Program Description

Manners matter more than ever whether you are 7 years old, a college student, or a business professional. Join Lisa Taylor Richey, the founder of The American Academy of Etiquette and creator of the popular activity kit, Manners To Go, as she teaches your classroom about important life skills.

The instructions are upbeat and the focus is on learning in a fun creative manner rather than one that is judgmental or stuffy. In a Manners To Go™ session, a child learns the action, why it is done, and how it feels. The outcome is a confident and happy child. The program focuses on attitude which is extremely important. The students will learn to feel comfortable and self-assured in all situations. This class is guaranteed to be interactive and engaging. The program includes role-playing and instructive materials.

Topics Include:
• Handshakes
• Eye contact
• Posture
• Respect
• Conversation skills
• Thank you notes
• Manners in public places
• Table manners

Manners To Go is a comprehensive program teaching all elements of everyday etiquette. The program is built to teach confidence and leadership skills in all areas of life from shaking hands with adults to inviting a friend to the movies.

Program Outline

• Welcome/Introductions - Each school will have an opportunity to introduce themselves. Please have a student representative at your school share the name of the school, name of the teacher, grade of the students, the subject being studied in this class and something interesting about their town or school.
• Lisa Richey will introduce the concept of manners and focus on the following areas and topics:

First Impressions - What are good manners; Why do they matter,; Eye contact; Please, hello and thank you; Handshakes; Introductions; Posture; Respect
Communication Skills - Conversation; Nosey questions; interruptions; thank-you notes
Manners Out and About - Movies, Sports events, school assemblies
Let's Eat - How to set the table; basic table manners; napkin etiquette; how to hold a fork correctly; manners in the school cafeteria

• Wrap-Up/Conclusion

The Manners To Go program is activity based so expect role playing and class participation.

Special Requirements

Please make sure you have downloaded the handouts required for this session (available in the Program Resources). Please also have pencils for each student and for the dining segment, paper plates, plastic utensils, cups and paper napkins (this can be per student or one set for demonstration)

Teachers may wish to customize the placemat template provided in the Program Resources section with either the school's name or mascot or even each students' name if desired.

About Lisa Richey

Lisa Richey is the creator and author of Manners To Go™, a fun and innovative kit designed to help children develop confidence, good manners and social skills. Lisa is also the founder and managing director of The American Academy of Etiquette, and is one of the USA's foremost experts in, and proponents of, etiquette, protocol, and manners.

With over two decades of corporate and executive experience, and renown for her communication skills, Lisa is recognized as a highly inspirational speaker and trainer. This, combined with her passion for etiquette, manners, and protocol as the tools with which we can effectively and productively communicate and interact with others -- not simply knowing when to say "please" and "thank you", although clearly these are fundamental -- has made her programs in-person and in the Manners To Go kit substantial sell-outs.

Lisa provides etiquette programs to businesses, schools, and individuals. Her clients include Deloitte, Siemens, Ameriprise, Temple, Drexel Universities and others. And Manners To Go is a program that encapsulates all of her experience and training methods in a format suitable for young minds. Well received by the media as well, the kit has been featured in the New York Times, Better Homes and Gardens, and Woman's World; Lisa has also appeared on network television including Fox Business News, NBC News Dallas, Texas, and CBS's Eye on Philadelphia.

Through her teachings, she has touched the lives of many children, as well as, adults. Her spirit and sense of style, grace, and vision enable her to connect with those she educates and trains, ensuring that her passion for etiquette, manners, and protocol are passed on to all her students.

When asked about her accomplishments, Lisa always points to her ability to have a positive impact on improving self-esteem, and confidence in others, especially children. She also serves on the board of Girls Inc. which inspires girls to be strong, smart, and bold.