Hello,
I'm Jacqueline!
Do you forget names two minutes after being introduced? Have you accidentally said or done something to break a business deal? Have you ever copied the wrong person on an email? Do you feel awkward or shy whenever you attend a party full of strangers?
If so, you’ve come to the right place!
Meet Jacqueline
Jacqueline Whitmore is an international etiquette expert, author, and certified speaking professional.
In 1998, she founded The Protocol School of Palm Beach, the etiquette industry’s leading coaching and training company. Jacqueline is a highly sought-after speaker whose seminars have taken her all over the world including Europe, India, Australia, China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Canada and the Caribbean.
For nearly a decade, Jacqueline worked in the hospitality industry where she served as the protocol officer and assistant director of public relations for The Breakers, a luxurious resort in Palm Beach, Florida. Her responsibilities included handling media relations and creating extraordinary experiences for some of the most discerning guests including royalty, dignitaries, celebrities, and other VIPs.
Jacqueline also served as a special event coordinator for the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel where she was introduced to Disney’s philosophy, practices and world-class leadership model. Prior to that, she was an international flight attendant with Northwest Airlines where she developed an appreciation for travel and diverse cultures.
As seen in
Jacqueline is one of the most widely quoted etiquette experts in the world. Her advice has been sought by countless media outlets and publications including:
- BBC World News
- CNN
- Fox News
- NPR
- The New York Times
- The Wall Street Journal
- USA Today
- Fortune
- Time
- Entrepreneur
- O: The Oprah Magazine
Books
Education, Awards and Memberships
- Certified Speaking Professional
designation from the National Speakers Association (NSA) - Member
Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) - Member
Protocol & Diplomacy International
The Protocol Officer’s Association (PDI-POA)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Telecommunications
from The University of Florida - Member
Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)
Jacqueline’s Story
When you’re an etiquette expert, people make assumptions about you. In my case, many people I meet assume I grew up enjoying a privileged lifestyle. But nothing could be further from the truth.
My younger brother and I were raised by our single mother in a middle-class neighborhood in the small town of Haines City, in Central Florida.
My mother was a hairdresser and every afternoon after school I’d ride the bus to Lucille’s House of Beauty. From a very young age, I was encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and converse with adults. Mom insisted that I speak to each and every one of her customers. “Go speak to Mrs. So-and-So,” she’d say. Little did I know that she was teaching me “people skills.”
While Mom worked, I swept the floor, pulled curlers out of her customers’ hair, or straightened magazines. As a reward, she gave me fifty cents, just enough to buy an ICEE (a frozen slushie), some beef jerky and bubble gum at the local 7-Eleven.
Although we weren’t rich, we always had enough to eat. Mom used her tips to put food on the table and on Saturday nights she’d splurge and take us out to eat, usually to Morrison’s Cafeteria.
On weekends I stayed with my Granny Johnson, who was the quintessential Southern woman. Born in 1900 in the rural town of Glennville, Georgia, she worked at home as a seamstress while raising her five children. Barely five feet tall, she was full of spunk. She had no filter and said whatever was on her mind. And she was always right (most of the time). She dipped snuff all her life and kept a homemade spittoon, also known as a “spit cup,” next to her rocking chair in the living room. Anyone who knew her well could attest to the fact that she could spit a mile and never miss her mark.
Granny was an amazing cook and my brother and I especially loved her fried chicken, collard greens and homemade biscuits. She cooked everything in Crisco or bacon grease. She grew all her own vegetables. Granny made me feel like I could accomplish anything I wanted. “Jack, you’re as good as the best and better than the rest,” she’d say.
Although I didn’t attend fancy tea parties, cotillions, or charm schools, my childhood was never dull. I climbed trees, built forts, and had lots of friends (real and imaginary), and I excelled in almost anything I put my mind to — except math. I was raised Southern Baptist and spent years singing in the church choir. While my friends went on summer vacations, I spent my summers attending vacation bible school or music camp. Music is still a huge part of my life to this day.
Despite my family’s lack of resources, I was able to attend college thanks to my father’s Veterans benefits. Unfortunately, my father never saw me graduate as he died when I was just 12 years old.
All in all, I am who I am today because of where and how I grew up. It’s what fueled my drive and ambition to succeed.
Jacqueline’s Story
When you’re an etiquette expert, people make assumptions about you. In my case, many people I meet assume I grew up enjoying a privileged lifestyle. But nothing could be further from the truth.
My younger brother and I were raised by our single mother in a middle-class neighborhood in the small town of Haines City, in Central Florida.
My mother was a hairdresser and every afternoon after school I’d ride the bus to Lucille’s House of Beauty. From a very young age, I was encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and converse with adults. Mom insisted that I speak to each and every one of her customers. “Go speak to Mrs. So-and-So,” she’d say. Little did I know that she was teaching me “people skills.”
While Mom worked, I swept the floor, pulled curlers out of her customers’ hair, or straightened magazines. As a reward, she gave me fifty cents, just enough to buy an ICEE (a frozen slushie), some beef jerky and bubble gum at the local 7-Eleven.
Although we weren’t rich, we always had enough to eat. Mom used her tips to put food on the table and on Saturday nights she’d splurge and take us out to eat, usually to Morrison’s Cafeteria.
On weekends I stayed with my Granny Johnson, who was the quintessential Southern woman. Born in 1900 in the rural town of Glennville, Georgia, she worked at home as a seamstress while raising her five children. Barely five feet tall, she was full of spunk. She had no filter and said whatever was on her mind. And she was always right (most of the time). She dipped snuff all her life and kept a homemade spittoon, also known as a “spit cup,” next to her rocking chair in the living room. Anyone who knew her well could attest to the fact that she could spit a mile and never miss her mark.
Granny was an amazing cook and my brother and I especially loved her fried chicken, collard greens and homemade biscuits. She cooked everything in Crisco or bacon grease. She grew all her own vegetables. Granny made me feel like I could accomplish anything I wanted. “Jack, you’re as good as the best and better than the rest,” she’d say.
Although I didn’t attend fancy tea parties, cotillions, or charm schools, my childhood was never dull. I climbed trees, built forts, and had lots of friends (real and imaginary), and I excelled in almost anything I put my mind to — except math. I was raised Southern Baptist and spent years singing in the church choir. While my friends went on summer vacations, I spent my summers attending vacation bible school or music camp. Music is still a huge part of my life to this day.
Despite my family’s lack of resources, I was able to attend college thanks to my father’s Veterans benefits. Unfortunately, my father never saw me graduate as he died when I was just 12 years old.
All in all, I am who I am today because of where and how I grew up. It’s what fueled my drive and ambition to succeed.
Money cannot buy manners. In fact, I believe it’s more important to be kind and considerate than to know how to dine like a diplomat. True etiquette isn’t stuffy or artificial. It’s the art of knowing how to treat others with courtesy and respect. I am grateful that my mother and grandmother taught me how to incorporate these priceless skills into my everyday life.
In her spare time, Jacqueline enjoys cooking, gardening, decorating her 1925 cottage, and spending time with her two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Speaking
Inspire your audience with the strategies, tools and techniques to lead with confidence, win at work and succeed at life.
Virtual Course
With my online course, you can increase your confidence in business and social situations and improve your customer service skills from the comfort of your home or office.