Presentation slide on the topic Dining Etiquette

1. DINING ETIQUETTE
PRESENTED BY: PRESENTED TO:
DATE:

2. BACKGROUND
 DINING ETIQUETTE IS AN AREA OF ETIQUETTE WHICH PERTAINS TO DINING, WHETHER AT HOME OR OUT IN A
RESTAURANT.
 ETIQUETTE IN GENERAL IS A SERIES OF SUGGESTIONS AND RULES FOR BEHAVIOR WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO
ENSURE THAT PEOPLE BEHAVE CONSISTENTLY AND WITHIN THE NORMS OF POLITENESS.
 MANY PEOPLE RECEIVE SOME ETIQUETTE EDUCATION AS THEY GROW UP FROM FAMILY MEMBERS AND
TEACHERS, AND IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE TO TAKE CLASSES WHICH PROVIDE INSTRUCTION IN ETIQUETTE.
 IN SOME COMMUNITIES, IT IS TRADITIONAL TO TAKE CLASSES, OFTEN IN PREPARATION FOR A DEBUT INTO
SOCIETY.
 THERE ARE SEVERAL KEY ELEMENTS OF DINING ETIQUETTE AND THEY ARE FURTHER EXPLAINED IN SLIDES
BELOW.

3. INTRODUCTION
 Dining etiquette is a set of rules and
customs that control accepted behavior
in particular social groups or social
situations, especially when dining out or
in a formal setting.
 Dining etiquette is essential for making a
favorable impression at both
lunch/dinner interviews as well as in
social business situations.

4. SEATING
 Knowing where to sit at the table is
important.
 At a business meal, men and women seat
themselves. However, it's wise to ask an
older female, whose standards may be of
a previous era, if she would like her chair
held.
 It's never wrong to ask any woman, "May
I hold your chair" Nowadays, everyone
agrees that holding the door for the next
person is still a nice gesture.
 Sit about 2 flat hands away from your
stomach away from the table.
 The host or the most senior person
usually takes the head of the table.

5. TABLE SETTING
 Understanding the proper table setting
helps you navigate through the meal.
 Utensils are placed in order of use, from
the outside in.
 When presented with a variety of eating
utensils, remember the guideline to
"start at the outside and work your way
in".
 For example, if you have two forks,
begin with the fork on the outside. Wait
for everyone to be served before
beginning to eat.

6. EATING
 Eat slowly and cut only a few small bites of
your meal at a time.
 Chew with your mouth closed and do not talk
with food in your mouth.
 Pass food items to the right.
 Do not order the most expensive item from
the menu, appetizers, or dessert, unless your
host encourages you to do so.
 While it is best not to order alcohol even if
the interviewer does, alcohol, if consumed,
should be in moderation.
 Avoid ordering items that are messy or
difficult to eat (i.e. spaghetti, French onion
soup).

7. POSTURE
 Maintaining good posture at the table
shows respect and attentiveness, so good
posture must be practiced.
 If not eating, place your hands in your lap
or rest your wrists on the edge of the
table.
 The no-elbow-on-the-table rule applies
only when you're actually eating, but not
when you're conversing.
 Whenever your utensils aren't in hand, it's
OK to put your elbows on the table and
lean forward slightly, It shows you're
engaged.

8. NAPKIN
 Place your napkin in your lap
immediately upon seating.
 If there is a host or hostess, wait for them
to take their napkin from the table and
place it on their lap.
 Please, don't tuck your napkin into your
collar, between the buttons of your shirt,
or in your belt.
 If you need to leave the table for a few
moments, put your napkin on your chair.
 When you are finished with your meal
and preparing to leave, loosely fold and
place your napkin on the table.

9. CELL PHONES
 In social business situations, it is polite to
keep your cell phone on silent or vibrate
mode.
 You can simply avoid using your phone
during the meal. Thus, say no to cell
phones.

10. CONVERSATIONS
 Engage in polite and appropriate
conversations during the meal.
 Avoid controversial topics and focus on
getting to know others.
 Make good eye contact.
 Don't forget to introduce yourself to the
host/hostess and don't interrupt
conversations.

11. GRATITUDE
 After the meal, express gratitude to the
host or the person who invited you.
 Send a thank-you note or email within 24
hours.