PDS: Networking & Dining Etiquette
Eli Broad - January 2008
Michelle Michelle MitchellMitchell
Why have this presentation?
The word, Etiquette comes to us from the French. It was originally associated with the body of ceremonial rules governing the Royal Court of France.
“Keep off the grass”
When Louis XIV’s gardener discovered people were trampling his grounds, he put up signs, or etiquets, to warn them off.
Why Learn Etiquette?
• We need a common language of social skills
• We like to meet, talk, dine, and do business efficiently in a pleasant atmosphere without embarrassing ourselves or others
• Those of us who possess and display good skills make lasting impressions
Impressions
First impressions are vital and are formed anywhere between 4 and 60 seconds
Impressions are long-lasting, often irreversible
Initially based on stance, eye contact and dress
First Impressions
Comparable business/social level = suitable for further interaction
Higher business/social status = admired & cultivated (valuable)
Lower business/social status = tolerated
Business Interaction
s
Handshakes
Introductions
Introducing Yourself
1. Hello, my name is Michelle Mitchell.
2. I am with Michigan State University.
3. I am a new Chamber member, this is my first event.
Introducing Others
Social Etiquette - based on gender & age
Business Etiquette – based on rank & position
Most important thing – Make them! Don’t avoid people.
• Introduce the most important person TO the other, making eye contact with the person who needs the information
• Present the most important person with “the gift” of the less important person
Scenarios1. Senior VP to New Associate
2. Sales Manager & Client
3. Group Introductions
4. Young male & older male
5. Older female & spouse
Difficult Situations
1. When no one introduces you
2. Forget a name?
3. First Names
4. Relationships
At the event…
Greetings
Pause and look around the room confidently
Relax
Smile at anyone who makes eye contact, act as if you have all the time in the world
Stance
Back to the wall, face others. Look for natural openings
Make Your Entrance
Place drink in left hand, wrap napkin around it
Eat and drink minimally
Avoid messy and sticky foods
Always be prepared to meet people
Food & Beverage
Breaking Into Conversations
Small-talk is
like a game
of catch
Breaking Into Conversations
•Be sincere and LISTEN
•Be positive and complimentary to your host, the occasion & your surroundings
•Learn more about others than you share about yourself
•Use open-ended questions
Things to Remember• Don’t interrupt or correct someone
• Don’t bring up argumentative topics
• Be informed of current events and the audience in attendance
• Don’t tell anything that will make another person look bad
• Be brief, be polite, don’t be a know-it-all
Escape Hatches• Forget a name?
• Buddy System
• Need to excuse
yourself?
• Leaving the event
Business Cards• Always have them with you, and
in good shape
• Ask for at the end of a conversation
• Write notes (LATER)
• Cultural differences
Follow-Up
• Always thank the host and/or hostess.
• If business was conducted, follow-up with any information that was promised.
Networking
It’s not who you know…
but who knows YOU
Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon
Based on the “small-world” theory, which states that people can be linked through connections
Purpose
Meeting more people
Learning about industries, businesses, etc.
Quality, not quantity
Relationships take a time investment
Build off of common interests, etc
Hosting Guests• Make all arrangements prior to
arrival
• Host/hostess sets the tone and pace of the meal
• Ensure that all are equally engaged in conversation
• Having good manners = never making anyone feel uneasy
Dining Etiquette
Dining EtiquetteWhy does it matter?
Why should it be important to know?
Continental
vs.
American style
Top 10 Things to Remember
1. Know how to navigate the place setting. Solids (food) are on your left. Liquids (beverages) are on your right. Pass counter-clockwise.
2. Don’t touch your head or face at the table.
3. Cell phones and pagers are off or silent.
4. Excuse yourself when necessary; leaving between courses or during breaks in conversation.
5. Make good choices when ordering.
Top 10 Things to Remember
6. Do leave dropped silverware on the floor in a restaurant. Quietly signal the wait staff to bring another piece.
7. Remove alien objects from your mouth with your fingers and place them at the edge of your plate.
8. Pace yourself according to the others at the table.
9. Don’t draw attention to the fact that you are uncomfortable or out of your element. If something embarrassing happens, make light of it.
10. Be a good host, or follow the lead of the host. Always thank your host!!
Similar to mingling situations
Include everyone at table in conversation
Safe topics, positive comments
No business conversation until everyone has ordered, or until main course
Don’t dominate conversation
Conversations during meals
“Good manners is the art of making people comfortable. Whoever makes the fewest people uncomfortable has the best manners.”
-Jonathan Swift
