I recently participated in the Suit Up Experience event here in Dallas at the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center. The event was wonderful and I loved being able to teach etiquette to students in attendance. In this blog post, I’ll share some of the dining and workplace etiquette tips I shared with young professionals at the event.
Etiquette at the Suit Up Experience Event
Etiquette is essential in all environments. Whether in a personal or professional setting, etiquette boosts morale, encourages communication and increases productivity. When you are well-mannered and considerate in dealing with others, you will build valuable, long-term relationships. Research shows that as much as 85% of career success can be attributed to social skills.
When we present ourselves with a pure heart, power illuminates the room. We have 1 to 3 seconds to connect with others and make a good impression. People want to be around those they like and trust.
To help you prepare for an event, practice your introductions in the mirror at home. You can also write down a few relevant questions / question prompts to have on hand when meeting someone for the first time.
Etiquette will teach you how to have:
- Confidence
- Proper Posture
- Good Eye Contact
- A firm 1-to-2-Second Handshake
- A Sense of Situational Awareness
- A Healthy Self-Image
Credibility:
Achieving and maintaining credibility with others is crucial. If you are nervous at an event or social function, remember that it is a lack of confidence. Meeting and greeting others is a form of networking. This is something you must practice, and, with time and effort, you will become a pro.
In addition, remember to:
- Arrive to events on time.
- Always have a business card on hand.
- Do not make promises you cannot keep.
- Be honest.
- Speak in a positive manner about your school, community, family and employer.
Table Manners
Dining Etiquette encompasses:
- The two types of dining.
- Instructions on the use of all cutlery.
- How to conduct yourself at the table.
- How to say a blessing or give thanks.
- Proper method for eating bread and soup.
- How to write a Thank You note.
Some further notes for dining and table manners:
- As a guest, it is polite to wait until everyone at the table has been served and your host starts eating or indicates that you should do so.
- Always ask for an item to be passed to you.
- Do not push your chair away from the table unless you are getting up.
- Do not push your plate away or pick it up.
- Never tilt your chair.
- Do not ask people where they are going if they get up from the table.
- Do not chew gum or ice.
- Keep elbows off the table.
- When in doubt, always use a utensil rather than your fingers.
- If you find hair in food, remove it and do not talk about it.
- Do not blow your nose or pick your teeth at the table.
- Never point out if others have food on their face or in their teeth.
- Never speak negatively about the food being served.
- Nothing that touches your mouth should ever touch the table.
- Learn to try new types of food.
- Never use fingers to eat.
- It is rude to chew with your mouth open.
- Place your napkin on your lap after everyone has been seated.
- Fold your napkin in half with the opening towards you.
- Leave your napkin on the left side of the plate, never in the chair.
- Never ask for a “doggy bag”.
Why are table manners important?
Finally, let’s discuss the topic of gratitude. Gratitude revolves around your attitude, and, without a thankful attitude, we cannot live meaningful lives. It is important to take the time to say “Thank You” if you attended an event or were guest at a dinner in someone’s home. Perhaps you had a job interview you didn’t get…it is still good to write a Thank You note.
Need Help for Workplace Etiquette?
Each day you are given 86,400 seconds from the “time bank”. Everyone is given the same amount, and you are free to spend these seconds as desired. The time bank will never reveal to you how to spend your time. Time poorly spent will not be replaced with more time.
- Time doesn’t do refunds.
- Time is your biggest gift.
- Time is limited.
God has given us all time and talents. How we develop and use them is our gift back to our Heavenly Father. So, ask yourself, how will I use the time I have?
Lisa Burdette is a trained Workplace Etiquette Expert in the Dallas area. She works with groups or individuals of all ages, including business professionals, young children or college students. Lisa can customize her classes to meet each of her client’s needs. Book online or send a message via our Contact page. Request your session with our etiquette expert today!
