In today’s fast-paced world, one who masters the art of etiquette masters his world. Recently, I had the privilege of engaging in a discussion with two esteemed educators from a masterclass dedicated to mastering these essential social skills.  With a wealth of experience and a passion for teaching, the duo shed light on the nuances of etiquette, revealing that this extends far beyond dining and professional communication; it is about embodying empathy, kindness and respect.  

Raising our sense of self-awareness through mindfulness in our everyday behaviour can enhance our interactions and build stronger connections. Join me as we delve into their insights, exploring how proper etiquette can transform our relationships and our understanding of dynamics across diverse generational groups.

“Etiquette is fundamentally about treating others with empathy, kindness and respect. Raising our sense of self-awareness through mindfulness in our everyday behaviour can enhance our interactions and build stronger connections. It is important to build your personal and professional aspects and improve your confidence.”

TransformU Consultant Dammi Peiris, a UK-certified etiquette trainer with experience in large corporations and the airline industry, shared her experience: “I started off as a market researcher with a leading FMCG and later joined the airline industry where I perfected the finer points of etiquette and service.  I have been conducting workshops since 2011, mostly for young adults in universities and corporations. With years of experience, as a mother, grandmother, and career-oriented woman, I realized there was a void and gap that needs to be bridged in today’s education to give the future generations a pièce de resistance to master themselves and their environment. Together with our collective experiences, Niroshi and I felt we could share our intergenerational knowledge to give the younger generations as well as corporates the support they need to navigate their personal and professional spheres.”

Niroshi Embuldeniya is a UK-qualified economist, banker and a top educationist.  She has lived and worked on three continents and brings an international perspective to guide the younger generation to fit into a global environment.  After becoming a mum of 3, she shifted her career to education as she is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children aged 0 to 12 years.  She works with children and parents to help improve their lives by focusing on early childhood development as well as helping older kids build their resilience and life skills.

 “I started a programme called Mums and Bubs 10 years ago, to work with parents during the crucial period of 0 to 3 years when brain development is at its peak. This is the period that lays the foundation for future learning and behaviour. We work on whole-brain development activities, emotional bonding, and building healthy habits. We also offer sports development programs for kids aged 3 to 12 years through Young Kickers and Young Hoopers, as well as Mindfulness programs for Kids & Teens. For parents, we conduct courses in Family & Paediatric First Aid as well as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programmes.

Together, Dammi Peiris and Niroshi Embuldeniya bring different perspectives from the older and younger generations to the etiquette masterclass, making it inspiring and life-enhancing. 

The Course - Transform U
In this course, they value the strengths of the older generation and modernise them with the new generation, creating an amalgamation of ideas and experiences that suit today’s world.

“Children, teenagers, young professionals, and corporate management can benefit from this course which teaches etiquette and life skills with a global outlook. ‘Transform U’ is about transforming your mindset, your relationships, and the environment around you. “Key components of this course will be the Art of Relationships, Art of Conversation, Art of Dining, Personal Presentation, Professional Etiquette and Digital Etiquette. Cyber behaviour in particular will be covered separately because online interactions should reflect the same standards of conduct as face-to-face interactions,” says Niroshi Embuldeniya.

“Other programs within the ‘Transform U’ series will include Personal Financial Management, Organizational Skills, CV and Interview Skills and Home Economics including cooking delicious meals, which will equip the younger generation with essential skills to fill the gap between school and real life”, adds Niroshi 

“Instead of pushing our children into the competition, we need to teach them that the future is in collaboration”.

Niroshi says, “Instead of pushing our children into the competition, we need to teach them that the future is in collaboration. The more we collaborate, the more we can work to achieve our goals. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is there for everything now, and with regenerative AI, the workspace of the future is going to change beyond present comprehension.  Therefore, understanding that the future of education is not just in gathering information but in using this information to improve our lives is important. What cannot be emulated by AI is the human factor. The biggest part we can do as educators is to secure our children’s future by enhancing our humanity. 

“What cannot be emulated by AI is the human factor. The biggest part we can do as educators is to secure our children’s future by enhancing our humanity and resilience. Etiquette and mindfulness is a solution to this”.

The educators' insights highlight the profound impact that respectful interactions can have on our personal and professional lives. In this course, by blending traditional etiquette with a strong emphasis on empathy-inspired conduct, they provide a roadmap for fostering genuine connections in a rapidly changing world.

Pics Waruna Wanniarachchi