Dining etiquette is often overlooked and discounted as
frivolous when it comes to projecting a professional image. However, with more
business meetings being conducted over lunch or dinner dining etiquette has
taken on a more central role in the corporate world.
Here’s a look at 10 do’s and don’ts of
dining etiquette. This content comes straight from our program Guess Who's Coming To Dinner
1. Don’t tuck your napkin in to your shirt
Your napkin should lay across your lap with the folded end
closest to you. Although it might be tempting for some gentlemen to protect
their favourite work shirt or tie, tucking your napkin in to your shirt collar
is never an option.
2. Refrain from using cutlery to gesture at the table
This is a common mistake people make when talking at the table. When you’re speaking put your cutlery down,
the last thing you want to do is point your fork or knife at a potential client
or business contact, this comes across as dangerous and somewhat threatening.
3. Keep your cell phone off the table
Although many of us feel the need to have our phones with us
at all times resist the urge to text, call, or use social media during a
business lunch or dinner. By keeping your phone out of sight and stored away in
your purse, bag, or jacket pocket you will not be tempted to refer to it during
your meal. Make sure your phone is on silent. If you are indeed expecting a
call, inform the person you are dining with and excuse yourself from the table
to take the call.
4. Avoid primping at the table
Many ladies feel the need to touch up their lipstick after a
meal. Though projecting a professional image is essential, hair and make up
should be reserved for the ladies room and not the dining table. Resist the
urge to break out a compact mirror to check your make up and touch up lipstick.
5. Your napkin is not
a tissue
Never use your napkin to blow your nose at the table. Your
napkin should only be used to dab the corners of your mouth. If you have a
runny nose simply excuse yourself and retire to the washroom to blow your nose.
6. If it falls leave
it on the floor
If you happen to drop your napkin or cutlery on the floor
during the course of your meal do not pick it up and resume eating. Simply call
the waiter over, explain what happened and ask for a fresh fork, knife, or
napkin. Although it may seem like common sense to pick it up, keep in mind that
you are at a professional business meeting and reaching under the table will
make for an awkward moment and come across as unprofessional.
7. Too hot to handle? Don’t blow on it!
If your food is too hot to eat right away, resist the urge
to blow on it before taking a bite. Instead wait a few minutes for it to cool
down. If others are waiting for you to commence eating simply explain the
situation to them and encourage them to proceed.
8. Don’t be picky!
Some restaurants provide you with toothpicks at the end of
the meal. Toothpicks should never be used at the table. If you need to use a
toothpick to get food out of your teeth, you should always excuse yourself and
retire to the washroom. Although toothpicks are presented at the table they
should not be used at the table.
9. Never chew with your mouth open
Your food should stay in your mouth while you’re eating. Do
not open your mouth and chew food to the side of your mouth. You should also
avoid talking with your mouth full as you will risk being rude and possibly
spitting food at your colleagues.
10. Maintain good posture
As your mother always told you : keep your elbows off the
table. Placing your elbows on the table causes you to hunch or slouch with
sends the message that you’re not really engaged in the business meeting. Make
sure you sit upright with your hands either folded in your lap or placed on
your thighs. You may also rest your wrists on the table but make sure you are
sitting up straight. Good posture is a sign of confidence!
Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting
