Before You Go
True or False: What you wear is important
True, research what type of event it is to match the expected attire
True or False: You see something on the table that you’d like, you should get up and walk over to the item to get it.
False, you should ask someone near by the item to pass it to you.
True or False: It is polite to eat as fast as possible, especially if you are hungry
False, pace yourself with the host
True or False: You should practice your elevator pitch in case you need to introduce yourself.
True
True or False: It is impolite to expect that your dietary restrictions be considered at a business event.
False, you should tell your host or server before the meal
The advisable time to show up for a business dining event
On time
The direction should you pass items at the table
Right
How dunking items in soup or blowing on items to cool them down may be perceived
Impolite, pour sauces on food, wait to eat items until they are an acceptable temperature
What Your Interests and Career Aspirations or other pleasant and non-controversial subjects are examples of.
acceptable topics for conversations
You should wait until this happens before beginning to eat
All have been served or host begins eating
What you should research before attending a business dining event
Who will be in attendance
Do this with your napkin before eating and do this when finished eating
Place your napkin on your lap when eating, and on table when done (not on table while eating)
how many bites should you cut off a large piece of food before you begin eating
Cut 1 bite at a time, same goes with bread (break off and butter one piece at a time)
Where your utensils should be when speaking
down on your plate, not being used
When ordering food, choose these menu items
Middle priced menu items
When receiving a business dining event invite, you should...
RSVP, let them know if you will attend
How you choose which utensil to use when there are many forks, knives and spoons at your place setting
Start from the outside, work your way in for each course
What you should do with your utensils while you are eating, but not actively using them AND when you are finished eating
Cross utensils on your plate when actively eating, Place together and parallel at 4 o’clock when finished
Number of times it is acceptable to check your phone during business dining
zero, put it away and silence/turn it off
The two most important reasons for business dining
The people and the conversations
The two most important things to know before you go to a business dining event
the purpose of the event and your goal for attending
How you know which drink and which bread plate is yours on a full table
Drinks are on your right, Bread on your left
What you should do if you drop a napkin or utensil on the floor
Alert the server or host and ask for a new one
acceptable time to start business discussions
After the meal has been ordered
When it is not advisable to order a drink containing alcohol, even if the host does
At an interview, tea might be a better option