In today’s competitive world, nothing is more revealing about a person than his or her business table manners. To be successful in business, your dining skills during a business meal must be a par with your professional skills. Good table manners not only show respect and consideration for fellow dinners, but also one’s level of refinement. Here are few tips business dining etiquette and table manners.
The Don’ts:
- Do not talk while chewing your food. Swallow your food first, then engage in a conversation.
- Do not refold your napkin if you need to momentarily step away. Place your napkin on the back of your chair or your seat.
- Do not blow on your food if it is too hot — wait until it cools off.
- Do not make any offensive noises while dining with others — no slurping or burping.
- Do not hold your utensils in a dagger position.
The Dos:
- Use your napkin every two or three bites while dining.
- Place your water or wine glass on the right hand side of your table side of your table setting. Return your glass to the same spot so that your dining partner does not drink from your glass.
- Cut only one-bite size piece of food at a time.
- Work from the outside-in when dealing with your silverware.
- Swallow your food before you take a sip of your beverage or water.
- Place your dinner napkin at the left of your plate when finished eating — this is silent signal that you will be leaving the table. — Agencies
