Teen Etiquette...
Successfully negotiating the 21st Century will be an
amazing endeavor for our teenagers to undertake, as
never before in the history of the world have teens
needed to know as much as ours do now, nor ever before
has so much been expected from such a young group.
The world of teenagers revolves around schoolwork,
schoolwork and more schoolwork. Teens are then busy with
their friends, after school activities, their friends,
seemingly endless amounts of homework and their friends.
They drive and go to the mall where they spend time
shopping for CDs, DVDs and the latest in clothing. Teens
surf, tweet, blog and text their friends while
maxing-out their cell phone minutes. They watch TV and
go to the movies. They attend concerts, occasionally
play laser tag and may even go out bowling. Moreover,
because their lives are so social and mobile, teens eat
out more than any children in the history of our earth.
These meals may be eaten with parents but just as many
times teens go out with other teens for their meals.
Consequently, this generation through no fault of their
own, has spent less time at the family dinner table
where learning much of our society’s social graces and
cultural mores traditionally take place. Mealtime has
become nothing more than an intake of nutrients while on
the way to the next practice or meeting, as that is the
only time teens seem to have to fit food into their busy
schedules. The sad part is that while this may be their
reality, we still expect them to know all the rules of
polite society.
We expect teens to behave properly while at the mall,
how to enter and exit elevators and escalators, how to
enter a room and even how to graciously offer their seat
on a bus or space in an elevator to a senior citizen or
pregnant woman. We want them to know how to eat a formal
meal properly and how to engage in polite dinner
conversation when a guest in someone’s home or dining at
a restaurant. Moreover, we want this knowledge for them
simply because we want them to have a modicum of
self-confidence in whatever situation they may find
themselves as they go out into their very complex world.
Great. What is a teen supposed to do?
Where are teenagers supposed to learn all this important
information, enabling them to feel confident in life
situations if they are not learning at home?
Mrs. Dupouy, a former high school philosophy and history
teacher has written a syllabus specifically for teens in the
10th through 12th grades. She gathers teens in the relaxed
surroundings of her home to enjoy themselves as the complex
issues of their lives in the 21st century are investigated
and the lessons of proper manners and self presentation are
learned.
She helps teens negotiate their way through the labyrinth of
these fun, crazy, dramatic, tormenting, memorable, defining
years of life with a greater self-confidence. As the group
talks and laughs, students are amazed to learn some of the
zany origins of polite society in this country and Western
Civilization at large.
Another great part of her teen program comes with her
version of a student’s “Final Exam.” Her exam is a bit
different from what students are accustomed to in school.
With Mrs. Dupouy, you will meet at an elegant, Saratoga
Springs restaurant in order to dine Continental Style on a
full, five-course meal. You will observe Silent Service
techniques, as well as putting into practice all those new
or newly enhanced social skills you have learned. She will
not just teach you the rules; she will teach you the reasons
for the rules!
Once a teen knows the rules and understands the reason, each
student quickly learns that dining out on a good meal with
great company is one of the best, most pleasurable
experiences a person can have in life. It is then that the
dinner table becomes equal to any piece of beautiful art
hanging in a museum, dance at a ballet or music played by a
master!
At the conclusion of this course, teens will be able to
comfortably introduce family, friends, and associates to one
another properly. Teens will be able to confidently go on
any job or university interview and put their best self
forward. They will know and understand why and when certain
correspondence is critical to write and how to do so. Teens
taking this course of instruction will know the rules of
telephone and internet etiquette. Simply, these teenagers
will have an improved, overall presentation of themselves
and the confidence that accompanies this knowledge.
BELOW IS A SAMPLE OF TOPICS COVERED IN OUR 6-LESSON COURSE:
FOUR TYPES OF INTRODUCTIONS
POSTURE & CONVERSATION
PUBLIC SPEAKING
SHOWING PROPER RESPECT
LISTENING SKILLS
BEHAVIOR IN PUBLIC PLACES:
- Libraries & museums
- Movie & theatres
- Sporting events & concerts
- Public transportation
- At the mall
- Elevators, escalators
- Entering/exiting a room
GROOMING
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
JOB/COLLEGE INTERVIEW SKILLS
YOUR RESUME
DINING:
- American style
- Continental style
- Buffet meals
HOW TO SET THE TABLE
APPROPRIATE MEALTIME CONVERSATION
USING UTENSILS, NAPKINS, DISHES & CRYSTAL
EATING DIFFERENT TYPES OF FOODS PROPERLY
HOST & GUEST BEHAVIORS
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
ELECTRONIC ETIQUETTE:
- Telephone
- Internet
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