Dining Etiquette 101
How do You rate in terms of Dining Etiquette and Why is Dining Etiquette Important? Here are some tips to help you rate yourself and understand why dining etiquette is important.
There are four basic reasons you would want to ‘Dine with Finesse’
- How you eat speaks volumes about your character and etiquette savvy.
- Knowledge of etiquette, keeps from embarrassing yourself.
- You leave a lasting impression.
- Your body language must be consistent with the spoken word.
Occasions where you will need to display excellent dining skills. Your prom; a wedding/formal function, or at an interview with a prospective employer.
Some Challenges:
- Challenges begin before you get to the table.
- Dress appropriately
- Be on time (not more than 5 minutes early).
- Turn off your cellphone before you enter the dining room
- Have your necessary information (neat and tidy, if it is an interview)
Noteworthy:
- Be polite to everyone, including staff persons.
- Shake hands and introduce yourself (giving your full name)
- Do not place any of your personal items on the table.
- Do your homework (know which cutlery, napkin, glass belongs to you).
- Pass food to your right
- Be aware of your posture – sit upright, it helps your digestion and makes you appear more confident.
- Speak clearly without out using jargon or slang.
- Maintain eye contact.
- Body language accounts for 80% of your communication. Therefore, be aware of what message(s) your body language is sending.
- Don’t start eating before your host or the blessing is said.
“Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners”
― Laurence Sterne
Congratulations on being a participant in the Edge Program, what you will learn will greatly impact both your career and personal life.
Joanna Parris, The Etiquette Nanny