I would like to thank all the various organizations, schools, parents, and students that have provided me with wonderful testimonials.
By bringing Manners Talk ™ Etiquette and Social Life Skills training program into the lives of children and teenagers we continue, and in many cases begin, the process of developing kind, respectful, well-mannered, empathic, and respectful young people.
A civil society depends upon our children and teenagers having good manners, learning how to make appropriate choices, and understanding the consequences of rude, inconsiderate and destructive behavior.
An abundance of gratitude for your generosity in sharing your Manners Talk ™ First Impressions Are Lasting Impressions Etiquette Program with the young mothers of St. Ann's Infant and Maternity Home. Your presence at St. Ann's enriched our teen mothers' lives in ways that have not only taught them etiquette but have helped build their self-esteem by exposing them to a world and way of living with which they are not familiar.
Your spirited presence allowed you to engage and connect with our girls. Each topic was brought to a meaningful level for the participants. Thanks to you, our girls have been exposed to etiquette focused on meals, telephone conversations, employment and workplace, dress, and so much more.
Your success in reaching our young mothers can be attributed to your teaching style. You took young women with histories of poor school performance and engaged them in learning process by making them active learners through debate, role playing and projects You've give them an opportunity to advance their lives so that both they and their children have a better chance for a hope-filled life.
Thank you for being part of the '"big village" that is actively working to raise two generations of children.
Sister Mary Bader, CEO
St. Ann's Infant and Maternity Home
Hyattsville, Maryland
Manners Talk™ First Impressions Are Lasting Impressions provided our teen mothers with a three month in-depth training of various etiquette practices that raised their self confidence, show them how to be at ease in unfamiliar situations and the appropriate tools for making good choices in life.
Ms. Fleming provided a curriculum that covered a board range of topics, such as, proper introductions, appropriate attire, good table manners, skillful conversations, and important interviewing techniques.
She was not only patient, kind and lighthearted but highly engaged with the girls. She fueled their imagination by bringing insightful and eye opening lessons on "why" proper manners and relevant social life skills were vital to their current status and future adulthood.
Each class was a building block upon the one before, purposeful and pertinent to the everyday challenges facing teen mothers. And because of Vicki's own sensitivity, endless dedication, and unwavering focus, she succeeded in opening their 'hearts and minds" and establishing their trust.
The Manners Talk™ First Impressions Are Lasting Impressions Etiquette Program was a wonderful gift to St. Ann's. Her presence brought encouragement and an opportunity to help improve the lives of young mothers.
She was an inspiration to not only our girls but to staff members who saw and felt her dedication.
Peggy Gatewood, COO
St. Ann's Infant and Maternity Home
Hyattsville, Maryland
Manners Talk ™ First Impressions Are Lasting Impressions Etiquette classes were alot of fun. Ms. Fleming was joyful and really listened well to what we had to say. Her classes helped me to think differently about my manners. And, I also learned the need to know how and when to say "NO" in different situations and
in the appropriate fashion.
Student, 18
Manners Talk™ First Impressions Are Lasting Impression Etiquette classes has given me more confidence. I now have a more positive attitude. I feel like I can walk down the street with confidence or go on a job interview feel professional. I feel like I am a "better" young lady. Now, I know how to speak more comfortably with strangers and handle introductions." Student, 18
Vicki Fleming worked with a small group of young women at The Next Step Public Charter School during our summer program The Next Step is a bilingual GED program designed for students who have attended school in the United States or who have not
been successful in traditional public schools. We serve youth between the ages of 15 and 24.
Ms Fleming came to us highly recommended by the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) and she presented her business, Manners Talk™ First Impressions Are Lasting Impressions Etiquette Program, with enthusiasm and great ideas for our young women.
Our youth enjoyed working with Ms. Fleming and she is a highly motivated individual who believes strongly in her mission. Ms Fleming wants to make a difference in the lives of young women today and she is taking that on "one girl' at a time.
Susan Espinoza, Principal
The Next Step Public Charter School
Washington, DC
Manners Talk™ First Impressions Are Lasting Impressions Etiquette Program, taught me that if I show people that I have good manners they will treat me differently. I learned what you wear is important.
She also taught me that saying "No" should not be a problem, that sometimes people should be told "No" especially when you don't trust them. I really enjoyed the "Table Manners" and the "Dining Role Playing" exercises and I have learned what it means to use "Tact and Discretion." Student, 20
Thank you for conducting a tailored version of Manners Talk tm with the residents of the Teen Bridge Program for Females with LAYC (Latin American Youth Center).
Through your curriculum, you were able to bring the skills and life lessons to our girls, many of whom never learned these basics at a young age.
Due to the traumas associated with foster care, many of our youth never received the basics in social skills that are so important and critical throughout any adult life. By conducting your workshops with them, they were at least able to received a glimpse of the types of acceptable behaviours that they will need as they age out of the foster care system and enter the world as independent adults.
You were persistent, energetic, funny, and most of all patient. You were direct with the girls, letting them know your intentions and imany ways, keeping them focused on the overall goals of the program. But you made it fun, relevant, and interesting.
Never once did I feel like you lectured our girls; you instead gave them the freedom and space to express themselves, make mistakes, and explore the skills that you taught them in each session.
I want to thank you again for all that you have done.
Sandhya Narayanan, Youth Developer
Teen Bridge Program for Females
LAYC (Latin American Youth Wash, DC
Copyright 2011 Manners Talk™ Etiquette for Children and Teenagers.
All Rights Reserved.
Washington D.C.
(202) 409-9211 | vfleming@yourmannerstalk.com
Call: 202-409-9211
For four weeks, six second graders from Mr. White's class at Neval Thomas underwent a "MANNERS TALK tm" session with Ms. Vicki Fleming. The children were entranced to say the least and hated to see it end. They came away much better prepared to "face the demands of society" so to speak, and it was done in an entertaining and fun way.
I would like to recommend Ms. Fleming for any future "SUMMER READ" programs we might have or any type of childrens' program. She is very much in touch with today's youth (including our young adults).
The session that she did for us was "pro bono" but I would like to see her talents put to good use and have her "spread the wealth" so to speak. If we can see the way clear to utilize this very talented lady in some capacity and perhaps pay back some of what she did for our kids at Neval Thomas, it would be much appreciated and the rewards would be felt by all involved. I highly recommend her.
Christy Pryor, Children's Librarian
Dorothy Height/Benning Branch Library, Washington, DC
It was a pleasure to work with Ms. Fleming over a four week period. She instructed children from various backgrounds and family cultures from the Dorothy I. Height/Benning Road Library Community. As a result of her training, the children were exposed to a new world of manners and the importance of them in today’s society.
Time and again, Ms. Fleming demonstrated to me that she is an exceptional and gifted trainer of children. In my opinion, she is the perfect model for a teacher/coach in mastery of etiquette training. She is a highly dedicated professional who knows how to motivate her students to strive for excellence.
Both in the classroom and in person, Ms. Fleming is a dynamic communicator who possesses the art of being able to make etiquette and manner subjects understandable. And in spite of these formidable gifts, she is a humble and approachable person who loves to share her experience and knowledge with others and her students in particular.
I would recommend Ms. Fleming for future programming in every one of our library facilities not only during the summer months but all year around.
In closing, it is with sincere conviction that I enthusiastically recommend that Vicki Fleming be selected to come to your facility for both private and public training to display her talents and professionalism.
Winnell M. Montague
Branch Manager
Dorothy I. Height/Benning Branch Library
Washington, DC
During the spring of the 2011-2012 school year my second grade class was fortunate to be selected to participate in etiquette training facilitated by Ms. Vicki Fleming of Manners Talk. This training provided the students the opportunity to learn about the importance of practicing good manners and etiquette daily.
The training provided by "Ms. Vicki" allowed the students to infuse what they learned into our daily classroom interactions. They demonstrated an improved sense of patience and cooperation.
The students held discussions about the importance of looking at each other when talking. They also were observed saying thank you and you're welcome with greater frequency.
I truly enjoyed seeing the transformation the children demonstrated as a result of the training provided by Manners Talk and "Ms. Vicki."
The learning experiences through the training provided by "Ms. Vicki" demonstrated a total commitment to the social and emotional growth of young children. I strongly recommend Manners Talk to any person or organization seeking to improve the social and emotional well being of young children.
Michael White, M.Ed.
2nd Grade Teacher
Neval Thomas Elementary School
Washington, DC
I observed Vicki Fleming instruct a class of third graders and she was simply wonderful. Vicki was engaging and entertaining, yet direct and the class was very structured. She really did make learning about proper etiquette enjoyable for the kids.
One of my favorite things that she did was she had everyone in the class put a blue sticker on their forehead between their eyes in order to remind the youth about making eye contact with whomever they are speaking with. I thought that was just such a smart and innovative idea.
After observing Vicki Fleming’s coaching style I signed my youth organization right up for an etiquette workshop with her. Our kids loved it and responded to her very well.
We definitely hope to work with Vicki Fleming again in the future.
Nicole Harrison, Senior Mentor Coordinator
BEST Kids, Inc.
I work for an out-of-school time, academic enrichment program in Washington D.C. Vicki Fleming came to our center and conducted a wonderful seminar on table manners and proper introductions with a group of our 7th and 8th graders.
The session was expertly delivered, down to every detail. The cafeteria table was set as it would be at a dinner party so that our scholars could participate interactively.
She made sure that every scholar practiced making eye contact and that they had a firm handshake.
Vicki was very intentional in her lesson and was so patient and attentive with all of our scholars. We are so grateful to Vicki for providing our scholars with such an enriching experience and such important life skills!
Laura Callow, Scholar Support and Services
Higher Achievement-DC Metro
Thanks so much for all the professionalism, dedication and flexibility you shared with our children in the after school enrichment program.
The parents and children so enjoyed your innovative approach to facilitating sessions focused on manners, bullying, and basics in personally interacting with civility.
The children benefited greatly from working with a professional, caring adult, who treated them with respect, and a great sense of humor. It has been a joy seeing their excitement when you arrive each day.
Your program content, and personal work ethic and style have been a great addition to our program. We hope to be able to include your workshops in the future.
Carlyn Nelson, Partner - Bridge Extended Day Program
SWW @ Logan Annex, 215 G Street NE, Washington, DC
My 7 year old twins have been a bit challenging at meal times being silly, complaining about what I have prepared, and generally not sitting still. Vicki came to my house for a 2 hour workshop with my twins and 3 other second graders. She was well prepared, professional, and kept the children both laughing and focused for the entire time. Vicki taught them how to set the table, appropriate dinner conversation, and polite ways to handle it if you do not care for what is being served. Since Vicki did the class, my twins have, with a few slip ups, been pleasant and appropriate during meals. They also alternate setting the table. We put up the table setting chart on our wall to use as a guide. We are pleased with the results and would consider additional classes in the future.
Private Home Tutorial Workshop, Kim Zarish-Bucknell (Parent)
