Etiquette rules in and out of school
Etiquette rules have been around for centuries, but etiquette around technology in school is relatively new. There are a variety of skills that have fallen out of the education curriculum that should be brought back, like knowing when to use cameras respectfully. “While our kids quickly take to learning math problems on the latest gadgets at school, the same might not be said for the most essential life skills of etiquette,” Courtney Fadler, founder of professional etiquette service CF Etiquette, told Reader’s Digest. Read on to review a few etiquette rules that should be taught in schools but aren’t.
Face-to-face interactions
While many conversations have shifted to online messaging and texts, knowing how to interact in-person is still important. “One of the biggest things I hear from businesses who need help with training for new, young associates is a lack of interpersonal skills, polish and a too-casual approach to the business setting,” says Fadler. “We have become more connected through devices, yet simultaneously more remote on actual face-to-face conversations and interactions.”
Conversation skills
Knowing how to hold a conversation isn’t only for adults – it’s good for children to know, too. “This is a big one and highly requested. This skill is lacking due to our overuse of devices,” Lisa Richey, president and founder of Mannerstogo.com, tells Reader’s Digest. “Students are not engaging in conversation with other children or adults. It is one of my most requested topics from corporations.” This skill not only helps children when they’re young but when they graduate from university and look for a job as well. “New hires are not entering the business world knowing how to interact with co-workers or clients,” she says. “Standards need to be set in the classroom to encourage a human connection and interaction. We need to start this now and when children are young.”
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