Business Etiquette

What is etiquette?“The conduct or procedure required by good breeding or

prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life.”

- Merriam Webster Dictionary

IntroductionsBe prepared to shake the hand of everyone

you meet. Be sure to have a firm grip and give a three-pump handshake.

Stand up for an introduction. It is polite to stand while greeting someone.

Smile and repeat the name of the person to whom you are being introduced. ( It’s nice to meet you, Bill Smith.)

When making introductions, the lower-ranking person is introduced to the higher-ranking one.

For example, say the supervisor’s name first to introduce a trainee. ( Mr. Jones, I would like you to meet Bill Smith.)

AppearanceShowered, well groomedProfessional business attireUse subtle fragrancesClean- cut, professional styleClean and polished dressed shoesKnow location and type of meeting being

held to determine proper dress codeJewelry should be minimalNo tight or revealing clothingLight make – up

Plan AheadMake sure you know the directions, plan ahead for delays

during rush hourArrive fifteen minuet a head of timeKnow how many people are attending the business

meeting and confirm attendanceSpecial needs: allergies, vegetarians, etc.

Conversation StartersFocus on your guestMake eye contact while conversingNever interrupt when someone else is talkingAvoid conversations about personal problemsBe friendly, but professional at the same time

Place your napkin on your lapDetermine which silverware to use, work from the

outside of the place setting inWhen you are finished eating, place your knife and fork

together on your plate Use proper postureKeep elbows off the tablePace yourself to finish your meal with everyone elseAvoid using your fingers

Table MannersUse proper languageDon’t chew with your mouth open, or with a mouth fullDo not place any unnecessary items on the table

(briefcase, cell phone, purses, etc.)Put phone on silentPlace your napkin in your lap after

you sit downDon’t apply makeup or brush your

Hair at the table

Top Three Dinner Etiquette Rules

Which glass?

Sitting?

Starting to eat?

Rule 1- Which Glass?

Normally you will have two or more glasses at the table. Your glasses are on the right upper side of your plate. You can have up to four glasses. They are usually arranged in a diagonal or roughly square pattern. The top left glass is for red wine. It will usually have a fairly large bowl. Directly below that you will find the white wine glass, which will be smaller. At the top right, you will find a champagne glass. Your water glass is on the bottom right.

Rule 2- Sitting

You should not sit in your seat until your host or hostess has done so. If there is no host, then you should wait for the senior or oldest person at the table to sit first before you sit in your seat.

Rule 3- Starting to Eat

The same can be said for eating as well. You should not pick up your fork and begin eating until the host, hostess, or senior person at the table begins.

You must not start eating until

everyone has been served even if

your food is getting cold. If there are

a large number of guests, the host

may indicate that you may begin before

everyone is served. If this is the case,

then you should begin.

OrderingKnow the order of your courses (appetizer, soup, salad,

entrée, and dessert)Keep meal reasonable if you are not picking up the tabOrder something easy to eat, and avoid foods that could

be messy or finger foodsAlcohol may be inappropriate, appropriate or expected,

work with your comfort level

Mistakes to Avoid

Call ahead of time if you will be lateDon’t be cheapDon’t expect other to pay, if you invited themAsk waiter to bring you the check discreetly or

before hand

Closing of a business dinner

Tip generously, 20 -25%Thank the hostShake their handNever be the last one to leave

Credits

Astorga, MarthaBuick, CameronKochoo, IsabellaRomero, VictorVankova, VeronikaWeshnuwat, Thana