WeLearn unveils a presentation on Host and Guest. Host is someone who presides over a gathering. Like a captain of the ship a host should retain control over all aspects. The host has the responsibility to keep the guest at ease in an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality. The person invited to the party is a guest. If it is a dinner invite that states the time for attendance as 9:00 PM you can attend the party at 9:45 PM or 10:00 PM, which is in tune with the Indian customs where host himself is never on time.

1. Chapter 20
Hosts & Guests

2. People are entertained for a number of reasons
A new launch
Making a business proposal
Entering into a business alliance
Introducing a senior officer
Building a relationship with a prospective client
Strengthening relationships with a client
Returning hospitality
Thanking a person

3. The goal of entertaining or giving a party is
to make others feel good and the result
sought is closer relations and the result
sought is closer elations and more
business
This requires planning and work
The purpose of entertaining or being
entertained is to meet new people, to
strengthen old relationships and develop
closer ties with the host of the party
The two entities are
The host- the person who initiates the party
The guest- the one who is invited to the party

4. Host
A host is a person who entertains guests or
initiates or presides over a gathering.
Preside implies a degree of control and of
responsibility
The host must retain control over all
aspects like the captain of a ship
A host’s responsibility is to make his guest
feel at ease and as valued as possible in
an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality

5. This cannot be accomplished without
human touch
The host should be present and visible
greeting guests and introducing them to
each other and bringing them into groups
Guests must feel welcomed and cared for
Without the human connection even the
most extravagant event will be stiff and
formal

6. The company party is a business
occasion-an event hosted for clients
This is done to entertain them and
get to know them in a better
environment removed from work
As a company employee you would
be the host and expected to attend

7. You must ensure to be at the venue
a little before the party begins
You must be there to greet your
guests
As the host it is your responsibility to
greet those invited and then
introduce them to others in your
company and to other clients.
Speak to those invited, ensure that
they are given a drink and served
food.

8. No one expects a host to spend a lot of time with a
guest as he has other guests to meet too.
Once a guest has met some one and is in
conversation, excuse yourself and move on to other
guests to ensure their comfort
If you see some one who “appears lost” you must
go to him, introduce yourself, speak and try to
introduce him to someone.
Conversation is usually general though business
subjects may be broached.
The focus at these parties is not business but to get
to know your clients better

9. Wives may be invited to some of the larger
parties
In case your wife is invited too then she
becomes the hostess and will be expected
to act as one
Company parties may be at a hotel,
restaurant or at a senior executive’s
residence.
Irrespective of where it is, you are the host
and are expected to be one.

10. Remember
You should arrive before your guests and
be there to greet them
You should not invite someone you do not
want to invite. The purpose of inviting
someone is mutual enjoyment
You should plan your event well. Ensure
that there is enough food and drink
You should under dress. Thus if a guest is
underdressed he/she will not feel bad

11. Guests
When you are invited to a party, socially or
by business client, you are the guest
You may be invited by the host or by a
letter (invitation card)
If you are invited by the invitation card,
then you are expected to inform as early
as possible, whether you will be able to
attend or not.
The invitation will also normally specify
clothes you are expected to wear and
whether your spouse is invited.
If these are unclear ask your host. He will
be happy to let you know

12. On the day of the party or a day before it is
wise to check whether the party is likely to
take place and confirm your attendance
The invitation to the party usually specifies
the timing. Assuming that the invite says “6
pm to 9pm”, the best time to arrive would
be between 7.30 pm and 8 pm. If the
dinner invite says 9.00 pm, then you can
arrive the party between 9.45 and 10 pm.
This is in tune with the customs in India
when you find that very often the host will
himself not be there on time.

13. On arrival, the host will be there to greet
you and make you feel comfortable
If they are not there (this is rude on their
part), you should attempt to find them and
thank them for inviting you
Often at large parties, you may be one of
the many standing inline to greet the host.
After you have, you should go to whom you
know and talk
Incase, you do not know anyone, instead of
looking “lost”, you should go up to some
you think you can talk to , introduce
yourself mentioning either your company or
your interest – a conversation starter

14. When should you leave
If you have another engagement to attend,
you can excuse yourself after 15 to 30
minutes
It is best to mention this as soon as your
arrive
The host will be appreciative that you made
the effort to attend and will be
understanding when you have to leave
If a meal is served, then you should leave
after 15 minutes after coffee or the last
dessert is served

15. Gifts
If you are invited to a person’s house, a
bouquet of flowers or a bottle of wine will
be appreciated and is appropriate
If you have been invited for a special
occasion such as a house-warming, a
household item will be appropriate
While a gift need not be expensive, it
shouldn't be cheap either
It is courteous that you thank your host for
inviting you when you leave

16. Remember that as guests
Should respond to an invitation in a day
Must be appropriately dressed. If in doubt
overdress (but be conservative)
Should arrive on time
Must mingle, circulate and introduce
themselves to other guests
Must through their behaviour thank the host for
calling them
Should always send a thank you note