Radio Smart Talk for Friday, June 10:
You can blame Emily Post.
In 1922, Ms. Post wrote the best-selling book Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics, and at Home. The book offered tips on how to conduct oneself in nearly every public or private setting, from proper letter writing etiquette, to behavior at a wedding, to how best to plan and execute a party. She wrote that "manner is personality – the outward manifestation of one's innate character and attitude toward life." While she was hardly the first writer to tackle societal expectations for normal behavior, Emily Post set the standard for etiquette in the 20th century.
Today, our expectations regarding manners have, well, loosened. Children once told to be seen but not heard at the dinner table are now encouraged to speak up – that is, if they can manage to put down their cell phones and make eye contact with the rest of the family. Etiquette in business has changed dramatically – dress codes, meetings, interviews – Emily Post wouldn't recognize them today. Even when it comes to something as simple as opening a door, what society expects of us has changed.
Some worry we've lost all sense of polish, sophistication, class, and respect. That we've become too rude, too self-involved to consider our own conduct. That's where the Etiquette School of Central Pennsylvania steps in. The school teaches business etiquette, dining, social and personal grooming skills to children, teens, young adults, families, and even seasoned professionals.
We'll talk with Sheryl Trower, the founder and president of the Etiquette School of Central Pennsylvania on Friday's Radio Smart Talk.
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comments
I am very sorry that you feel the hour was unbelievably obnoxious. It is never my mission to come across as superior. Etiquette is my line of work so therefore I have studied the topic as a Dr. studies medicine. I share personal stories only to
identify with issues that we all come across. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day.
It always upsets me when I see negative and unnecessary comments on a site that's mission statement promotes engaging minds and respecting everyone. It seems you need to review your own etiquette skills (and vocabulary) before you allow yourself to submit comments . After reading your rather insensitive comment to the guest speaker, I thought I'd share a little basic 101.
Id like to inform you of your improper use of the word "gripe" (3 times).
Gripe : To complain naggingly or petulantly; grumble. 2. To have sharp pains in the bowels.
At no point did I as a personal listener and follower of WITF hear our guest grumble, nagg, or complain about sharp pains in the bowels. (Please correct me if I am wrong)
If you do not appreciate the opinions of others, or respect and trust the radio station's taste in guests and creative aesthetic, then I suggest you switch the station.
Sincerely,
Jess
I do agree that every older generation thinks the younger people have no manners. However, that does not mean that we should do away with them entirely! Most of those younger people grow up to see that having good manors get them along further in life.
I do not like to have the server interrupt a conversation to ask "are you still working on it?"
I am appalled when the server removes the plates of the other diners while I am still eating my meal, stating, "I'll get these out of the way for you."
How-much-skin-is-too-much-skin is a frequent subject of debate of course, but what about pajamas? I graduated about two years ago.
During my entire time at school, there seemed to be at least one of these offenders in almost every one of my classes, yet professors, other students, and even special speakers never seemed to notice.
Doesn't it give the impression that the class is unimportant, and the least the student could do was show up for class on time (if that)?
What happened to dress as reflection of respect for others (let alone oneself?!)
I am used to receiving well written out and mailed thank you notes from other young couples for their gifts. In my opinion, the art of writing out thank you notes would benefit our culture and are so much more appreciated by our age group. I make every effort to write people notes and love receiving mail like that.
Recently, a job well done note was received and it gave me such "Joy" to read it.
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