Tips to Build Confidence and Manners in Teens

Stepping up standards - Manners tips every teen needs to know.

Etiquette expert Amanda King teaches adults, kids and teens social etiquette, dining etiquette and confidence building exercisers.

Our teenage workshops provide hands-on mentoring, where young adults learn how to interact with others and why these skills are so important.

Children's Etiquette Classes - Australian Finishing School. Give your child the polished advantage. For more information with topics covered during the Teenage Etiquette Workshop Certification one day workshop in July 2020. Register your interest today.

Learning etiquette life skills can build confidence and help teens sail through in any situation.

  • Reward behaviours that show respect. For example, when your son brings the car back full of gas, congratulate him on being responsible and consider rewarding him with an additional hour of use the next weekend

  • Apologise when you have said or done something wrong to your child and thank your teen when he or she apologises.

  • Encourage your teens to volunteer, supporting other-centered behaviour and altruism 

  • Model and teach the art of non-interruption.

  • Listening shows respect – so show respect when your teen is talking with you (or others). 

  • Discuss the importance of politely listening to opposing positions or ideas by repeating what the other person said. Then calmly explain your point of view, and acknowledge all can agree to disagree. Reinforce this (as it’s difficult to do) by explaining it shows maturity.

The list included essential manners we felt all teens should know such as:

  1. Saying “please” and “thank you”. In all interactions when giving or receiving. Practice makes perfect.

  2. Offering a sincere apology after doing something wrong.

  3. Writing thank you notes to those who give them gifts. In this era of emails and texts, handwritten notes have a certain charm to them.

  4. Proper mealtime etiquette ranging from setting the table to appropriate meal conversations and everything in between.

  5. Saying “excuse me” if you need to get someone’s attention or when you accidentally bump into someone.

  6. Asking permission first whenever you’re in doubt about doing something. This can prevent a lot of grief later on.

  7. Conversation etiquette like not interrupting others, using the right amount of eye contact and the appropriate tone of voice, among others.

  8. Respecting people’s personal space and avoiding inappropriate physical contact with others.

  9. Knocking on closed doors- and waiting for a response- before entering.

  10. How to greet people (making eye contact, firm handshake etc.) and make introductions. It’s respectful to address adults as Mr., Mrs., Miss, Sir or Ma’am, regardless of how old-fashioned it sounds.

  11. Phone etiquette – in this digital era, it is crucial for teens to know when and where it’s appropriate to use their phones or Digital devices.

  12. Not littering and learning how to recycle.

  13. Being polite and using appropriate language.

  14. Good sportsmanship. In addition to being a good team player, one should also be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.

  15. Being respectful and mindful of others around you- don’t shout or needlessly raise your voice, don’t play your music too loud, don’t block the sidewalk when out with your friends etc.

  16. Not making negative comments about people’s physical characteristics and not making fun of others.

  17. Being mindful of your behaviour when visiting other people’s homes.

  18. Offering a helping hand, where possible, to those who need it.

  19. Smiling and being welcoming to people when they meet new people. Open body language not crossed arms

  20. Good posture, shoulders back, standing tall and well presented gives young adults confidence in their appearance and presentation when they are at their best.

For lessons in these areas join us in Australia’s best Finishing School - Teen Etiquette Program