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Etiquette Programs Past and Present |
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by Dorothea Johnson
Director at The Protocol School of Washington® Etiquette used to mean "Keep off the grass." When Louis XIV's gardener at Versailles discovered that the aristocrats were trampling through his gardens, he put up signs, or e'tiquets, to warn them off, but dukes and duchesses walked right past the signs anyway. Finally, the king himself had to decree that no one was to go beyond the bounds of the e'tiquets. The meaning of etiquette later was expanded to include the ticket to court functions that listed the rules on where to stand and what to do. Like language, etiquette evolves, but in a sense it still means "Keep off the grass." If we stay within the flexible bounds of etiquette, we will give relationships a chance to grow; we will give ourselves a chance to grow; and we will be able to present ourselves with confidence and authority in all areas of our professional and personal life. Until the '60s good manners were considered part of a child's upbringing. Public and private schools included etiquette as part of a well-rounded curriculum, and charm schools specialized in the social graces, poise, and table manners. The liberated '60s and '70s brought about a decline in the popularity of etiquette programs. A renewed interest in the '80s, and the return to traditional values in the '90s, has brought about an increasing appreciation of good manners. With the strong emphasis on family values and education, the demand for etiquette programs nationwide is unprecedented and far exceeds the supply. The Protocol School of Washington(R) has developed an up-to-date etiquette curriculum for children, teens, and young adults that builds confidence and self-esteem by teaching social and communication skills. The Independent Etiquette Consultant whose brochure you are reading was trained and certified by The Protocol School of Washington(R), a Federal Trademark Registration. This Consultant is authorized to teach the School's curriculum and to use the copyrighted workbooks and support materials. © Copyright 1995 The Protocol School of Washington ® |
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