MODULE OVERVIEW

Module 6: Good Manners and Decorum

Knowledge of good manners add to one’s self-confidence and is of great help

in developing one’s personality. Those who practice good manners are poised and at
ease. Manners are the ways of conducting oneself. People expect us to have good
manners or to observe decorum at home, in school, in the office, in church, in the
movie house, and in other public places.
In this chapter, we will be learning the different kinds of etiquettes and decorum, the
areas when and where it will occur, and how it should be used in a right and exact
way.
Module Objectives:

At the end of the module, you should be able to:

 Explain why these conventional rules exist in every areas and environment in
every period of time
 Give the different motives of etiquettes and decorum as to how it is important
to the environment to occur
 Relate and integrate your current practices of etiquettes and decorum to the
existing norms, areas and perspectives of the moving society

This module discussed the following lessons:

Module 6 – Good Manners and Decorum
Lesson 1 – Manners in a common environment
Lesson 2 – Manners in public place

Let’s start!
 Manners in a common environment
Lesson 1

Objectives:

 Describe actions that displays manners and decorum

 Discuss the reasons and the different factors behind the occurrence of
manners and decorum in common environments
 Generate situations that shows manners and decorum from common
environments
Time Frame: 3.5 hours

Introduction:

For the past lessons we’ve been equipping ourselves through discussing our
developments, relationships and communication. These are the major factors that
will help us to build manners to interact with the society. All the things we’ve
discussed will be applied, our characters and habits will manifest through such thing
called manners. In this lesson, we will going to learn the basic manners that can help
us to become a better person, manners that a person usually do in some common
environment and groups and actions that enables us to become professional looking
citizen as we will be deploying ourselves to the society. So what are you waiting for,
let’s proceed!
 S
Activity: Crossword
Directions: Complete the crossword puzzle by
determining the different components (good manners) of
what the given pictures portray.

E I

O R

Horizontal:

4. 7. 10.
6.

Vertical:

1. 2. 3.

5. 8.
Analysis:

Directions: Read each question carefully.

1. Why manners and decorum occur?

Manners and decorum occur for a lot of reasons.  As society changes sometimes,
they make less sense, but at some point, there was usually a good reason behind
why they existed in the first place
2. How do manners being identified as good or bad? Do history and culture a
factor of existence, why?
We can identify the manner if it is good or bad by observing it and thinking
what will be the result of this manners or actions I do. Yes, history and culture
are one of the factors of existence because this manner inherit to us from our
ancestors.

3. Why is it that manners and decorum is different in every areas and

environment where a person is in?
It is different in every areas and environment because as people we need to
know if our manners really fit in that particular areas or environment.

4. Does having a good manners and decorum to oneself considered a factor for
other people to possess such?
Yes, because having this positive manners can make other insecure and they
intend to copy you that is why they are starting possessing their self.

Abstraction:

The phrase “good manners” encompasses many things. It includes

gentleness, modesty, and dignity. It is neatness and correctness of dress in the
home and in society. It is saying the right word at the proper time and proper place. It
includes several forms of kindness like hospitality and tolerance.
Decorum is propriety and good taste in behaviour, speech, dress, etc. One
who observes decorum can gain the respect of others and is admired by those
around him.

Manners in the Family

The Filipino family is close-knit. However, even though the family may be close-
knit, each members is entitled to his full share privacy.
  Parents violate their children’s privacy by opening letters addressed to their
children. Young people also violate their parents’ privacy when they rummage
through personal belongings in search of shoes, jewellery, neckties, cuff links,
or other articles they wish to use.
 Every member of the family should have the privilege of entertaining his or her
friends with a minimum of interference from the rest of the family unless the
occasion is a family affair.
 Reply courteously to parents or to older members.
 Use the magic words “excuse me,” “sorry,” and “please” as the need arises.
 Never use others’ personal belongings, for the sake of personal hygiene.
 Le your parents or at least a family member know when you have to leave.
 Avoid interrupting a conversation.
 Never shout when something is being discussed.

Table Manners
Good manners are a mark of a well-bred person. Good manners at the table
differentiate a civilized person from an uncivilized one. At the table, good manners
make meals more pleasant for others. There are three general rules that govern
acceptable conduct at the table.
 Be thoughtful and considerate of others
 Handle your table equipment correctly
 Eat quietly, without attracting attention without being offensive to others
 Everyone should come to the table properly groomed
 Come to the table promptly when called

Modesty
Modesty is moderation in taste, in movement and in words. One who has
these traits is considered a decent person. Young girls should know that decent girls
are what decent men are looking for especially when it comes to choosing a lifetime
partner.
 Wear simple and appropriate clothing at all occasions
 Speaks well in a well-modulated voice
 Refrains from boasting or bragging of her influential relatives, friends and
acquaintances
 Does not use foul words in group conversation
 Does not comb her hair nor cut/file her nails in public

On Taking a Public/Private Vehicle

Discipline is an important part of life whether it is discipline at home, in school,
in the street or in the community; it is a person’s obligation to observe discipline for
the sake of peace and harmony.
 When riding a jeepney, wait for it at the PUJ loading and unloading shed
 When a PUJ stops, let the passengers come down first before you get in to
the jeepney
  Pay your fare before getting off
 A lady is assisted by her male companion in getting into a car, a taxi, or a bus

Manners in Dating
When a fellow asks for a date, he should word his invitation in such a way that
the girl can refuse or accept easily. Dating enables a boy and a girl to know each
other. They will be able to observe each other’s manners, attitudes and habits. As
long as dating is confined within the norms of proper conduct, it will serve a good
purpose.
 Punctuality should be observed
 Respect the ideas of your date
 Show correct courtesy to your date
 Select the right topics for conversation which are interesting for both of you
 Observe proper grooming and dressing

Manners in the Comfort Room

The comfort room is the place to check on how we look. It must be kept
sanitary all the time. Inside the comfort,
 Don’t talk or laugh wildly, especially when you are with your friends
 Unless you can’t control your bladder, give way if you see a teacher/ a
superior. It is an act of courtesy and respect, to them as well
 When you are combing your hair or powdering your face in front of the mirror,
be sure not to block the view of others
 If the comfort room is crowded, wait for your turn
 Don’t vandalize in any part of the comfort room
Telephone Manners
The ability to converse will is an important asset. Being able to talk pleasantly
and intelligently with people gives one an opportunity for friendship and chances for
success in one’s life. That is why you should do your best to make that conversation
as pleasant and as courteous as expected of you.
 Never shout when using the telephone
 Greet the one you are calling
 The caller should identify himself first
 Modulate your voice and be articulate
 In carrying on a telephone conversation you should remember that your voice
is the only thing that conveys what you say

Application: Decomics Example:

Direction: Make a comic that
shows good manners and decorum.
Draw with a minimum of 9 windows,
minimum of 2 characters, and
maximum of 3 setting (place and time).
Also create a title to your comic.

Source:https://images.app.goo.gl/CeRWYWFDJ6QmiieJ6
MIND HEART HAND

What did I remember? What did I feel? How can I apply this in
What did I Understand? What did I Internalize? the future?
What steps will I do to
change my past actions?

Closure:
Cheers, we’re almost at the peak, but before we set a good ending let’s just
continue our discussion about manners and decorum, ciao!

Manners in public places

Lesson 2
Objectives:
 Create a picture that shows good manners
 Explain various motives and underlying factors of the different conventional
rules or manners that exist in some public places
 List down your own conventional rules based on the actions you behave in
some public places
Time Frame: 3.5 hours

Introduction:

As we proceed, common environments are not just the only settings we are
ought to have manners, but also to some public places too. In this last lesson, we will
continue our discussion about manners, but now, we will zoom in to every specific
places mostly people are in, the public places. So give your best shot for the last and
let’s go!
Activity: Paint it right v.3
Direction: Make a scenario based on the words that is being given, choose and
underline at least 10 words that must be used through drawing. Explain your
drawing as to what do you want to convey.

Explain:
Words:
School Brave Trees Dating
Home Courteous Clouds Church
Respect Helpful Mountains Family
Pray Kind Sea Vehicles
Sun Playing Classroom Flag
Analysis:

Directions: Read each question carefully. Keep your answers concise.

1. What do you think are the primary causes why these conventional rules exist
particularly in some public places?
Culture because it is part of our culture as Filipino this conventional rule is part of the
treasure our ancestor inherits to us.
2. How should an individual identify when and why these conventional rules is
necessary to be expressed well?
Because this conventional rule it very necessary to expressed well for us to
become more respectful at all time in every place and every time as well,
3. What would be the underlying factors that can help a person have the reasons to
create and acquire manners and decorum?
It’s because manners and decorum are recognized predictors of success in life, they're
worth nurturing and we need to acquire it for as to become a better person.

4. Does having a good manners and decorum to oneself considered a factor for
other people to possess such?
Yes, because having this positive manner can make other insecure and they
intend to copy you that is why they are starting possessing their self.
Abstraction:

No matter where you go, no matter what you do, when you are in public places
there are reasons for the practice of good etiquette. Because different people have
different ideas on what is acceptable behavior in public places, it is a good idea to know
some specific boundaries and guidelines to follow that are not considered offensive to
most people. Although not everything you do will please everybody, it is a good idea to
not offend the majority of those around you. These are some guidelines that you might
use in public places and sure it will goes well.

Manners in Public Places

In the Street. The street is a public place. Hence, when we are there we are
expected to behave.
 Don’t attract attention of you are in the street or elsewhere in public; be careful
not to talk loudly
 Exposing your private feelings, or inner most thoughts in public is not proper
 Avoid eating while walking in the street
 Behave properly when passing or meeting a funeral
 When friends approach each other, the one who recognizes the other first is the
first who nods, smiles, or speaks, whether he be a man or woman
Inside the Church. The church is a place of worship. It is a formal, quiet place. It is
not a place for socializing or meeting one’s friends.
 Boisterous behaviour and unnecessary chatting are not proper in the church
  Focus your attention on the alter
 Being a formal place, appropriate dressing is a must
 Punctuality is a must as much as participation in activities
 Participate actively, but do not attract attention by praying too loudly or singing at
the top of your voice
 Do not allow the children to play while inside the church
 Finish the ceremony before leaving the church
In Assemblies. An assembly is a gathering of intellectuals where learning is
acquired from resource persons who share their expertise, training and experiences.
Some important points to observe are:
 Observe silence and be a good listener in order to understand what the speaker
is saying
 Share ideas if needed
 Don’t move about in the hall while the talk is going on because it is very
disturbing on the part of the speaker
 Don’t leave the hall while the discussion or speech is going on
 Clap your hands to signify appreciation or approval of the speaker’s ideas
Hotels and Restaurants. People who take their meals in restaurants are decent
people. Your behaviour actuations will speak for the kind of breeding you have.
 Call the waiter properly by waiting for the waiter to notice your table and ask him
what you want
 Don’t engage in loud conversation
 While waiting for someone, order a drink to keep you busy on the table
 Make inquiries politely at the information desk
 If you need a reservation, wait 2-3 days in advance, and pay reservation fees if
required
Fiestas. Fiestas are commonly celebrated in provinces. This is one cultural
celebration being preserved by Filipinos. Fiestas are occasions for family celebrations
and family members who live far to come home to join their families.
 Be friendly with the hostess and other guests.
 Extend a helping hand with the hostess if necessary
 Wear appropriate clothes for the occasion
 Don’t take food to your home unless the hostess offers you some
 Bring a gift for the hostess when you are invites to the fiesta
Formal Reunions. This occasion is held to renew relationships among old friends
and to know how each one is progressing in life.
 Traditionally, younger members show respect to the elders by kissing their hands
  Younger people should make sure that the elders feel comfortable
 Participate in the program if there is any by doing your number
 Be hospitable to everyone
 A “thank you” note should follow after the occasion
In the Debut. This is a formal affair where every detail of the celebration is planned and
well-prepared. The attires of the guests are also formal. One flaw in terms of manners
will spoil the entire affair.
 Be sure you receive an invitation
 Greet the celebrant upon entering the place
 Feel at ease and relaxed
 Bring a gift for the debutant
 Extend your best wishes and thanks to the celebrator
In a Wedding Ceremony. Just like a debut, this is also a formal affair. Guests should
observe etiquette strictly.
 A gift is a must for the newly-weds
 Consider the ceremony ass a solemn affair
 Punctuality in a wedding ceremony is important
 Sit at the proper place and wait until you are served
 Converse in a soft voice
Application: Me
Your personal conventional rules Areas / Environment
Ex.
 We do gestures (pagmamano) Family
to our parents every 6pm

-I used to great them always when I Family

arrive at home like (magandang gabi
ma/pa)

I don’t put your legs in the chairs while Table

eating
I always asking for excuses at all times Public/Private Vehicle
(Makikiraan po)

I avoid touching my nose and do Dating

unnecessary things like tapping my
nose it is annoying.

Comfort Room
I sit on bowl sit like a king not a from.

Telephone
I used to minimize my voice

I always avoid myself using cellphone In the Street

it will cause an accident.
 Inside the Church
I always pay always attention.

I Keep in silent and listen to the In Assemblies

speaker.

Hotels and Restaurants

I ask gently and politely to the staff.

Fiestas
I Don’t leave my use plate anywhere

Keeping myself in one side and keep Formal Reunions

myself in formal.

In the Debut /
I always bring gift for newly wed. In a Wedding Ceremony
 Directions: Fill the table by matching your personal conventional rules (manners
and decorum) in the different environment you are exposed to. Write at least 5 points in
every area. Write in bullet form.
Closure:
 Congratulations, you have just finished the race, I know you learn
something about manners, and hoping that you will continue to equip what you
had learn in this course, God bless!

Module Assessment:

Direction: Read each item carefully and use your notebook to write your answers. Write
only the letter of the correct answer.

1. It is the set of rules in polite society, usually in the form of an ethical code that
delineates the expected and accepted social behaviors that accord with the
conventions and norms observed by a society, a social class, or a social group.
a. attitude c. law
b. personality d. etiquette
2. George is in 1st year college. He struggles with bringing his assignment notebook
back and forth to school.  Which quality is George lacking?
a. tolerance c. respect
b. responsibility d. kindness
3. The students will never reach the project goal if they don't ________. 
a. show citizenship c. cooperate with each other
b. listen  d. respect their parents
4. Jill just got her driver’s license!! She has always been a good ________ so she
will make sure to follow all the traffic laws.
a. student c. listener
b. teacher d. citizen
5. Tommy sees that another student dropped books and is struggling to pick them
up.  Tommy decided to sit there and laugh at the student.  What characteristic is
Tommy lacking? 
a. kindness c. honesty
b. tolerance d. thrifty
6. _________ is showing consideration, understanding, and regard for people,
places, and things. 
a. responsibility c. tolerance
b. respect d. kindness
7. Jolene broke a vase that was sitting on her teacher’s desk.  When the teacher
asked the class who had broken it Jolene sat in silence.  Jolene is lacking which
quality? 
a. responsibility c. honesty
b. kindness d. tolerance
 8. Malik really wants some chocolate but his doctor said to cut out junk food due to
high cholesterol.  Malik chooses an apple instead.  Malik is showing good
__________.  
a. honesty c. kindness
b. tolerance d. self-control 
9. Mrs. Pearls’ students continue to break classroom rules. Mrs. Pearls chooses to
remain calm and simply try new strategies to help the students comply. Mrs.
Pearls is showing great _________.
a. tolerance c. honesty
b. kindness d. responsibility
10. What environment do manners usually begin?
a. school c. home
b. streets d. friend’s house
Directions: Write TRUE if the statement/s is correct but if it’s false, change the word/s or
group of words that set the given sentence/s incorrect to make it true.

1. The church is a place of worship. It is a formal, quiet place. It is not a place for
socializing or meeting one’s friends.

2. In Fiestas, don’t take food to your home when the hostess offers you some.

3. In debut, feel at ease and relaxed.

4. In a Wedding Ceremony, just like a debut, this is also a formal affair. Guests
should observe etiquette strictly. Converse in a loud voice.

5. Formal Reunions is held to renew relationships among old friends and to

know how each one is progressing in life. Traditionally, younger members
show respect to the elders by kissing their hands.

6. Being able to talk pleasantly and intelligently with people gives one an
opportunity for friendship and chances for success in one’s life. That is why
you should do your best to make that conversation as vague and as
courteous as expected of you.

7. The comfort room is the place to check on how we look. It must be kept
sanitary all the time. Inside the comfort, unless you can’t control your bladder,
give way if you see a teacher/ a superior. It is an act of courtesy and respect,
to them as well.

8. As long as dating is confined without the norms of proper conduct, it will serve
a good purpose.
 9. Modesty is moderation in taste, in movement and in words. One who has
these traits is considered an unsatisfactory person.

10. Every member of the family should have the privilege of entertaining his or
her friends with a maximum of interference from the rest of the family unless
the occasion is a family affair.
Glossary

D
Dating – is where two people who are attracted to each other spend time
together to see if they also can stand to be around each other most of the time.

Debut – is a traditional Filipino coming-of-age celebration which celebrates a

young woman's 18th birthday, the age of maturity in the Philippines. Although also
reaching legal maturity at 18, a Filipino man may mark his own debut on his 21st
birthday, albeit with less formal celebrations or none at all.

Decorum – defined as appropriate, polite behavior in society.

Modesty – the quality of not talking about or not trying to make people notice
your abilities and achievements.

PUJ – Public Utility Jeepneys

References
Avelino, S. E., & Sanchez, C. A. (1996). Personality Development and Human
Relations. Manila: REX Book Store.
Cowfetus. (2009, June 23). Dating. Retrieved from Urban Dictionary:
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Dating
Decorum. (2018). Retrieved from Your Dictionary:
https://www.yourdictionary.com/decorum
Modesty. (n.d.). Retrieved from Cambridge Dictionary:
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/modesty
Philippine Debut. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_debut
PUJ. (n.d.). Retrieved from The Free Dictionary:
https://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/PUJ
Smith, D. (2017, September 29). How to Behave in Public Places. Retrieved from
Classroom: https://classroom.synonym.com/how-to-behave-in-public-places-
12078617.html