Online Class: Etiquette 101

Course Lessons

• Lesson 1. Why Etiquette Matters

  Etiquette is merely a set of guidelines for politeness and good manners, the kindnesses with which we should always treat each other.

• Lesson 2. The Common Courtesies of Life

  The common courtesies of life are the endless little gestures we make almost unconsciously as we move through our day.

• Lesson 3. Polite Conversation

  The art of small talk and polite conversation is quickly dying. Many people are uncomfortable in situations where they have to make small talk with others or chat with people they've just met.

• Lesson 4. Telephone Etiquette

  More of our communication is done by telephone every day. Home phones, office phones, and cell phones are our virtual ties to each other as we rush from place to place.

• Lesson 5. Correspondence

  Although you probably keep in touch with most of your friends and family by phone or email, you should occasionally send a real letter, particularly to older relatives who don't have a computer.

• Lesson 6. Basic Table Manners

  Table manners make eating with others a pleasant experience. There's nothing more disturbing than sharing a meal with someone who eats with his mouth open, drums his fingers on the table, and has no idea how to actproperly while dining.

• Lesson 7. Overnight Guests

  Families and friends today often live on opposite sides of the country or at least several hours away from each other. With travel so easy by car, plane, and bus, most of us have spent weekends more than once visiting with loved ones.

• Lesson 8. Wedding Etiquette

  A brief overview of how to act at some of the more common celebrations will enable you to handle yourself gracefully at all of life's happiest celebrations.

• Lesson 9. Moments of Sorrow

  Just as we celebrate life with weddings and births, we mark the sorrows of life as well.

• Lesson 10. The Rules of the Workplace

  Nowhere are the rules of etiquette more important than in the workplace. In a social setting, breaking the rules may embarrass you momentarily, but it is usually forgiven and forgotten fairly quickly.

• Lesson 11. Gift-giving Guidelines

  Giving and receiving gifts is one of the most pleasurable pursuits connected with any special occasion.

• Lesson 12. Appropriate Behavior for Children

  As parents, we need to teach our children manners at a young age and understand that certain behaviors in our children don't need to be tolerated by other adults.