How do you act around people of higher authority?

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By that i mean the USA Governor Tom Corbett and the Acting Secretary of Education Carolyn Dumaresq.My class was one of the few selected to be at the award ceromony for our Super intendant, since our school scored very high on PSSA's and student grade improvement, and they are gonna be there. I want to be on my best behavior, and if we do get to shake hands or whatever, what to say.


Just need some advice 0_0

I suppose it depends what you think of Republicans. I doubt being on my best behaviour would be top of my list of priorities!

Typically just be polite, address them by their title.

Ignore the troll. Treat them just like you treat your teachers, parents or any adult you respect. They don't expect anything more than that from anyone.

Good, then don't tell me.

The OP is an 11 year old boy who just wants advice on how to interact with important people. I would never tell a boy to disrespect anyone, even if it was the politician I hated most in the world. I'd like to think you'd all do the same.

I suppose you should just try to do what everyone else is doing. Try asking a neurotypical you trust for advice. I suggest choosing a family member, but that's optional. I have a sister who only has mild ADD and she's very good with people even by NT standards. She usually has great advice for me pertaining to social situations that make me nervous.

That said, I wouldn't be worried about making a good impression. The difference between power and authority is that those subjected to authority agree to be subjected to that authority. Power is power wether you agree to it or not. for example, if I decide to become a citizen of a specific country, that country's government has legitamate authority over me because I agreed to be subjected to their influence. However, if I happen to be walking through a shady part of town at night and a person with a weapon tells me to hand over my wallet and whatever else happens to be in my pockets, that person has no authority over me, but I still do what they say because they have power over me granted by their weapon.

Personally, I have a higher level of respect for individuals of genuine authority (high ranking church members for example) than most, but those who exercise power without the consent of those subjected to their influence (such as individuals who work in the public school system) deserve the same treatment you'd give to any other human being or potentially something less depending upon the severity of their actions.

For a handshake receiving line, I would think only something like this might be appropriate:

"Pleased to meet you."

Bonus points for saying their name and/or eye contact, but no harm if you forget.