Benefits of Taking Social Skills & Dining Etiquette Classes Before Entering College
As a parent, you can help your high school senior prepare for their college experience with etiquette training. So why does college etiquette matter? In today’s blog post, I will discuss the importance of social skills and dining etiquette classes for the college-bound student.
First, etiquette enhances self-confidence. By understanding social norms and dining etiquette, students will experience reduced anxiety and will be able to hit the ground running with confidence.
Etiquette helps students build positive relationships. Respectful interaction with classmates and professors creates a peaceful environment. Students will learn how to have emotional intelligence, proper etiquette and a personal presence of self-confidence. These traits play a crucial part in influencing how others perceive one, whether in academic settings or social settings. It is crucial for students to master these components so they will gain meaningful relationships.
In addition, a college etiquette course will help students learn how to carry themselves in the classroom and on campus. Professors and coaches notice more than your grades; they pay attention to your behavior as well. As such, college students should be aware of how they spend their time.
Students will learn how to conduct themselves at a table or in social gatherings. College etiquette teaches students how to be reliable and how to handle conflict resolutions. It teaches professional communication skills vital to success.
Essentially, “etiquette” encompasses a set of rules about being prepared and on time, which can affect student grades and recommendations. Etiquette is also about learning to comply with humility, learning social norms and how to accept the beliefs of others. Students who learn the importance of active listening will be better prepared to foster respectful communication. This includes addressing professors with respectful language, seeking to learn and showing an interest in class.
Taking an etiquette course before college will raise your student’s level of professionalism, respectful communication and collaboration. These valuable skills will benefit your student long after graduation as they enter the workplace and interact with others.
College Etiquette 101
Below is an example of how I prepare my students for college with etiquette training.
The following subjects should be taught:
- American and International Dining Etiquette
- Poised Body Language – Body language such as eye contact and gestures will communicate messages to others long before you enter a room or say a word. Eye contact exhibits sincerity and engagement, while a smile will enhance your approachability. You will present as a trustworthy individual with good, solid eye contact, a warm smile, a handshake and an introduction of yourself to someone else.
- A Polished Appearance – Students are taught the importance of their appearance and how it impacts how others perceive their abilities and self-respect. Your dress will instantly create an impression on others that will enhance or detract from your overall credibility.
- Dress with attention to detail and know what to wear and when to wear it.
- Learn how to make sure your clothes fit properly.
- Make sure your personal style reflects your values and the message you want to come across.
- Listening Skills – The importance of active listening. Learn why your voice, tone and choice of words are important and how you can create an emotional resonance that can impact how you communicate.
- Courtesy and Consideration – How to leave a lasting impression on all those you meet. Words like “Please” and “Thank You” express respect and appreciation for all. Gracious etiquette is exhibited through understanding boundaries, such as timing and personal space.
- 3-5 Minute Elevator Speech – Know who you are and where you are going.
Most importantly of all, examine your heart and seek to genuinely show empathy and an interest in others. Remember…
- Seek to show interest in others.
- Always show and display gratitude through a verbal or handwritten “Thank You” message.
- Respect boundaries, time and personal space.
- Love people.
- Take the time to learn about others.
Etiquette will enhance your college student’s experience and will build confidence. A first impression is critical. Etiquette teaches students how to be authentic and shine with confidence and self-awareness. It enables one to stand tall with a purposeful intent and speak with authority and clarity. It enables students to present themselves with body language and an appearance that reflects respect and intelligence. Etiquette creates a sense of situational awareness that enables one to present themselves with humility and sincerity.
Etiquette also encourages servant leadership, ethical behavior and community involvement. It teaches accountability and responsibility. By taking on social responsibility and ethical decision-making, students learn that they can inspire their classmates and engage in meaningful work that aligns with their values.
Looking to Prepare your Teen for College? Choose Lisa’s Dining Etiquette Classes in Dallas
College etiquette prep will give your student important lifelong skills that will help them to handle themselves confidently in a wide variety of settings, including job interviews, client dinners for work, business presentations and other social environments.
In her social skills and dining etiquette classes, Lisa helps her students to minimize any fear and anxiety they might have in social environments. When demands come, students should be empowered with the skills needed to handle themselves with confidence and a positive self-image. We are living in a world that is shrinking. Students will master the skills they need to have meaningful interactions with individuals from around the world.
Lisa Burdette is a Dallas etiquette and manners expert. She has successfully helped many individuals with polishing their professional image and increasing their personal confidence at work, in school and in their personal lives. In addition, Lisa works with corporate clients such as Toyota Corporation, The University of Texas at Dallas, Big Sky Funds and others to assist with workplace etiquette training and workshops.
Don’t delay – Book your two- or three-hour College Etiquette Course with Lisa today! Reach out via our Contact page or Book Online and request your session today.