Nancy Hutto has been a teacher for 21 years and was a regional finalist for Maine Teacher of the Year in 2005. A year ago she founded Polished Image, an etiquette consulting firm, and began teaching children, teens, college students and business executives such elements of good manners as table manners (including how to eat difficult foods), proper introductions and handshakes and how to remember names and be a good listener. On Saturday from 9 a.m.-noon, she is conducting a Cape Elizabeth Community Services class called Magnificent Manners, for parents and children in Grades 1-4. She also has upcoming classes in Old Orchard Beach. Hutto, who lives in Saco, also works as an intervention specialist at Memorial Middle School in South Portland. She spoke with The Current on her work, annoying faux pas and why it’s not a good idea to stuff your cheeks full of food.
Q: Etiquette seems like an old-fashioned topic. What makes it relevant today? A: I believe people have a false notion of the term “etiquette.” It’s not old-fashioned at all; we live by it every day. Etiquette is simply a set of rules for proper behavior. It’s all about respecting oneself and others with a focus on a person’s character, morals and ethics. Interactions with others require good manners, which promote a better culture.
Q: How do you use your teaching skills? A: By designing creative etiquette classes that captivate my audience and educate them about manners. I still have a passion for teaching. I try to positively affect the lives of adults and children by sowing the seeds of respect, kindness, and consideration.
Q: What is the biggest mistake people make in interactions with others? A: It’s the failure to make a positive first impression. We need to take time to think about the message we are sending by our image. People tend to judge others more by what they see rather than by what they hear.
Q: Is there a single most important thing about good manners that you stress? A: It’s to treat others with respect. I was appalled at a recent function where a local newscaster spoke, and the audience talked loudly throughout the speech. Oh, I could feel my blood pressure elevating, and I could perceive the speaker’s helplessness. I wondered why people are so self-absorbed that they could ignore an important speaker.
Q: You teach children and adults. What can they get out of your training? A: They can increase their self-confidence and have fun while learning about etiquette. The classes are age-appropriate, interactive and customized to meet the needs of every group. One mom thanked me for giving her daughter a template for writing a thank-you note. It was such a simple thing, but in this mom’s eyes it was a big deal. After taking a “Hosting a Party with Ease” class, a woman said she now knew that being a host was not all about having good food and an elegant table setting, but about making her guests feel comfortable in her home. It’s all about planning ahead and enjoying the process. A college student told me I helped her overcome her “mingle-phobia.” I didn’t realize there was such a thing!
Q: We’re increasingly exposed to people from other countries and cultures. Do you incorporate this diversity in your training? A: I tailor classes to particular countries and cultures as requested by the clients, including such topics as customs, travel, money, business, greetings, language, gifts and general facts.
Q: Is etiquette a growing area of interest? A: There is definitely a growing curiosity about etiquette. Parents are starting to realize that manners are important skills for their children. College students and young executives seek out etiquette classes because they need to distinguish themselves from the competition. People with professional presence are never unnoticed.
Q: Do you have any stories to tell? A: One young boy stuffed his mouth with food until his cheeks bulged like a chipmunk whose cheeks are filled with acorns. His eyes cried out for help. I escorted him from the room and handed him a paper towel, after which he blurted out, “I was only trying to be nice to the lady that invited us.” He thought putting the food in his mouth would please his host. He didn’t want to swallow because he didn’t like the food. I wonder what he would have done if I hadn’t rescued him.
Traci Lyn Goff Production Assistant Current Publishing, LLC 840 Main Street Westbrook, ME 04098
The Daily Saco411 - March 13, 2009 Featured Saco Maine Business of The Day - Polished Image Part of the fun, for me, of doing the Saco411 is learning about Saco. In my web-travels I came across Polished Image. From their website, "The mission of Polished Image is to create a new understanding of the word "etiquette" which will initiate a new mind set that will heighten confidence and self esteem."
I searched around the site. Seems like an interesting company. Classes for kids and pageant participants, many through local schools. There is also a class for job seekers - How to Get the Job You Want.
A world with more civility and grace. What a great business to be in.
Want to be our featured business of the day? Email us at saco411@gmail.com. It's free.
