Social Etiquette Curriculum for Mentors
Comprehensive 8-Week Program
40 Detailed Lessons • 60-Minute Learning Blocks • Monday-Friday Schedule
Program Overview
Program Structure
- Duration: 8 weeks (40 lessons)
- Session Length: 60 minutes each
- Schedule: Monday through Friday
- Format: Mentor-led instruction
Core Learning Areas
- Welcoming Behaviors & Courtesies
- Communication & Conversation Skills
- Dining Etiquette & Table Manners
- Professional Image & Dressing
Learning Objectives
Social Confidence
Build confidence in social interactions and professional settings
Communication Mastery
Develop excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills
Professional Presence
Create a polished, professional image and demeanor
Cultural Awareness
Understand and respect diverse social customs and expectations
Dining Excellence
Master formal and informal dining situations with confidence
Interview Success
Prepare for professional interviews and networking opportunities
Week 1: Foundations of Social Etiquette
Day 1: Introduction to Social Etiquette & Welcoming Behaviors
Learning Objectives:
- • Define social etiquette and its importance
- • Understand first impressions
- • Practice welcoming behaviors
- • Learn body language basics
Activities:
- • Role-play introductions
- • Body language assessment
- • Welcome scenario practice
- • Personal etiquette goals setting
Materials:
- • Mirror for practice
- • Video examples
- • Handout: “First Impressions Checklist”
- • Personal goal worksheet
Day 2: Common Courtesies & Basic Manners
Learning Objectives:
- • Master “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me”
- • Understand personal space boundaries
- • Learn door etiquette
- • Practice patience and consideration
Activities:
- • Courtesy phrase practice
- • Personal space exercises
- • Door etiquette demonstration
- • Scenarios: elevators, hallways, queues
Materials:
- • Courtesy cards
- • Space boundary markers
- • Scenario cards
- • Practice checklist
Day 3: Proper Greetings and Introductions
Learning Objectives:
- • Master handshake techniques
- • Learn introduction protocols
- • Understand eye contact importance
- • Practice name retention techniques
Activities:
- • Handshake practice session
- • Introduction role-plays
- • Eye contact exercises
- • Name game activities
Materials:
- • Introduction scripts
- • Name tags for practice
- • Handshake evaluation form
- • Video examples
Day 4: Etiquette in Public Spaces
Learning Objectives:
- • Navigate crowded spaces respectfully
- • Learn public transportation etiquette
- • Master queue etiquette
- • Understand noise consideration
Activities:
- • Public space simulations
- • Transportation scenarios
- • Queue practice
- • Volume control exercises
Materials:
- • Public etiquette guide
- • Scenario cards
- • Observation worksheets
- • Volume meter (app)
Day 5: Review & Practice Session
Learning Objectives:
- • Reinforce week’s lessons
- • Identify improvement areas
- • Build confidence through practice
- • Prepare for next week
Activities:
- • Comprehensive role-play scenarios
- • Peer feedback sessions
- • Self-assessment activities
- • Goal adjustment discussion
Assessment:
- • Practical demonstration
- • Peer evaluation
- • Self-reflection journal
- • Progress tracking sheet
Week 2: Communication Fundamentals
Day 1: Conversation Skills & Active Listening
Learning Objectives:
- • Learn conversation starters
- • Practice active listening techniques
- • Understand turn-taking in dialogue
- • Master follow-up questions
Activities:
- • Speed conversation practice
- • Listening exercises with feedback
- • Question formulation drills
- • Conversation flow practice
Materials:
- • Conversation starter cards
- • Listening evaluation forms
- • Topic suggestion wheel
- • Recording device for practice
Day 2: Listening Skills Deep Dive
Learning Objectives:
- • Distinguish between hearing and listening
- • Practice empathetic listening
- • Learn to paraphrase and reflect
- • Overcome listening barriers
Activities:
- • Listening comprehension tests
- • Paraphrasing exercises
- • Barrier identification activities
- • Empathy building scenarios
Materials:
- • Audio recordings for practice
- • Listening skills checklist
- • Barrier identification cards
- • Reflection templates
Day 3: Telephone Etiquette & Skills
Learning Objectives:
- • Master professional phone greetings
- • Learn proper voice modulation
- • Practice clear articulation
- • Understand phone call structure
Activities:
- • Mock phone call practice
- • Voice recording and analysis
- • Difficult call scenarios
- • Message taking practice
Materials:
- • Practice phones or apps
- • Phone script templates
- • Voice evaluation rubric
- • Message pad samples
Day 4: Thank You Notes & Written Communication
Learning Objectives:
- • Learn thank you note structure
- • Practice handwritten vs. digital
- • Understand timing and appropriateness
- • Master professional tone
Activities:
- • Thank you note writing practice
- • Handwriting improvement exercises
- • Email etiquette practice
- • Tone analysis activities
Materials:
- • Quality stationery samples
- • Thank you note templates
- • Handwriting guides
- • Email examples
Day 5: Review & Communication Practice
Learning Objectives:
- • Integrate all communication skills
- • Demonstrate improved confidence
- • Identify personal strengths
- • Plan continued improvement
Activities:
- • Communication skill showcase
- • Peer coaching sessions
- • Real-world application planning
- • Progress celebration
Assessment:
- • Communication skills test
- • Portfolio review
- • Self-confidence survey
- • Goal setting for Week 3
Week 3: Advanced Communication
Day 1: Public Speaking Basics
Learning Objectives:
- • Overcome speaking anxiety
- • Learn speech structure basics
- • Practice posture and stance
- • Master voice projection
Activities:
- • Breathing exercises for calm
- • Short speech preparations
- • Posture practice sessions
- • Voice projection drills
Materials:
- • Speech outline templates
- • Anxiety management guides
- • Posture check mirrors
- • Voice level meters
Day 2: Public Speaking Practice & Confidence Building
Learning Objectives:
- • Deliver 2-3 minute speeches
- • Handle audience interaction
- • Manage nervousness effectively
- • Use appropriate gestures
Activities:
- • Mini-speech presentations
- • Gesture coaching sessions
- • Q&A practice
- • Confidence building exercises
Materials:
- • Video recording equipment
- • Speech topics list
- • Gesture guide charts
- • Feedback forms
Day 3: Non-Verbal Communication
Learning Objectives:
- • Master body language reading
- • Understand facial expressions
- • Learn appropriate gesturing
- • Practice mirroring techniques
Activities:
- • Body language charades
- • Expression matching games
- • Gesture appropriateness practice
- • Video analysis exercises
Materials:
- • Body language reference cards
- • Expression photo sets
- • Gesture demonstration videos
- • Analysis worksheets
Day 4: Difficult Conversations & Conflict Resolution
Learning Objectives:
- • Navigate disagreements gracefully
- • Practice de-escalation techniques
- • Learn compromise strategies
- • Maintain respect during conflict
Activities:
- • Conflict scenario role-plays
- • De-escalation practice
- • Compromise negotiation games
- • Respectful disagreement practice
Materials:
- • Conflict scenario cards
- • De-escalation phrase guides
- • Negotiation templates
- • Respectful language examples
Day 5: Review & Speaking Assessments
Learning Objectives:
- • Demonstrate speaking confidence
- • Show communication mastery
- • Receive constructive feedback
- • Set advanced goals
Activities:
- • Formal speech presentations
- • Peer evaluation sessions
- • Video review and analysis
- • Goal refinement discussion
Assessment:
- • Formal speech evaluation
- • Communication rubric scoring
- • Progress video comparison
- • Mentor feedback session
Week 4: Host and Guest Behaviors
Day 1: Being a Gracious Host
Learning Objectives:
- • Learn pre-event preparation
- • Master guest welcoming techniques
- • Practice introduction facilitation
- • Understand hosting responsibilities
Activities:
- • Event planning exercises
- • Welcome scenario practice
- • Introduction facilitation drills
- • Host responsibility checklist
Materials:
- • Event planning templates
- • Host checklist cards
- • Introduction script examples
- • Hosting etiquette guide
Day 2: Being a Respectful Guest
Learning Objectives:
- • Learn RSVP etiquette
- • Practice punctuality standards
- • Understand guest contributions
- • Master departure timing
Activities:
- • RSVP response practice
- • Punctuality scenario planning
- • Guest contribution discussions
- • Appropriate departure practice
Materials:
- • RSVP response templates
- • Guest etiquette handbook
- • Contribution suggestion lists
- • Timing guideline charts
Day 3: Party & Event Etiquette
Learning Objectives:
- • Navigate different party types
- • Learn mingling techniques
- • Practice small talk skills
- • Understand alcohol etiquette
Activities:
- • Party type simulations
- • Mingling practice sessions
- • Small talk conversation starters
- • Beverage etiquette scenarios
Materials:
- • Party type description cards
- • Mingling strategy guides
- • Small talk topic wheels
- • Beverage etiquette rules
Day 4: Gift Giving & Receiving
Learning Objectives:
- • Learn appropriate gift selection
- • Practice gracious receiving
- • Understand gift-giving occasions
- • Master wrapping and presentation
Activities:
- • Gift selection scenarios
- • Receiving practice sessions
- • Occasion appropriateness games
- • Wrapping technique practice
Materials:
- • Gift guide references
- • Receiving etiquette scripts
- • Occasion calendar examples
- • Wrapping supplies and guides
Day 5: Review & Role-Playing
Learning Objectives:
- • Integrate hosting and guest skills
- • Demonstrate social confidence
- • Handle complex social situations
- • Prepare for real-world events
Activities:
- • Complex event simulations
- • Host-guest role reversals
- • Problem-solving scenarios
- • Confidence building exercises
Assessment:
- • Social situation portfolio
- • Role-play evaluations
- • Peer feedback collection
- • Social confidence measurement
Week 5: Table Manners & Dining Etiquette – Part 1
Day 1: Table Settings & Understanding Place Settings
Learning Objectives:
- • Identify formal vs. informal settings
- • Learn utensil placement rules
- • Understand glassware positioning
- • Master napkin and plate placement
Activities:
- • Place setting identification games
- • Setting assembly practice
- • Memory challenges with settings
- • Formal vs. informal comparisons
Materials:
- • Complete place setting examples
- • Identification reference cards
- • Practice utensils and dishes
- • Setting diagram guides
Day 2: Setting the Table Properly
Learning Objectives:
- • Practice hands-on table setting
- • Learn measurement and spacing
- • Master the sequence of placement
- • Understand centerpiece etiquette
Activities:
- • Speed table setting competitions
- • Measurement practice exercises
- • Sequence memorization drills
- • Centerpiece arrangement practice
Materials:
- • Multiple place setting kits
- • Measurement rulers
- • Sequence instruction cards
- • Sample centerpieces
Day 3: Utensil Usage & Handling
Learning Objectives:
- • Master proper grip techniques
- • Learn cutting and eating motions
- • Practice utensil placement signals
- • Understand specialized utensil use
Activities:
- • Grip technique practice
- • Cutting motion demonstrations
- • Signal placement exercises
- • Specialized utensil trials
Materials:
- • Various utensil sets
- • Grip demonstration models
- • Signal placement charts
- • Specialized utensil collection
Day 4: Basic Table Manners & Posture
Learning Objectives:
- • Practice proper sitting posture
- • Learn napkin etiquette
- • Master pace of eating
- • Understand reaching vs. asking
Activities:
- • Posture correction exercises
- • Napkin use demonstrations
- • Pacing practice with timer
- • Polite requesting practice
Materials:
- • Posture check mirrors
- • Various napkin types
- • Timing devices
- • Request phrase cards
Day 5: Practice & Review
Learning Objectives:
- • Integrate all dining basics
- • Demonstrate table confidence
- • Identify improvement areas
- • Prepare for advanced dining
Activities:
- • Complete meal simulations
- • Peer evaluation sessions
- • Skill demonstration tests
- • Advanced preview activities
Assessment:
- • Practical dining evaluation
- • Table setting test
- • Etiquette knowledge quiz
- • Progress documentation
Week 6: Table Manners & Dining Etiquette – Part 2
Day 1: Styles of Dining (American vs Continental)
Learning Objectives:
- • Learn American dining style
- • Master Continental dining style
- • Understand when to use each
- • Practice switching between styles
Activities:
- • Side-by-side style comparisons
- • Style-specific practice sessions
- • Cultural context discussions
- • Style switching exercises
Materials:
- • Style comparison charts
- • Video demonstrations
- • Practice food items
- • Cultural context guides
Day 2: Eating Various Foods Properly
Learning Objectives:
- • Master challenging foods
- • Learn soup and salad etiquette
- • Practice bread and butter protocol
- • Handle awkward food situations
Activities:
- • Food-specific practice sessions
- • Challenging food workshops
- • Bread service demonstrations
- • Problem food scenarios
Materials:
- • Various food samples
- • Food-specific utensils
- • Technique demonstration guides
- • Problem-solving reference cards
Day 3: Behavior at the Table & Dining Conversation
Learning Objectives:
- • Learn appropriate table topics
- • Practice timing of conversation
- • Master inclusive dialogue
- • Handle dining interruptions
Activities:
- • Dining conversation practice
- • Topic appropriateness games
- • Inclusion technique exercises
- • Interruption handling scenarios
Materials:
- • Topic suggestion cards
- • Timing guideline charts
- • Inclusion technique guides
- • Scenario cards for practice
Day 4: Restaurant Etiquette & Ordering
Learning Objectives:
- • Learn reservation etiquette
- • Master menu navigation
- • Practice server interactions
- • Understand payment protocols
Activities:
- • Restaurant simulation setups
- • Menu reading exercises
- • Server interaction role-plays
- • Payment scenario practice
Materials:
- • Sample restaurant menus
- • Reservation scripts
- • Server interaction guides
- • Payment etiquette cards
Day 5: Fine Dining Practice
Learning Objectives:
- • Demonstrate fine dining mastery
- • Handle multi-course meals
- • Show confidence and poise
- • Integrate all dining skills
Activities:
- • Full formal dining experience
- • Multi-course navigation
- • Confidence building exercises
- • Skill integration practice
Assessment:
- • Fine dining evaluation
- • Course management test
- • Comprehensive dining rubric
- • Confidence self-assessment
Week 7: Professional Image & Dressing for Success
Day 1: Understanding Personal Style & Body Types
Learning Objectives:
- • Identify personal body type
- • Understand style personalities
- • Learn color coordination basics
- • Discover personal preferences
Activities:
- • Body type assessment
- • Style personality quiz
- • Color matching exercises
- • Personal style vision boarding
Materials:
- • Body type identification guides
- • Style personality assessments
- • Color wheel resources
- • Style magazines and images
Day 2: The Business Suit – Types, Fit, and Fabrics
Learning Objectives:
- • Learn suit types and styles
- • Understand proper fit indicators
- • Identify quality fabrics
- • Master suit care basics
Activities:
- • Suit style comparisons
- • Fit assessment practice
- • Fabric identification games
- • Care instruction review
Materials:
- • Suit style reference cards
- • Fit guideline checklist
- • Fabric sample collection
- • Care instruction guides
Day 3: Shirts, Ties, and Accessories
Learning Objectives:
- • Master shirt collar types
- • Learn tie selection and knotting
- • Understand accessory coordination
- • Practice professional combinations
Activities:
- • Shirt and collar identification
- • Tie tying practice sessions
- • Accessory coordination exercises
- • Complete outfit assembly
Materials:
- • Various shirt collar examples
- • Tie collection for practice
- • Accessory coordination guides
- • Outfit combination charts
Day 4: Dressing for Different Occasions
Learning Objectives:
- • Understand dress codes
- • Learn business vs. business casual
- • Master formal event dressing
- • Adapt style for different settings
Activities:
- • Dress code interpretation
- • Occasion-specific outfit planning
- • Formal wear practice
- • Adaptation scenario exercises
Materials:
- • Dress code definition cards
- • Occasion outfit examples
- • Formal wear guidelines
- • Adaptation strategy guides
Day 5: Grooming & Personal Presentation
Learning Objectives:
- • Learn daily grooming routines
- • Understand hygiene importance
- • Master professional appearance
- • Create personal grooming standards
Activities:
- • Grooming routine development
- • Hygiene checklist creation
- • Professional appearance practice
- • Personal standard setting
Assessment:
- • Personal style portfolio
- • Professional appearance evaluation
- • Grooming routine assessment
- • Style confidence measurement
Week 8: Professional Skills & Integration
Day 1: Interview Etiquette & Preparation
Learning Objectives:
- • Master interview preparation
- • Learn professional greetings
- • Practice answering techniques
- • Understand follow-up etiquette
Activities:
- • Mock interview sessions
- • Greeting and handshake practice
- • Question-answer preparation
- • Follow-up communication practice
Materials:
- • Interview question banks
- • Preparation checklists
- • Answer framework guides
- • Follow-up templates
Day 2: Workplace Etiquette & Professional Relationships
Learning Objectives:
- • Learn office protocol
- • Master professional communication
- • Understand hierarchy respect
- • Build positive relationships
Activities:
- • Office scenario simulations
- • Professional communication practice
- • Hierarchy navigation exercises
- • Relationship building activities
Materials:
- • Office etiquette handbooks
- • Communication templates
- • Hierarchy understanding guides
- • Relationship building strategies
Day 3: Networking & Business Card Etiquette
Learning Objectives:
- • Learn networking strategies
- • Master business card exchange
- • Practice follow-up techniques
- • Build professional networks
Activities:
- • Networking event simulations
- • Business card exchange practice
- • Follow-up strategy development
- • Network building exercises
Materials:
- • Networking strategy guides
- • Sample business cards
- • Follow-up templates
- • Network tracking tools
Day 4: Digital Etiquette & Social Media
Learning Objectives:
- • Understand online professionalism
- • Learn email etiquette mastery
- • Master social media presence
- • Practice digital communication
Activities:
- • Online presence evaluation
- • Email writing workshops
- • Social media audit practice
- • Digital communication scenarios
Materials:
- • Digital etiquette guidelines
- • Email template collections
- • Social media best practices
- • Communication scenario cards
Day 5: Final Review & Graduation
Learning Objectives:
- • Demonstrate complete skill mastery
- • Reflect on personal growth
- • Celebrate achievements
- • Plan continued development
Activities:
- • Comprehensive skill demonstration
- • Growth reflection sessions
- • Achievement celebration
- • Future planning discussions
Assessment:
- • Final comprehensive evaluation
- • Portfolio presentation
- • Growth documentation
- • Graduation certificate ceremony
Assessment Framework
Evaluation Methods
Observation
Real-time assessment during practice sessions and role-plays
Peer Evaluation
Structured feedback from fellow mentees
Self-Assessment
Reflective evaluations and progress tracking
Practical Demonstrations
Skills-based assessments in realistic scenarios
Progress Tracking
Weekly Assessments
Comprehensive skill evaluations at the end of each week
Milestone Tracking
Progress documentation toward learning objectives
Portfolio Development
Collection of work samples and growth evidence
Confidence Measurement
Regular surveys tracking self-confidence growth
Resources and Materials
Physical Materials
- • Complete place setting samples
- • Various utensil collections
- • Practice stationery sets
- • Fabric and clothing samples
- • Business cards and templates
- • Mirrors for posture practice
- • Recording devices
- • Timer and measurement tools
Reference Materials
- • Etiquette guidebooks
- • Style and fashion references
- • Communication skill handbooks
- • Professional development guides
- • Cultural etiquette resources
- • Video demonstration library
- • Assessment rubrics
- • Progress tracking sheets
Digital Resources
- • Online etiquette courses
- • Video tutorial collections
- • Digital assessment tools
- • Virtual reality scenarios
- • Mobile apps for practice
- • Online portfolio platforms
- • Communication practice tools
- • Style and fashion apps
Implementation Guidelines for Mentors
Session Structure
- Opening (5 minutes): Review previous lesson, set daily objectives
- Instruction (20 minutes): Introduce new concepts with demonstrations
- Practice (25 minutes): Hands-on activities and role-playing
- Review (10 minutes): Summarize learning, assign homework
Teaching Strategies
- Modeling: Demonstrate proper techniques before mentee practice
- Scaffolding: Provide support gradually reducing assistance
- Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate progress and effort consistently
- Corrective Feedback: Address mistakes gently and constructively
Adaptability Considerations
This curriculum is designed to be flexible and adaptable:
- • Adjust pace based on individual mentee learning speed
- • Modify activities for different learning styles
- • Adapt content for cultural backgrounds and contexts
- • Scale complexity based on mentee’s starting skill level
- • Integrate real-world opportunities when available
Program Success Metrics
Skill Mastery
90% of objectives met
Confidence Growth
Measurable confidence increase
Social Success
Improved social interactions
Professional Ready
Interview and workplace prepared
© JustINSPIRE Mentoring 2024 Social Etiquette Curriculum for Mentors | Designed for Excellence in Social Skills Education