of daily life and for a while, living in the moment. And breathe!
Jane is an NLP master practitioner/coach and businesswoman running The English Cream Tea Company. She has given a TedX talk called How Afternoon Tea Could Save The World (‘of course it could’ she says!)….and also written a best selling book: Scone or Scon(e) – the essential guide to British Afternoon Tea with a foreword written by her friend William Hanson.
To discuss the details of your speaking engagement with Jane, reach out on jane@janemalyon.co.uk.
