News Herald – Juliann Talkington
Everything is electronic. We have cell phones, e-tablets and laptop computers. We spend hours each day in front of a screen communicating with people by text, email and digital images. We not only use these electronic devices for business, but in our personal lives as well.
Because technology has changed many of the ways we communicate, some people argue that manners are no longer important.
As was true when the telephone became a standard household appliance, handheld digital communication devices have changed the ways we interact. However, they have not changed human nature. People still want to feel connected, appreciated, respected and well treated.
Etiquette guru Thomas P. Farley, describes manners in a simple, practical way. “Manners, at their core, are being aware of how your actions are going to make other people feel. They’re less about what fork should I be using when I have caviar.”
According to Dana May Casperson, author of Power Etiquette: What You Don’t Know Can Kill Your Career, “It takes only three to five seconds to make a first impression, but it can take a whole career to undo it.” Having the skills to make others feel comfortable, important and appreciated are critical for success.
As a result, we need to teach our children common courtesies: how to appropriately use technology, about acceptable dress, the importance of punctuality, basic table manners and how to write a thank you note.
To prepare our kids, we need to create learning opportunities and demonstrate important behaviors by example.
First, teach electronic device etiquette. Everyone wants to feel that his/her thoughts and comments are important enough to command another person’s full attention.
Do not allow electronic devices at meals. This is the time when kids learn how to hold a conversation, correctly use eating utensils and chew with their mouths closed.
Teach kids about the tardiness taboo. Don’t be late. Ever.
Talk about appropriate dress. The wrong attire can make a person seem immature and less credible.
Encourage kids to acknowledge friends, adults and neighbors. Failing to recognize someone, can lead to hurt feelings.
Stress the importance of thank you notes. According to careerbuilder.com, “Eighty-eight percent of executives polled by Robert Half International said sending a thank-you note following an interview can boost a job seeker’s chances of landing the position.”
Finally, forget the hype about a new paradigm. Human nature has not changed and neither has the need for good manners.
Juliann Talkington is the Administrator of the Renascence School International Panama City Campus (www.rschoolpc.org). Reach her at jtalkington@pcrschool.org or 850-215-8712.