Small Group Etiquette Classes

It is widely known that large groups become fertile ground for cutting corners. For some tasks, this might not be such a problem, but for learning etiquette, it can make the whole exercise futile. This is why small group etiquette classes are much preferable, as they are more direct, welcoming, and educational than learning in a larger group.

Although the reach of these classes may focus on any aspect of social behavior, the main focus is on four etiquette categories:

• Conversation

• Appearance

• Dining

• Business

Further, these categories can be explored in depth to increase your proficiency in using good etiquette in various events, international situations, or even in social conflicts. Specific etiquette for ladies will also change depending on the situation and company present.

And, while the main beneficiaries of small group etiquette classes would be those for whom networking is a daily requirement, everyone can benefit from good etiquette. Practice reduces social anxiety, improves social mobility, and can adequately be used in a variety of situations.

Benefits of Small Group Etiquette Classes

“Each lives and learns and dies in ignorance.” ~Illyrian Proverb

Although the basis of good etiquette, which is kindness, patience, and observance, are natural characteristics of all good people, etiquette itself is something learned. Regretfully, nobody is born with such training, and there is considerable time for which you will be making mistakes.

For most people, such mistakes in a larger group can induce severe social anxiety and force you to stop with your etiquette class. Especially because it is hard to become familiar with all of the members of a large group, this anxiety is only exacerbated.

In small group etiquette classes, everyone learns from each other and it is easy to take notes from other students. And, as it is a small group that can become closely familiar with each other, there is no stress in how you will conduct yourself or how quickly you will learn.

As a matter of fact, showing kindness and adapting to the learning speed of the group, even if you are, proverbially, quick on the uptake, is also a matter of etiquette. Inducing anxiety and discomfort for others is a considerable faux pas in any polite company.

A Relaxed and Welcoming Atmosphere

If you are learning how to be pleasant, observant, and graceful in a social situation, the best way to learn is by example. A small group etiquette class is just the type of social situation you will learn about, and your teacher will need to be a pleasant, observant, and graceful person themselves if they wish to teach you properly.

Small groups also tend to start with all of the students being on the same approximate level. And while some might progress in some fields faster than others, that will only allow each student to learn from multiple people.

Unlike learning in large groups, which always looks and feels like a class, a small group etiquette class will feel as if you are going out with friends. Learning dining etiquette is through frequent repetition but also over a comfortable dinner.

Working Etiquette Examples

“Repetitio est mater studiorum” (Repetition is the mother of learning) ~ Latin Proverb

In particular, when delving into minute details of etiquette in certain situations, there is no better way to learn than to do. Even for common situations such as introductions, there are a number of actions one should perform simultaneously, and it is necessary for such actions to become second nature.

For instance, when properly introducing someone, it is very important to follow the rules of seniority, familiarity, title, and gender in that particular order.

Elders are always introduced before your contemporaries or anyone younger. Additionally, etiquette for children also requires them to directly state their name upon introduction, especially when introduced to their elders.

Your friends and acquaintances will be introduced before family members, provided everyone is of the same general age.

Ranks and titles are when things become interesting because it can be tricky to learn how peerage operates, especially if coming from places that don’t use such systems. In the United States, each lady is referred to as a lady and each man is referred to as “sir”.

Due to such a cultural feature, all official titles, including professor, doctor, or mayor hold the significance of a knight or dame. Judges are honored as “Your Honor” and diplomats are titled as “Your Excellency” and are akin to a Baronet.

Finally, ladies are always introduced before gentlemen, provided that other rules are followed first.

Avoid Practicing Mistakes

For those who have started practicing etiquette in adulthood, one of the biggest benefits of small group etiquette classes is the early prevention of mistakes. When practicing unsupervised, it is easy to repeat some mistakes and create a bad habit out of miscommunication.

Such issues usually occur when there is a difference between etiquette rules and modern general conventions. Most frequently it happens for diner etiquette and cutlery, as it is common in places like the United States, to switch hands when using a knife which is against etiquette.

Similarly, when using chopsticks in Europe it is frequent to place them down in parallel at the end of the meal, as we would the knife and fork. But, that is also against etiquette as it resembles mourning ceremonies in Asia.

If you are working in a small group, such mistakes will be caught early and changed before they become a habit. In a large group, it is possible for teachers to miss such actions completely.

Friendly Role Play

The most important effect of any etiquette class is to learn to be relaxed, proper, and direct in a social situation. Managing such a feat on the first try is very rare, if not unheard of.

The best way to learn is through friendly role-play. That way, you may make mistakes in a situation without any stakes and where it is impossible to embarrass yourself in any way. You can slowly learn and practice, filling out different roles inside the same small group.

In the end, good etiquette will be something you do automatically, without the need to directly think about it. Once that level is achieved, you will be able to join any social situation regardless of size, occasion, or glamour.