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The Beverly Hills Courier
March 16, 2001
Beverly Hills Promotes Good Manners
"Please" and "thank you" are magic words. They create a language of consideration, thoughtfulness and an aura of friendliness. The loss of manners is something the City of Beverly Hills feels should be remedied and steps have been taken to offer the children of the community classes in etiquette and manners.The course, Etiquette and Social Grace, was developed to increase children's appreciation and knowledge of good manners, to help them improve self-esteem and demonstrate more confidence in various social settings. Topics covered will include why manners are important, the significance of introductions and first impressions, displaying poise, developing good speaking and listening skills, learning restaurant manners, and proper table setting, and developing good phone manners and more.The instructor, Maggie O'Farrill has more than 20 years of experience in personal development and social skills training. She has developed courses that address social challenges for children, teens and young adults, She served as program director for her mother's finishing school, The Margarita O'Farrill Instutute.
O'Farrill said she chooses a few things the kids can use for years.
"I stress manners at the table, conversational and listening skills, and walking and seating poise."
"My class is designed to understand the reasons behind the rules."
"When you set a table it's done in a way that you know what is yours. It is also done in a way to keep the noise down and to keep harmony and avoid fights and accidents," O'Farrill said.
According to O'Farrill, "Children think manners are boring, but they are learning smething they will benefit from the rest of their lives. They will continue meeting people and making first impressions and they are very important."
She talks to the kids about table settings and social tips and what they mean. She also explains why they came into existence and the importance of body language and poise.
"One of the biggest obstacles is simply to get the kids to say hello and good-bye when they enter and leave a room," she said.
The class also deals with phone manners, thank-you cards, introductions, and first impressions. She also stresses that role playing is good for self-esteem and learning to respect others.
"We teach restaurant manners and are searching for a location for a graduation dinner for the class to come, dress up and have the opportunity to use the skills they've learned in a real setting." she said.
According to Chris Best Senior Recreation Supervisor at Bever Hills Recreation and Parks, they weren't sure how the class would be received, but now it's always sold out.
The entire course takes six hours, Fees for the course are $70 for Beverly Hills residents and $88 for non-residents. For more information on this or other classes and activities for children, please call 310-550-4625. For registration information, please call 310-550-4753.
