Elaine Swann

Lifestyle and Etiquette Coach

Elaine Swann is a lifestyle and etiquette coach based in Carlsbad, CA. With over 22 years of experience, Elaine is the founder of The Swann School of Protocol, an etiquette training institute offering courses and classes for children, teens, college students, and adults. In 2017, she launched a certification program to train individuals in the areas of etiquette and operate their own etiquette consulting businesses, and a licensing program that allows people to operate as The Swann School of Protocol in their city. Elaine has written multiple books on etiquette, Girls Have Style (2005), Let Crazy Be Crazy (2014), and most recently, Elaine Swann’s Book of Modern Etiquette (2025). She has been referred to as the Emily Post of the Digital Age by the New York Times, and shares her advice on The Today Show, Access Hollywood, CNN, The Sherri Show, The Jennifer Hudson Show, and more.

Professional Achievements

Recognized as one of America’s leading etiquette experts
Featured on NBC’s TODAY Show, CNN, and Access Hollywood, among other national outlets
Published in major outlets including The New York Times, Essence, Good Housekeeping, Real Simple, and USA Today
Founder and CEO of The Swann School of Protocol, with locations across the U.S.
Author of Elaine Swann’s Book of Modern Etiquette
Known as “The Emily Post of the Digital Age,” has spent more than 20 years teaching modern manners that help people thrive in business, social, and digital spaces

Certifications & Organizations

Holds multiple certifications in etiquette, image, and communications, including Etiquette and Protocol Training from the International Association of Professions Career College and Mediator Certification through The Hariston Group under the California Dispute Resolutions Act
Has trained and licensed hundreds of etiquette professionals nationwide and continues to mentor individuals who teach etiquette in their own communities

Favorite Piece of Advice

Elaine’s favorite piece of advice is, “Polite doesn’t equal pushover.” She believes etiquette is about confidence, kindness, and clarity, not perfection. She also believes that good manners empower people to express themselves with grace and strength in every situation.

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Co-authored Articles (14)

50+ Social Etiquette Norms for All Occasions

Incorporate these small polite gestures into your everyday lifeDon’t you wish there was a rulebook for how to properly behave around other people? While they aren’t set in stone, there are tons of social etiquette ru...

How to Become a Perfect Gentleman: 20+ Tips & Tricks

Become a true gentleman with proper courtesy and etiquetteA true gentleman is respectful to everyone in his orbit, from women he'd like to date to elderly people who need help with their groceries. He takes impeccable ca...

How to Have Good Manners & Be Polite in Any Situation

Top etiquette rules everyone should know to succeed in lifeGood manners are an important thing to have since it shows that you’re courteous to other people. Having good social etiquette can help you develop better rela...

90+ Professional Happy Birthday Messages for CEOs and Other Bosses

Plus, tips for writing your own personalized (but professional) messageWishing your CEO (or other executive or boss) a happy birthday is a thoughtful gesture that can make them feel appreciated and build up your relation...

How to

Contact Barack Obama

Obama's website, email, P.O. box, and other contact methodsIf you have a thought, idea, or question you'd like to share with former President Barack Obama, you might wonder if it's even possible to contact him. Luckily, ...

What is a Social Faux Pas? Definition, Examples & More

A complete guide to social blunders and how to correct them What do wearing white to a wedding, showing up two hours early to a party, and forgetting someone’s name all have in common? They’re all examples of social ...

How to

Contact Kim Kardashian for Business

Kim Kardashian is a model, actress, entrepreneur, media personality, and a reality TV star known for her show ''Keeping Up with the Kardashians''. She also has several clothing and beauty lines and is a passionate advoca...

Is “I’m Sorry You Feel That Way” A Valid Apology?

Plus, expert-backed alternative phrases to use insteadIf you’ve expressed to another person that they’ve hurt your feelings, it can feel really deflating to have them reply with, “I’m sorry you feel that way.” ...

120 Professional & Personal Good Luck Wishes for Job Interviews

Give your coworker or friend confidence for their upcoming interviewInterviews can be extremely nerve-wracking, and wishing someone luck can give them the confidence they need to succeed. Sending a good luck message is a...

13 Polite Ways to Say "Looking Forward to Hearing from You"

Learn how to use each variant phrase in work correspondences Are you wondering if “Looking forward to hearing from you” is the best way to prompt someone to respond in a work email? We’re here to help you figure o...

What Do You Say When Someone Had a Bad Day?

Kind messages to show support and brighten spiritsIt can be hard to know what to do when someone you care about says they’re having a bad day. How do you respond in a way that’ll support and reassure them? We talked ...

As Per My Last Email: Why You Should Avoid It (and What To Use Instead)

Try our polite and professional alternative phrases in your next email If you’ve ever worked in an office, you might have sent or received an email containing the phrase, “As per my last email…” But what does thi...

How to Accept a Job Offer via Email

Plus, learn how to negotiate the offer & what not to say in your emailWhen you receive a job offer via email, it's important to craft an acceptance email that sounds professional but still shows that you're happy to have...

The Best Subject Lines for a Thank You Email After an Interview

Plus a full template for the perfect post-interview email You’ve just had an interview for a job you really want, and now it’s time to send your interviewer a thank you email—but where to begin? Writing the perfect...