Laura Akano

Modern Etiquette lessons for Adults and Children

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"Good manners will open doors that the best education cannot"

Clarence Thomas

Private Online Training now Available

Private online training is now available for Children, Teenagers and adults. Topics will be selected in consultation with the client's preference.

  • Investment for a one-hour Children's private tutorial is £70.00, additional hours will be charged at £60.00
  • Investment for a one-hour private tuition for a teenager is £80.00, additional hours will be charged at £70.00
  • Investment for a one-hour private tuition for an adult is £100.00, additional hours will be charged at £90.00.

Please contact us for group prices.

Etiquette Experts

Polished Manners has a growing reputation of teaching manners and etiquette with a modern edge. Classes are delivered in a practical and interactive way with lots of role play and an emphasis on it’s relevance in society today.

Training to suit you

If you desire a high level of expertise in etiquette coaching and training, Polished Manners are proud to say we offer just that. All across the UK, we create teaching programmes to suit our clients' needs. Our curriculum has been written and compiled with guidance from several experienced global etiquette experts.

We provide both group and individual training; contact our team today.

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It is lovely when clients take the time to write a...

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Jan 19

laura@polishedmanners.co.uk.<br> #testimonialtuesday #etiquettecoach #etiquettecoachingcompany #feelinggrateful #etiquette" data-video="" data-carousel="" data-id="sbi_17899392373722927" data-user="polishedmannersuk" data-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKO_KpblD02/" data-avatar="" data-account-type="business"> Open
It is lovely when clients take the time to write a testimonial. It was a pleasure to work with this young man privately and an absolute delight to have him join a longer course. For details about online private coaching or group lessons for youth and adults, click link in my bio or send an email to <a href=laura@polishedmanners.co.uk. #testimonialtuesday #etiquettecoach #etiquettecoachingcompany #feelinggrateful #etiquette">

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We live in a world where being successful is ...

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Jan 18

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We live in a world where being successful is applauded to a degree that there is so much pressure to excel. Children and young people are encouraged and even supported to be successful which is great, what happens when things don’t go to plan? and they experience failure. They should equally be given the tools and skills to cope when they are not successful. It is important to encourage them to keep trying, to learn from mistakes they might have made, what can they do differently next time? When they lose a match, game or a race, it is important to be gracious by congratulating the winner. Failing a test or exam is not the end of the world. Learning to manage their emotions, perhaps even taking some time out to be alone and using positive affirmations are tools that can help. Experiencing failure sometimes will certainly help build resilience, the support they get from those around them will determine their attitude when they become an adult. I have heard young people say my parents say failure is not an option, that is a huge expectation to place on young shoulders. No one is perfect, being successful at everything is just not a realistic expectation, particularly for young people. #emotionalintelligenceforkids #lifeskillsforkids #successfulmindset

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Aren't children great? Just the picture of ...

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Jan 9

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Aren't children great? Just the picture of politeness and calm all the time. Never rude or messy, always get along with their siblings..ha! Now that would indeed be a strange world.⁣ 💛 We can't expect children to be perfect but there are some basic manners and etiquette children can be taught.⁣ 💛 Saying 'Please', 'Thank you' and You're Welcome. Children can learn these phrases naturally through conversation.⁣ 💛 Greeting people creates a good first impression. Teaching a child how to meet someone for the first time by making correct eye contact, smiling and clearly pronouncing their name are basic things to practice.⁣ 💛 Being kind and showing consideration for others should be encouraged. Basic things like holding doors open, offering someone else that last biscuit (good luck!), waiting for someone to finish their sentence before responding.⁣ 💛 Respect takes many forms and is often overlooked. Respecting older people, along with respecting different beliefs, cultures and races. As children get older, they will need to know how to navigate complex conversations and situations. For example, knowing how to respectfully disagree with someone. Respect is crucial for building and maintaining healthy relationships. 💛 Basic manners and etiquette can be taught through role-play, through conversation and experiences. Children learn the most by copying those around them, so adults being good role models will lay a good foundation. #mannersforkids #parenting #parentsofinsta #parentsofinstagram #etiquetteclass #polishedmannersuk

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Happy New Year everyone. My hope is that this ...

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Jan 3

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Happy New Year everyone. My hope is that this will be a year that you have more to smile about and be grateful for. I think one of the best things we can do is learn lessons from the past and use it to make the future better. With kindness and compassion we can change the world and make it a better place for us all. Remember to be kind to yourself as well, charity as the saying goes begins at home. Have a great 2021. #newyeargoals #newmonthgreetings #newyear2021 #newyearquotes #kindnessrocks #kindnessmatters

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May this new year be filled with joy. May it bring...

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Dec 31

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May this new year be filled with joy. May it bring you good health, peace and happiness. Above all, may it be a year that brings you all your heart desires. Be stronger, be braver, be kinder, be yourself, be unstoppable. #2021goals #2021 #happynewyear #happyholidays2021 #newyearmotivation #newyearquote #polishedmannersuk

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New year's eve is often a cause for ...

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Dec 31

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New year's eve is often a cause for celebration with so many fascinating traditions and customs around the world. ⁣ 🌍⁣ In Scotland December 31st is known as Hogmanay, traditionally, houses are cleaned, it is considered bad luck to welcome the new year in a dirty house. At midnight, people link arms to sing Auld Lang Syne then glasses are raised to toast the New Year.⁣ 🌍⁣ In Spain, New Year's eve is known as Nochevieja, it means old nights. Eating twelve grapes in time with each chime of the clock tower in central Madrid should bring good luck. Each grape and chime represents each month of the year.⁣ 🌍⁣ Some christians around the world would attend a midnight service to usher in the New Year with worship and prayer.⁣ 🌍⁣ Brazilians, other south Americans, Italians and Spaniards believe that the colour of your underwear will help determine your successes in the New Year.⁣ 🌍⁣ Yellow underwear signifies⁣ happiness and good fortune.⁣ Red signifies life and love.⁣ White signifies good health, peace and happiness.⁣ 🌍⁣ Colombians carry an empty suitcase around the block in the hope of a year of travel and adventures. 🌍⁣ In Denmark, people save their old dishes or plates to break at each other's front door. A big pile outside your door shows you have alot of friends.⁣ 🌍⁣ What traditions or culture do you have to celebrate new year's eve?⁣ Please share.🙏🙏 #newyearsevetraditions #culturaletiquette #customsandtraditions #europeanculture #hogmanay #scottishhighlands #nye2020 #spanishculture ⁣

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Tips to toast correctly.⁣
🥂⁣
A ...

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Dec 31

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Tips to toast correctly.⁣ 🥂⁣ A toast is often made to honour or express goodwill and appreciation at an event or occasion towards someone or a group of people.⁣ 🍾⁣ Ensure everyone has a drink, ⁣water and soft drinks is acceptable. It is considered bad luck to toast with an empty glass.⁣ 🥂⁣ Do hold your glass at the stem with your fingers, smaller glasses may require three to hold and the other two to support. ⁣ 🍾⁣ If you are the toast proposer, stand up and get the other guests attention to stand, don't tap your glass with cutlery to get their attention. Then raise your glass and say the toast, finish with the name of the person or people being toasted.⁣ 🥂⁣ Toasts should be light and short no longer than four minutes. ⁣ 🍾⁣ If the toast is in your honour, do not drink to yourself, smile appreciatively, raise your glass to the other guests as an acknowledgement of the toast and say thank you at the end.⁣ 🥂⁣ As a guest, raise your glass when a toast is made, then take a sip of your drink.⁣ Avoid clicking your glass especially when using expensive glassware.⁣ 🍾 Cheers🥂everyone, wishing you all the very best for the new year. Thank you for your support.🙏🙏🙏 #toastingflutes #toastingglasses #etiquettetips #champagne #etiquetteexpert #luxurylifestyle #newyearseveparty #newyearseve

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Champagne is often used as a celebration drink and...

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Dec 30

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Champagne is often used as a celebration drink and a new year's eve is often a cause for celebration.⁣ 🍾⁣ Authentic Champagne is only produced in the Champagne region of France using grapes grown in that region.⁣ Three types of grapes are used to produce most Champagne, they are Pinot noir, Pinot meunier and Chardonnay.⁣ 🍾⁣ To open once the foil and metal cage has been removed. Hold the cork in one hand and the bottle in the other, gently twist the bottle to avoid a pop, done correctly you will get a sigh. ⁣ 🍾⁣ Did you know that vintage Champagne comes from the same year's crop? and is bottle aged for thirty-six months. Vintage bottles have a date on its label.⁣ 🍾⁣ Non-vintage Champagne is produced with crops from different years and is bottle aged for fifteen to eighteen months.⁣ 🍾⁣ Champagne should be served chilled, ideally in a flute that is held by the stem. Holding your glass by the bowl will warm the drink as the temperature of your hand will transfer through the glass Only fill your glass two thirds full.⁣ 🍾⁣ You can tell a good Champagne by the 'mousse' which is the stream of bubbles that create a froth on top.⁣ 🍾⁣ Enjoy your bubbly if this is how you celebrate and welcome the new year. #nye2020 #newyear2020 #newyearseve ⁣#champagne🍾🥂 #champagnelover #celebrations #champagnelife

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"Thank you is a polite expression of ...

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Dec 29

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"Thank you is a polite expression of one's gratitude."⁣ 🙏⁣ Christmas is over and the year draws to an end. It's not too late to send those thank you letters and notes.⁣ 🙏⁣ Take time to express your gratitude, be sincere for gifts received, even if it was not to your liking, for help and support, for friendships, for love and kindness shown. Whatever your reasons are, be sincere and let your choice of words express your gratitude.⁣ 🙏⁣ Children old enough should be encouraged to write their own thank you notes.⁣ 🙏⁣ Avoid starting with 'Thank you,' for example, What a lovely pair of shoes in my favourite colour! Thank you so much, it matches a bag I have....'⁣ ⁣#thankyounoteday #thankyounote #thankyouletters #thankyoultter #etiquettetips

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I wish you all a very Merry Christmas however ...

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Dec 24

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I wish you all a very Merry Christmas however different it might be. "Christmas is a season of great joy: a time for remembering the past and hoping for the future. May the glorious message of peace and love fill you with joy during this season." 🎄 My sincere thanks to all my clients, peers and followers this year. I am filled with gratitude for all your support, those who liked my posts and others who took time to comment. 🎄 Blessings to you all, may the new year bring fresh hopes and bright beginnings.🙏🙏🙏 #christmasgreetings #merrychristmas2020 #festivegreetings #seasonsgreetings2020 #happyholidays2020

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"Feeling gratitude isn't born in us. ...

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Dec 23

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"Feeling gratitude isn't born in us. It's something we are taught and in turn we should teach our Children."⁣ ⁣🎄 It's the perfect time to teach Children about gratitude. It's not just about being grateful for the presents, it's about being thankful and being grateful for each day, good health, having food to eat, a roof over their head and clothes to wear.⁣ ⁣🎁 It's about not complaining about what they don't like or have, being kind and caring and having empathy for those who are less fortunate.⁣ ⁣🎄 As adults, we teach Children what they learn, modelling gratitude, especially how to accept all gifts with gratitude and grace will help avoid ungrateful behaviour. #mannersforchildren #lifeskillsforchildren #gratitudeattitude #gratitudequotes #childrenof_instagram

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It's lovely to see a variety of Christmas ...

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Dec 18

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It's lovely to see a variety of Christmas trees decorated in homes and commercial spaces, but do you ever wonder about how this tradition began?⁣ 🎄⁣ Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband is credited with bringing the tradition of the Christmas tree to England from his native Germany in the 1840's.⁣ ⭐⁣ Traditionally Christmas trees were not set up or hung until the afternoon before Christmas day. The lights on trees were lit on Christmas eve. ⁣ 🎄⁣ As a guide, trees and decorations should go up between 8 to 12 days before Christmas, latest Christmas eve.⁣ ⭐⁣ Trees and decorations should be taken down on the 12th night after Christmas, which is the 5th of January. Any later is considered bad luck.⁣ 🎄⁣ The region you live in often determines the type of evergreen available.⁣ The most common ones are spruces, pines and firs because they are easy to grow.⁣ In the United States of America, there are over 35 different species.⁣ ⭐ I would love to know what your favourite tree decoration is, perhaps one you have had for years. #christmastreedecorations #christmastradition #christmastreedecorating #christmastrees #christmasideas

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I wish you a week filled with goodness, this quote...

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Dec 13

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I wish you a week filled with goodness, this quote simplifies etiquette. It's about treating others with goodness. #goodnessinyou #goodmanners #newweekgoals #goldenruleofcivility #newweek #polishedmannersuk

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Registration is open for our fun and interactive ...

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Dec 12

laura@polishedmanners.co.uk.<br> #childrensetiquette #childrensactivity #childrensactivities<br> #etiquetteforkids<br> #parentsofinstagram" data-video="" data-carousel="" data-id="sbi_18148941811103312" data-user="polishedmannersuk" data-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CItO7e9F89q/" data-avatar="" data-account-type="business"> Open
Registration is open for our fun and interactive course for Children aged 6 plus to improve their social skills and confidence. ⁣ Our new extended six week online course via Zoom will empower them to feel confident in social situations. They will learn about polite communication, good posture, positive self-esteem, table manners and meeting new people. Included is a series of fun animation programmes and activities that will help develop and sharpen their social and emotional skills. ⁣ ⁣ This weekly course starts on Saturday 9th January and finishes on Saturday 13th February 2021.⁣ ⁣ Time: 16.00 - 16.45pm GMT.⁣ ⁣ Investment: £135.00, early booking discount available until 26th December.⁣ ⁣ Sibling discount available, visit www.polishedmanners.co.uk for full course details and registration or send an email to <a href=laura@polishedmanners.co.uk. #childrensetiquette #childrensactivity #childrensactivities #etiquetteforkids #parentsofinstagram">

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Etiquette and social skills training is an ...

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Dec 12

laura@polishedmanners.co.uk.<br> #etiquetteclass #etiquetteclasses #etiquetteschool #britishetiquette #softskills" data-video="" data-carousel="" data-id="sbi_17896789834711731" data-user="polishedmannersuk" data-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CIsR7hGl0yQ/" data-avatar="" data-account-type="business"> Open
Etiquette and social skills training is an important addition to your teenager's skillset.⁣ ⁣ This new extended six week Zoom online course will empower teenagers to feel more confident in how they present themselves, how they communicate with others, their online manners and digital footprint. Included is a series of fun animation programmes and activities that will help develop and sharpen their social and emotional skills. ⁣ ⁣ This weekly course starts on Saturday 9th January and finishes on Saturday 13th February 2021.⁣ ⁣ Time: 17.15 - 18.15pm GMT.⁣ ⁣ Investment: £150.00, early booking discount available until 26th December.⁣ ⁣ Sibling discount also available, please visit www.polishedmanners.co.uk for full course details and registration or send an email to <a href=laura@polishedmanners.co.uk. #etiquetteclass #etiquetteclasses #etiquetteschool #britishetiquette #softskills">

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Hanukkah sameach! to everyone celebrating.
...

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Dec 10

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Hanukkah sameach! to everyone celebrating. The Jewish festival of lights starts today and ends on the 18th of December. "Hanukkah is a festival that "reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem." The celebration was instituted by Judas Maccabeus in 165 BC to commemorate his victory over Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king who had invaded Judaea and tried to outlaw Judaism. The festival is celebrated by lighting the menorah each night, reciting special prayers, and eating delicious foods." #festivaloflights #judaism #hanukkah #jewishfood #jewishfestival #festivals #celebrations #polishedmannersuk