Newsletter - The Standard Companion

"Ana Retallack conducted a 3-day professional etiquette training programme and is an exceptional person with a background in etiquette that few could dream of. Ana brings that background together with the highest levels of knowledge and practice in all areas of etiquette. She is a fantastic teacher and communicator, and a joy to be around. To top it all off Ana was kind enough to share her experience of the Australian market and assist with tips for my business and how to execute them. In my opinion and according to my research of courses of this type, Ana would be amongst the most accomplished etiquette practitioners, not only in Australia, but in the world."
Gerard H – New South Wales
"Thank you so much, Ana, for hosting us at one our your Mother & Daughter Afternoon Tea Etiquette Experiences - what an absolute treat it was! We went along expecting to learn about the etiquette of taking Afternoon Tea. In this, of course, we weren't disappointed. Yet, it was your effortless skill as a host and ability to infuse the afternoon with a wealth of historical knowledge (much of which is quite hilarious!) that elevated the occasion into a memory we definitely won't forget."
Moira Stupart – VIC
"As a first-year graduate student, networking with confidence and charm doesn't come very easily. Thankfully, I got much more clarity after Ana's workshop, with great visual demos and hands-on tips! I enjoyed finding out how to build more awareness before, during, and after a networking event. Thank you very much, Ana. I will definitely watch out for more learning opportunities with you!”
Yisu Wang, IT postgraduate at Monash University
I want to thank you personally, Ana, for conducting such a wonderful session with our team at Mutual Trust. I know they have greatly enjoyed the sessions and are keen to teach our team a thing or two about business etiquette!
Grace Jones, MUTUAL TRUST, Melbourne
Thank you so, so much for an absolutely wonderful and unique dinner party at my home on Friday night. The experience began with the discovery of a beautiful bouquet of flowers at my doorstep, and then a magical night ensued learning all about table manners and dining etiquette. Your wealth of knowledge, life experiences, and of course, the interesting stories that you shared with us about State Banquets and other Royal events at Buckingham Palace, made for a truly special and memorable evening which I shall never forget. Thank you again for sharing yourself with us!
Mrs W – Highton, Victoria
“The programme you arranged for my daughter was brilliant. She has gained confidence so early after the session which has further built more confidence. I know she would highly recommend you to the world. Your work and knowledge is invaluable and refreshing in today’s society”.
Mrs N – GEELONG
"Our ‘Poise and Finesse’ programme was an incredibly valuable time spent with an instructor that was kind, helpful and had a myriad of knowledge and life experience. We would definitely invite Ana to attend the College for the camps programme next year and we are also considering hiring her services in the lead up to the Presentation Ball, assisting the students with their dining etiquette."
Ann Hammond | Senior Secondary Teacher, Flinders Christian Community College, Tyabb
"Ana was a great presenter, very experienced, highly engaging and understands the needs of our students. She asked all the right questions in preparation for the workshop that she conducted at our College. The feedback from our students was overwhelmingly positive. Ana shared with us her insightful observations and provided these young adults great tips in how to behave and manage themselves in a wide range of social situations."
Vivian Chan | Careers and Alumni Coordinator
Trinity College | The University of Melbourne
"I have had the honour to attend two of Ana's workshops, when Trinity College kindly organised them. These experiences were amazing, informative and practical. I am amazed by the depth of Ana's knowledge on etiquette - the proper way to present humanity. She even kindly shared with us some personal tips when networking with people and is always so patient with my endless questions. I am looking forward to her next visit!"
Pauline Liu
Trinity College
"I truly enjoyed working with Ana. Her business and dining etiquette workshops were very informative and interactive. Through practicing Ana’s thorough advice, I am now more comfortable and confident in attending various social functions."
Sunny Huang
Trinity College
“Thank you, Ana, for two wonderful sessions with the Gr 11/12 and 5/6 students. The classes were both interactive and informative. The students were all so engaged – it's like they had been waiting for something like this to give them the confidence to step forward in social and public situations. The lessons you gave were invaluable”.
Huda Hayek – Head of Extra Curricular Activities, Al-Taqwa College, Melbourne
“The Year 11/12 presentation was extremely helpful. I was able to learn about the power of body language and how important it is to smile!! It was extremely interesting to learn simple things that could easily tick somebody without your knowledge - and how to avoid them. I'm extremely thankful that I was able to be a part of it”.
Student (Yr 11) – Al-Taqwa College, Melbourne
“Thank you so much for a valuable and enjoyable day. The girls could not stop speaking about the their Social Skills Course for Teens. You obviously have the ability to generate great credibility among teenagers, always a vital starting point”.
Mrs Blismas – Ocean Grove
"Thank you Ana for such a wonderful dinner party experience in our home. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening from start to finish. In particular, working personally alongside you throughout the whole planning process leading up to the event was so special. Your advice and assistance for all logistics including menu, table setting, wine matching, our attire and all the silverware - even down to the salt and pepper!
Your experience and knowledge was fascinating and we feel privileged to have spent the evening with you."
Stephanie B, Victoria
"An extremely relevant and professionally tailored business etiquette programme. The Standard Companion exceeded expectations and delivered support, guidance and etiquette principles I could use with immediate effect. I would recommend highly. Thank you, Ana"
Darren Stevenson, EXTEND, Melbourne

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I want to thank you personally, Ana, for conducting such a wonderful session with our team at Mutual Trust. I know they have greatly enjoyed the sessions and are keen to teach our team a thing or two about business etiquette!

“The programme you arranged for my daughter was brilliant. She has gained confidence so early after the session which has further built more confidence. I know she would highly recommend you to the world. Your work and knowledge is invaluable and refreshing in today’s society”.

"I truly enjoyed working with Ana. Her business and dining etiquette workshops were very informative and interactive. Through practicing Ana’s thorough advice, I am now more comfortable and confident in attending various social functions."

“Thank you so much for a valuable and enjoyable day. The girls could not stop speaking about the their Social Skills Course for Teens. You obviously have the ability to generate great credibility among teenagers, always a vital starting point”.

"An extremely relevant and professionally tailored business etiquette programme. The Standard Companion exceeded expectations and delivered support, guidance and etiquette principles I could use with immediate effect. I would recommend highly. Thank you, Ana"