Minding their P's and Q's: Renner students learn etiquette from the expert

By Shawn Floyd
Monday, January 23, 2006 9:07 AM CST

Allie Corbin learned at least one important rule in etiquette expert Joy Weaver's book.

"I learned not to point at people," said Allie, an eighth-grader at Renner Middle School. "I have done it a lot and now I know not to do it."

Plenty of other students also learned something from Weaver's Class on Class. Held Jan. 18 in the Renner library, the seminar was well-attended by eighth graders hoping to pick up a few pointers on everything from cell phone etiquette to table manners.

They got an earful, beginning with the proper way to applaud.

"Hold your hands together with the fingers touching," said Weaver as she displayed the proper technique.

Everyone followed suit, making sure to follow Weaver's instructions.

The next subject was proper handshakes.

"No bone crushers, please," said Weaver. "And nothing too wimpy. Just something that shows you are sincere."

Weaver's Class on Class is just one program of many the school's PTA is sponsoring. Some of the others focus on encouraging students to pursue their dreams. Others touch on college entrance requirements and university programming.

Students facing getting ready to go out into the world and encounter new experiences was apparent when Weaver, author of "How to be Socially Savvy in All Situations," asked how many of the students were planning to get a job this summer. At least a third of the students raised their hands.

Naturally, this opened up a whole new segment. Weaver proceeded to tell the group that because they have little or no experience in the working world, the way they carry themselves matters more than ever.

Some of the rules mentioned by Weaver, such as not applying make up in public and holding doors open for others were merely a review for the students. Other tips, such as the proper way to walk down an aisle were a complete surprise.

"Most people trying to get to their seat in the middle of an aisle of a movie theater will walk with their face toward the screen," said Weaver, "This is not the proper way. You should go down an aisle face-to-face with the people seated."

Other helpful hints included dinner table etiquette.

"Always pass the salt and pepper together," said Weaver. "Why? Because they are a little couple."

Another useful pointer was remembering what part of the meal goes where on a table.

"You've all heard of the BMW," said Weaver. "Usually it's a car but in this case it's an acronym for bread, meal and water. You've got your bread plate on the left, your dinner in the middle and your water glass on the right."

One eighth-grader, Claire Toppett, said this information would be especially useful for her in the future.

"I go to some National Charity League fancy dinners and never knew what goes where," said Claire. "Now I do and I'm glad."

One of Claire's classmates, Berkley Fuller, echoed similar sentiments.

"Same here with my volleyball banquets," said Berkley.