Charlotte Etiquette by Mannerly

In this AI Revolution - the people who will stand out are those who know how to:
• communicate clearly
• make others feel valued
• ask thoughtful questions
• navigate conversations with confidence
• lead with warmth and competence
• practice kindness

These are the skills that build friendships, and later strengthen careers, and shape reputations.

Modern etiquette isn’t about being formal. (Thank heavens) It’s about learning how to move through the world with confidence and consideration for others.

That’s what we teach at Mannerly.

Explore our etiquette classes, cotillion programs, dining experiences, and coaching at Mannerly.com

Modern etiquette is about so much more than knowing which fork to use.

It’s teaching children how to:
• introduce themselves with confidence
• include others
• hold a thoughtful conversation
• write a thank you note
• practice kindness and respect
• navigate social situations with ease
• become both confident and considerate

In a world increasingly shaped by screens and AI, social skills matter more than ever before.

At Mannerly, we believe confidence paired with courtesy is a lifelong advantage.

Explore our etiquette classes, cotillion programs, dining experiences, and coaching for children, teens, and adults at Mannerly.com

Im so glad you found us here!

With gratitude,
Elizabeth Anne Russell

I love teaching modern manners and etiquette because it’s all about treating others with honor and respect - so that we can unlock better relationships with family and friends. Which leads to a happier life!

Here are a few highlights of what every child should know in 2026 - and you know the age of your child best!

• Understand the difference between being kind and being nice — nice avoids, kindness tells the truth with care (ie you have spinach in your teeth!)
• Understand that to make friends, you must be interested — not just interesting
• Don’t scroll when someone is speaking to you
• Invite someone who is alone to join your group
• Welcome new people into conversations
• Ask thoughtful questions and stay curious about others
• Know the difference between laughing with someone and laughing at someone
• Avoid gossip and whispering. If you cannot say it beside someone, don’t say it at all
• Introduce yourself confidently to someone new
• Smile often — warmth matters
• Offer to help — and mean it
• Remember people’s names — and use them
• Give genuine compliments — especially about character and effort
• Learn how to receive a compliment graciously
• Make eye contact when someone speaks to you
• Put your phone away during meals and conversations
• Stand to greet someone entering the room
• Hold doors open for others
• Offer your seat to someone who may need it more
• RSVP promptly and truthfully
• Write thoughtful thank-you notes
• Say thank you — and mean it

I could add so much more to this list…what else would you add?

With gratitude,
Elizabeth Anne Russell

Your 4 and 5 year olds are invited to join us June 1st to June 4th for a Private School Admissions Bootcamp for those considering Independent Schools in Charlotte, NC.

Mannerly is proud to partner with Sally Brown, former kindergartners educator and founder of Start Small Learn Big to offer this special program.

Please visit Mannerly.com/classes to learn more and register.

One of the biggest misconceptions about conversation is that socially skilled people are simply “naturally charismatic.” False.

In reality, great conversationalists usually do one thing exceptionally well: they ask thoughtful questions. And we can all learn this.

Research from Harvard Business School found that people who ask more follow-up questions are consistently perceived as more likable and socially intelligent.

Why? Because good conversation is less about impressing others and more about helping others feel comfortable, seen, and included.

That is the heart of modern etiquette.

A few reminders when meeting someone new:

• Ask open-ended questions
• Listen to understand — not just to reply
• Avoid immediately turning the conversation back to yourself
• Look for connection, it’s not a performance

A few conversation questions that work well almost anywhere:

• What’s been the highlight of your week? or what are you looking forward to?
• What are you excited about right now?
• How did you get into your field?
• What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
• What’s something you’ve learned recently?
• What’s your favorite part of living here?
• What are you looking forward to this year?
• Have you read or watched anything good recently?
• What’s been keeping you busy lately?
• What’s something you’re currently working toward?

Modern etiquette isn’t about having the “perfect” thing to say.

It’s about making people feel at ease in your presence.

Mannerly.com

Many workplace habits that lower professional presence are not issues of intelligence or capability. They are often habits rooted in anxiety or a misplaced desire to be liked.

Thankfully, modern etiquette is not about perfection and with awareness we can make small tweaks to improve confidence and consideration for others. Which impacts how you are perceived- as experienced or as a new hire.

And in 2026 — in the age of AI — these human skills matter more than ever.

A few habits to look for - and if you practice these, it’s time to drop them:

1. Apologizing before speaking
Starting with “Sorry, but…” weakens your message before it begins. Research on communication consistently shows that people assign greater competence to speakers who communicate directly and clearly. Drop the sorry.
Modern etiquette recommendation -
Instead of: “Sorry, this may be wrong…”
Try: “One perspective worth considering is…”

2. Over-explaining simple points
This can signal nervousness rather than preparedness. Executive communication is concise and organized.

Modern etiquette recommendation: Be thoughtful but also clear and brief. If it isn’t additive, cut it out.

3. Looking at your phone in meetings. Or having your phone on the table during a meal.
Research from Sherry Turkle shows that even the presence of a phone changes the quality of conversation.
Modern etiquette recommendation: Put the phone away completely. Presence communicates respect.

4. Turning statements into questions
Constant upward inflection can undermine confidence.
Modern etiquette recommendation: Practice making clear statements (with an out breath to control tone and incorporate a pause before speaking)

5. Responding to everything immediately
Immediate responses can signal reactivity rather than discernment. It can also heighten stress.
Modern etiquette recommendation: Pause. A thoughtful response matters more than an instant reaction.

Confidence paired with consideration will always signal experience.

To learn more visit Mannerly.com