This weekend, I had the privilege to teach two classes on manners for kids. One was for girls and covered topics surrounding poise and social graces. The other etiquette class was tailored for boys and offered practical advice and tips to help them become the confident, professional gentlemen I know they can be. In this post, we’ll look at some of the specifics I taught about and can teach future groups of young people!
How to be a Gentleman with Manners and Civility
My classes can be customized to meet the needs of each individual or group as desired. Some of the topics I covered this weekend included…
- How to Write a Note of Gratitude
- How to give a Proper Introduction and Connect with Others
- Eye Contact
- Table Manners
- Posture
- The Door
- Body Language
- How to Avoid Interrupting. Students will learn that interrupting is acting in selfishness.
- Basic Conversation Skills
- Understanding Nuances that Matter
- Timeliness
- Importance of Clean Language
- Understanding the Connection that Manners can have on Family, School and Community Life
- How to Treat a Lady
- The Napkin
- The Handkerchief
- Where and How to Sit at the Table
- How to Dress Properly
- How to Prepare a Tea Tray
- Church Etiquette
- Country Club Etiquette
- Buffet Etiquette
- When to Stand and How to Give a Proper Farewell
- The Handshake
A Reminder for Parents
As a parent, you have the wonderful responsibility and blessing to train and instruct your children at home. Please take the information I provide my students and build upon these principles as it best fits your own family. Encourage practice of manners at home!
Remember that, as parents, you only have so much time with your children and, if you do not instruct them, society will. Never forget the brevity of time. In a blink of the eye, your opportunities of influence will decrease in their lives. Treasure and utilize your time with your children!
Engage in conversation together and participate in community activities. Above all, take time to give thanks with them. Keep a family Gratitude Journal at the dinner table and write down three things every day that you are thankful for. Manners must be seen before they can be learned.
Dallas Manners for Kids…Hire an Expert!
Lisa Burdette’s private and group lessons can help girls and boys learn etiquette skills to help them succeed at home, in school and throughout life.
Overview for the Manners for Gentlemen Class
Students will learn about the topics previously mentioned in the post and will start the class with a First Impression Activity, where they learn how to make a Five Second Statement of Who, What and Why. Then, we will cover Introductions with a 10 minute activity to help the students start feeling comfortable with each other and the material we’re discussing. We’ll also go through an overview of George Washington’s book on Rules of Civility. Each boy will receive a copy of this book!
Want your son to become a true gentleman? Or, prefer a business etiquette class for adults? Our Dallas etiquette expert can help you! Reach out via our Contact page to request your business etiquette or manners for kids session with Lisa today!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
