Thomas Farley

Mister Manners, Thomas P. Farley, is an etiquette expert, keynote speaker and media commentator who’s inspiring audiences nationwide to master modern manners who’s inspiring audiences of all types to master essential communication strategies for success in the workplace—and in life.

Mr. Farley is a regular and popular guest on the NBC Today show, where he offers a fresh take on matters of contemporary etiquette—subjects from “avoiding awkward hugs” to “what not to wear at a company beach outing.” His approachable style has placed him in high demand from other media outlets as well, including the CBS Early Show, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Forbes, Wired and Money magazines, USA Today, CNN, ABC, and on radio stations across the United States. He has written a column on manners for the New York Post, hosted the “Living Today” show on Martha Stewart Living Radio and, for the better part of a decade, was the “Social Graces” editor for Town & Country magazine.

He has been a guest lecturer at New York University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies and is editor of the anthology “Modern Manners: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Social Graces.” His workshops and keynotes are consistently praised for being engaging and memorable, offering individuals from all walks of life practical strategies for getting along and getting ahead—whether on the road or out to eat, in an elevator or at the office, and in 2017, he debuted “Manners on the Move,” a special Today show series that examined incivility in America.

A graduate of New York’s Fordham University, Mr. Farley observes, “In an age noted for casual attitudes about dressing, misbehaving reality TV stars and constant digital distractions, polished manners are vanishing right before our glazed-over eyes.” But rather than throw in the towel, Farley prefers to look at the scarcity of good manners as an opportunity: “With a little bit of extra effort, anyone with the desire can really stand apart from the pack…and shine.”

Mr. Farley also says these are challenging times for good etiquette: “In this age of constant connectedness and digital distractions, practicing attentiveness and considerate professionalism is more difficult than ever.” And yet, he explains, “Individuals who make a habit of respecting others and putting people over pixels are the ones who set themselves apart for success.”