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SOCIAL SKILLS & FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Recent studies conducted by Harvard University, Stanford Research Institute, and The Carnegie Foundation have all led to the same conclusion: 85% of an individual’s success in getting a job, keeping a job and getting promoted in the job is directly related to social skills. It is very interesting when you think we as parents do everything in our power to educate our children for their future, but quite often neglect to provide them with some of the very tools they need to excel in their future.

Having good social skills is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity for establishing rapport, appreciation and respect between family members, friends, business associates, or even strangers. In any social or business situation, the knowledge of social skills can lead to confidence, leadership and increased chances for success. SEE offers the education and the essential tools necessary to be confident and comfortable with anyone in any situation.

Course highlights include:

  • The Power of Social Skills
  • First Impressions that Last a Lifetime
  • Body Language & Posture
  • Handshake & Eye Contact
  • Introductions & Forms of Address
  • Self-respect & Consideration for Others

APPEARANCE & DRESS

“Clothes and manners do not make the man; but, when he is made, they greatly improve his appearance.” "Henry Ward Beecher (US Congregational minister, 1813-1887)

Our outward appearance, how we dress and groom, represents the very first impression we make when meeting others. It is a statement of our attitude, personality, style and credibility. Our appearance is not only a reflection of how we think of ourselves; it is also a snapshot of what others think of us. How we appear is very much like the icing on a cake. If it looks good, if it’s appetizing, we want a bite.

Quite often today, trends overshadow dress etiquette – knowing what to wear, when to wear it, and how to wear it. There are distinct rules in regard to personal grooming, dressing for the occasion, and looking your best. SEE illustrates to students that one’s personal sense of style may not always be conducive to optimizing their social and business relations.

Course highlights include:

  • The Language of Your Appearance
  • Personal Care & Grooming
  • The Basics of Appearance & Dress
  • Style vs. Function & Substance
  • What Am I Supposed to Wear To What?
  • Before You Put Anything On...
  • The BIG Picture

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

“The way we communicate with others and ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our lives.” Anthony Robbins, Motivational Speaker and Author

With a few simple words we can either endear ourselves to others, hurt, please, insult, attract, repel, compliment, anger – build or destroy relationships. Knowing how to communicate effectively is an instrumental part of developing good social skills. After all, we spend over 75% of every day communicating and trying to get our messages across to others. To be a better communicator, one must understand that there are specific tools that can significantly improve how we can successfully transmit our messages – verbally, physically, emotionally, compositionally, and/or electronically.

The result of good communication is the rapport we develop and share with others. What we say and how we say it, what we hear and how we listen, can either close or open doors of opportunity.

Course highlights include:

  • TBYD (Think Before You Do)
  • Listening 101
  • Non-verbal & Verbal Communication
  • The Art of Conversation
  • Telephone, Email, Cell, & Texting Etiquette
  • The Power of the Pen
  • Interview Basics (age appropriate)

CHARACTER & ETHICS

“Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.”
W. Clement Stone (1902-2002), prominent businessman, philanthropist and self-help book author

Character

Every day we make choices that define who we are, and who we are going to become. The choices we make matter not only to ourselves, but to others and society at large.

It is difficult for young people to make the right decision when there are so many negative influences in our society. SEE – Character & Ethics assists students in recognizing that their instincts often act as a guide and play an important role in distinguishing between good and bad choices. In addition, the course explores character traits and codes of conduct that set positive standards for developing self-respect, consideration and compassion for others.

Course highlights include:

  • Defining Character
  • The Choices We Make
  • Codes of Conduct
  • High Road / Low Road
  • What Would YOU Do?
  • Courtesy Challenge
  • Dealing with Peer Pressure
  • Taking a Leadership Role
  • You Can Make a Difference!

DINING ETIQUETTE & TABLE MANNERS

“The dinner table is the center for the teaching and practicing not just of table manners but of conversation, consideration, tolerance, family feeling, and just about all the other accomplishments of polite society except the minuet.” Judith Martin (American Author and Journalist, b.1938)

Today, as well as in the past, dining is almost universally associated with sense and civility. Eating is not just a necessity; it is also a ritual of sharing our well-being and extending respect and courtesy toward others. With family, friends, and business associates dining etiquette demonstrates our social skills, our hospitality and – most importantly – our education.

Improper table etiquette can have a negative impact on one’s reputation and chances for success in both social and business situations.

SEE instructs its students on the rules and taboos of dining etiquette and table manners. The course covers the essential information one needs to know, which is relevant to today’s culture. The goal of this course is to make students feel more comfortable and confident in any dining situation.

Course highlights include:

  • Why is it so-o-o Important?
  • What, Where & When – Rules of the Table
  • What’s all this Stuff?
  • Silverware Savvy
  • Home, Guest, & Restaurant
  • Table Rules and Taboos

SOCIAL DANCE

“Those move easiest who have learn’d to dance.” Alexander Pope (1688-1744) English poet

The JDW staff recommends that social dance be part of all SEE programs. Dance is utilized as a primary tool in the social education to break down inhibitions, assist in developing self-confidence, cooperation and teamwork. In addition, knowing how to dance is an entertaining activity that offers many opportunities for actively enjoying and participating at social events.

Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced dances include:

  • Traditional Dance – waltz & foxtrot
  • Group & Line Dance
  • Contemporary Dance – swing & jitterbug
  • Country Western
  • Latin Dance – cha-cha, merengue, tango, mambo, rhumba

If you are registering for a currently scheduled SEE program, please click here for registration: SEE Registration. If you are interested in developing a new SEE program for your organization, school or youth group please click here for information: SEE Program Information.

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