Interview with Clemens Graf von Hoyos, expert in etiquette

MOMENTE MAGAZINE:
Where does the term Knigge come from?

CLEMENS VON HOYOS:
The term Knigge goes back to Adolph Freiherr Knigge (1752–1796), a descendant of a noble family from Lower Saxony. He is considered a pioneer of German democracy and is still known today for his book “Über den Umgang mit Menschen” — On Human Relations. In this work, Adolph Freiherr Knigge offers timeless advice on confident conduct and better social interaction. Contrary to popular belief, Knigge was not a strict preacher of manners, but a sensitive and at the same time very humorous observer of interpersonal relations.

MOMENTE MAGAZINE:
What significance does Knigge have for you in everyday life?

CLEMENS VON HOYOS:
As the owner of the Knigge Academy, Knigge naturally has a very high significance in my life. Quite apart from my profession, Knigge — in other words, dealing with people — is omnipresent. Every day I encounter a wide variety of people, and I try to approach each individual in a way that is appropriate to them. For me, as for Knigge back then, this is a question of appreciation and consideration. Even for challenging situations and contemporaries, Knigge has suitable thoughts and solutions at hand.

MOMENTE MAGAZINE:
Is the father-son relationship different from the father-daughter relationship?

CLEMENS VON HOYOS:
What could be more beautiful than a true male friendship, shared passions, shared adventures ...

MOMENTE MAGAZINE:
What is an absolute etiquette no-go? In general, and for you personally?

CLEMENS VON HOYOS:
The greatest no-gos are suffering, gossiping and unpunctuality. Suffering is unprofessional. Whiny contemporaries and complainers are unbearable: ugh, Monday morning, getting up at 6 a.m., it’s raining, a queue at the bakery, a hole in the doughnut ... There is something to criticise about everything, people are always grumbling and never satisfied. Pitiful — and a no-go.

Gossips may have nothing to criticise about the situation, but they certainly do about their fellow human beings. They put others down in order to make themselves look better. That is contemptuous and pathetic.

That leaves unpunctuality. Anyone who arrives late — arriving much too early would also be impolite — is making it clear that other people’s time is worth less than their own. That is arrogant and disrespectful. Besides, punctuality is considered the virtue of kings.

Personally, I find the excessive handing out of business cards very unpleasant. Again and again, I experience someone pulling a stack of business cards out of their pocket and pressing one into the hand of everyone — everyone! — in the room. How desperate can one be?

MOMENTE MAGAZINE:
What can participants expect?

CLEMENS VON HOYOS:
In short: edutainment at the highest level, as the individual topics are conveyed interactively and, above all, entertainingly. In terms of content, we cover the classics — table manners, dress codes, small talk and networking — as well as dealing with people in general.

The aim is to cut a fine figure on the international stage, both privately and professionally. The atmosphere is relaxed and encourages participation, questions and exchange among one another. Directly applicable knowledge is conveyed for the greatest possible individual benefit, and alongside the sons, their fathers will certainly also discover one or two new and valuable details.

Clemens Graf von Hoyos
Expert in etiquette