About Fleming Allaire, Ph.D., a.k.a Dr. Manners (TM). Expertise As an author, educator, newspaper columnist and trainer in the field of manners and etiquette, I am able to answer questions on every aspect of social etiquette and good manners. I cover adult and children`s manners,introductions, dining skills, verbal and written communication (including e-mail, cell phone and regular telephone etiquette), tipping, weddings, travel, births, death and funerals, proper attire for every occasion, office etiquette, invitations, entertaining, the roles of a host and a guest, thank you notes, family life, interviews, gift-giving, graduations, good grooming, disabled persons, hotels,school manners, good sportsmanship,respect, manners in public places( the theater, movies, church, shopping, restaurants, etc.), being a good neighbor, and being considerate of others.
Experience I am the originator of national Children's Good Manners Month (September) and founder of The Good Manners Club. My school program "Manners Do Matter" is used successfully throughout the United States.
I teach manners and etiquette at the University of Connecticut, Central Connecticut State University, United Technologies Corporation, Cigna Corporation and The Archdiocese of Hartford Catholic Schools.
I wrote and recorded my Dr. Manners' Moments for Radio Disney, which aired for nearly two years. I was a regular contributor on WVIT-TV NBC30 during 2002 and 2003. I was a regular etiquette expert on WTIC (Radio)for nearly 3 years. I have been interviewed by radio stations, television stations, newspapers and other publications around the world. I recently appeared in an episode of the television show Survival Guide, on the Fine Living Network on Personal Etiquette and am a consultant for the Network. I was asked to write an article for The New York Times on Manners and Etiquette for the Summer, which was published on Sunday, May 16, 2004.
I have visited dozens of schools, public and private; worked with The Girl Scouts; various community groups (including Chambers of Commerce and Senior Citizen Groups); church groups,and more.
I am a former elementary school principal and a former elementary school teacher.
Additionally, I have authored several books and booklets on manners and etiquette.
I have been a manners advice newspaper columnist for nine years.
My education includes:
Ph.D. in Education, LaSalle University;
Administrator Certification, Sacred Heart University;
Teacher Certification, Central Connecticut State University;
B.A. in English, Nazareth College of Rochester;
Etiquette Consultant Certification
Expert: Fleming Allaire, Ph.D., a.k.a Dr. Manners (TM). - 10/21/2004
Question Recently something has been bothering me about group conversations. I don't know how to react or handle the situation when I'm speaking with an individual within a larger group and others within the group, without regard to the conversation that's taking place, shout either my name or the name of the person I'm speaking to, in order to interrupt. I'm worried that if I acknowledge that other person, the first person I'm speaking to will take offence. What's the best way to handle this?
Answer Dear Mr. Vernon,
There is a tactic that I have used for years that really works well with any age group, when others are trying to interrupt during a conversation.
Here is what to do. Continue to give eye contact to the person you are presently conversing with and continue to talk. Do not turn to look at the interrupter. Instead put your hand up in that person's direction, as if you were verbally saying "Please, wait for a moment." If you stop your present conversation and look at the interrupter, he or she will have successfully managed to interrupt you, which is rude. By not looking at the interrupter, he or she will get the message to wait until you have finished conversing.
Thank you for writing and much success.
Best regards,
Fleming Allaire, Ph.D.
"Dr. Manners"
