Bad table manners are all too obvious…chewing with an open mouth, complaining about food, talking on the phone at the table etc. On the other hand, good manners must be practiced to help them become habits. This applies to children as well as to employees and adults of all ages. In today’s blog post, I will share essential table manners for success as well as explain how my dining etiquette classes can help you or your corporate team polish your personal and professional brand image.
Impress the Boss with Your Table Manners and Professional Presence
When interacting with clients and / or dining at a restaurant (fine dining or casual), remember the following tips…
- Keep your napkin in your lap, with the fold facing your waist.
- Never leave your napkin on your chair or tuck it into your shirt / dress.
- Do not lick your fingers (even in casual restaurants).
- Do not eat pizza with your hands.
- Do not use your hands to serve bread to yourself. Once you have a roll, do not butter the entire piece of bread. Pinch it and eat the roll with butter, one bite at a time.
- When eating, take 3 bites and then pause for conversation.
- Always pass the salt and pepper together.
- Stand when your boss walks up to the table or enters the room.
- Order clean, easy-to-eat foods during a business dinner. Do not eat messy foods such as pasta, wings or lobster.
- Always stay focused and remember that you are dining for a business purpose.
- Do not have more than one drink, and never more than two. People watching you will question your competence even if they are also drinking.
- If on a business trip, remember that this is not for vacation. Stay focused, and set goals and boundaries.
- Never forget to say “Thank You” for your business dinner. Gratitude is the groundwork for attitudes that prevail. Allow others to see gratitude in your professional behavior. Be genuine and sincere.
- Always ask clients about themselves and what they are doing. People love to talk about themselves. Make sure you do your homework on your clients. Look for common subjects to connect with them. By doing this, you will achieve your business goals as well.
- Social Media – Keep your personal life private and keep it clean. Here is another post I’ve written about email and social media etiquette.
- Never use a toothpick.
- Do not make the business dinner about yourself by ordering “special sauces” etc.
- Never chew with your mouth open or chew gum.
- Never complain about the food at a business dinner. Keep your opinions to yourself. Eat and be thankful.
- Always wait on your host or hostess before you sit down at a dinner table or luncheon. Do not go to find your name and sit down.
- When colleagues arrive late, stand, shake hands and button your coat.
- Always order less than your boss does.
- Eat a snack before you attend a business dinner.
Manners on the Job Matter
As an internationally trained etiquette expert, I have seen the value of properly training employees in their job. I love speaking to corporate teams in their workplace or at a luncheon event etc to help them rethink the importance of table manners, social skills and kindness. My training sessions can be tailored to meet your company’s needs and I can address a variety of topics pertaining to the corporate world, including…
- Licking fingers after eating.
- Dressing for work in casual clothing.
- Poor grooming.
- Wearing dirty shoes, wrinkled clothing and / or no socks.
- Chewing with an open mouth.
- Serving food from a common dish with your hands.
- Sneezing into your sleeve.
- Drinking to an excess.
- The five uses of the napkin and when to ask for a black napkin.
- Disrespect towards superiors.
- Ordering expensive food at a business dinner.
- Stuffing your mouth with a bread roll.
- Not standing when approached by a colleague.
- No eye contact with waiters.
- Placing elbows on the table.
- Talking too loud at a restaurant.
- Taking phone calls at a table during a business dining event.
- Ordering messy foods that are difficult to eat with poise (such as French Onion Soup).
- Placing too much food on plate during a buffet.
- Misuse of chat AI.
- Talking about personal issues during a business meal.
- Gossiping about the company or boss to other employees.
- Arriving to work late.
- Taking Zoom calls in wrinkled clothes or with a baby crying in the background.
- Asking for a doggie bag during a business luncheon.
- Forgetting to say Thank You or forgetting to write a Thank You note.
- What to order and what not to order.
- Proper dinner conversation.
- How to drink from a water glass and a wine glass.
- How to use a straw properly.
- How to use utensils in a formal place setting etc.
- How to properly eat soup, pasta and salad.
Business Dining Etiquette Classes with a Dallas Expert
Your employees are being watched…in the office and at the table. If you’re looking for business etiquette classes near me in Dallas, you’ve come to the right place. Lisa Burdette offers private and group training in business etiquette and networking as well as civility and courtesy with social graces. She has successfully helped many adults and teens as well as corporate clients such as Toyota Corporation, The University of Texas at Dallas, Big Sky Funds and others to assist with workplace etiquette training and workshops.
As you can see, table manners and dining etiquette are important skills that any professional must learn. However, don’t forget the importance of humility and building relationships with others. Sincere relationships will help with signing deals and in bringing return business. Remember, it’s what you do when no one is looking that counts. Truly, a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.
Ready to elevate your employees’ social skills at your company’s next business event? Reach out via our Contact page or Book Online and request your session with Lisa today!
