What are manners and why are they important?

Why are manners so important today?
Times may have changed over the years, but the same
values in life hold strong and true. Everything in life
is social. From school to dances, college to interviews,
careers, travel and even family gatherings. Giving children
the skills they need to be comfortable and confident in their ability to handle life's social activities early in life just
helps them be more confident and successful people forever.

What are good manners?
Social skills are not just about what fork to use, but how to make others feel more comfortable around you. Manners are rules of behavior that make it easier for all of us to get along in the world. They are a language that we use to tell other people what they can expect from us. Are you trustworthy? Do you only think of yourself? Would you make a good friend?

Why won't my kids listen to me when I tell them about good manners?
Learning good social skills is not difficult. It's actually quite the opposite. Sometimes it just takes a non-parental figure to help them grasp the concepts. Our goal is to make sure kids, teens and adults have fun while learning so that they can remember all of the great tricks we teach them. After a while they won't have to think about their social skills and they will become automatic.

Etiquette Classes

What techniques do you use?
In the past, etiquette classes might have been perceived as intimidating or oldfashioned. Traditional etiquette training doesn't meet the needs of today's fast paced world. The ways we interact are constantly evolving. Our programs are geared to a new generation that needs to understand the importance of faceto- face interaction, not cell phone to cell phone interaction.

Using interactive games and role playing techniques, the kids have fun while gaining an understanding of the importance of social skills with their peers. The students are taught the importance of first impressions, shaking hands with confidence, conversation skills, using the proper tone of voice, as well as proper dining skills.

What take home materials are there?
We know how challenging it can be to get your child to tell you what they've learned after a class or in school. After each class, we send send home tip sheets so that the parents are aware of what was discussed. This way parents can continue the dialogue and reinforce the concepts at home. You can also sign up for our monthly eblast at courteousandcool.com and get tips at home on a regular basis.

What ages do you teach?
It's never too early or too late to learn good manners. We teach kids (4-10 years old),tweens and teens(11& up), as well as families. Typically parents call us to work with their kids and end up learning something as well.

What is the ratio of boys to girls in your classes?
Each class varies. Sometimes we will have a class full of boys and others may be completely mixed. We welcome people bringing friends with them if that makes them more comfortable.

Do you have follow up classes?
New classes are added every month. We also offer weekend workshops and summer camp classes as well.

Private Lessons

Do you offer private lessons?
Private lessons and private group sessions are available upon request. Private classes include birthday parties, girl scout meetings, one on one interviews, and family training. We can also tailor a private individual/group class to fit your needs. Contact Kari@courteousandcool.com.

TOPICS OF DISCUSSION

Meet & Greet Essentials
Meet & Greet Essentials- Proper Handshakes
First Impressions & Building confidence
The basics of face to face interaction and good body language
Conversation skills- chose your words carefully, think before you speak, having
tact & no interrupting

Showing Kindness & Handling Mistakes
Polite Introductions
Showing kindness
How to give and receive compliments
How to use courteous words- "please," "thank you," "excuse me" and "may I"

Making Life More Pleasant For Everyone
Telephone safety & manners
The importance of being thoughtful and how to incorporate it into everyday life
How to handle mistakes, using tact, sincere vs. Insincere apologies
Good Sportsmanship

Party Smarts
Party do's & dont's
How to be a great host & guest
Sharing and respecting peoples privacy
How to write a proper thank you note

Table Manners
Restaurant behavior- dining out
How to set the table properly
How to use utensils properly
How to dine properly, eating with your mouth closed, breaking bread rules
How to give a toast

Children are more receptive to etiquette instruction when it comes from a non-parental figure.
-International school of protocal