Look me in the Eyes

I recently read a book called, "A House United" by Nicholeen Peck.
The biggest lesson I learned from it was how to train my children in listening/responding respectfully.
Whenever I give them an instruction or consequence or a "no answer" I have them
1- Look me in the eyes with a calm face
2- Say "O-K"
3- Go and Do the thing I asked
4- Report Back to Me (so I can check and praise them)
She also a teaches that they should have a respectful way to dissagree.
The way that we do it is after they say "O-K" they may ask if they can make an appeal.
An appeal is an option they think is more fair (not a disrespectful complaint).
I then consider their option and re-decide.

If they can't look me in the eyes with a calm face, I send them to their room for time-out until they can come and look and listen and respond respectfully.  (Time out isn't the consequence, it is the calming down location)

This has really helped me to not get angry, but to communicate clearly and calmly.
It has helped the kids be more respectful and more responsible.
(The return and report has really helped them do things top-quality since they are so accountable)