Ace that business dinner
There’s more to dining etiquette than knowing which fork to use. A real pro will walk away from the table leaving others with a favorable impression, setting the stage for the next steps in the business relationship. Whether you’re the host or a guest, table manners will set you apart — positively or negatively.
Here are a few things to remembers for success at your next business lunch or dinner.
Remember you’re working: A business meal is an extension of your workday, not happy hour with friends. Be comfortable enough to put others at ease, but not so relaxed you forget you’re there in pursuit of a desired outcome.
Set the agenda: Some meals are more social in nature, such as a dinner to bond with a prospective client, while others are held to delve into the nitty-gritty details of a business deal. Let your invitees know what you have in mind when you extend an invitation so they’re prepared.
Show your sophistication: As a host, take responsibility for every detail after you extend an invitation — choosing the venue, setting the pace of the meal and paying the bill. As a guest, let the host take care of the details, but have your credit card handy in case the host falls short on his or her responsibilities.
Know your utensils: Be familiar enough with the table settings to know which is your bread plate and which is your glass (bread is on the left, drinks on the right). When faced with more than one fork or spoon, start on the outside and work your way toward the plate.
Be aware of your body language: Show you’re engaged by sitting up straight and remembering the other rules your mother taught you: Chew with your mouth closed, don’t talk with your mouth full, avoid pointing with your utensils and keep your elbows off the table.
If you must leave the table during the meal, remove your napkin from your lap and place it on your seat, then return it to your lap when you sit down again.
Turn your cellphone off: Silence your phone and keep your gadgets out of sight. Answering a call or responding to a text shows your dining companion he or she is not your top priority. Give your tablemate (s) your full attention.
Be ready to talk: In a world where we often eat hurriedly alone at our desks, a business meal requires us to make conversation. Bring your best networking moves to the table, ready with general topics of discussion: food, sports, movies, books, TV shows and interesting business news. Avoid polarizing subjects such as politics and religion.
Diane Gottsman is an etiquette expert and the owner of the Protocol School of Texas.