Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
“Teach a man fine dining, and you’ve opened doors to lifelong networking and business opportunities!”
Yes, you read that right fine dining is just that powerful in opening up doors for you and help you climb up the ladder. Not because of what you eat, but more so because of how you eat and what you talk about during dinner.
The etiquette that you display in social dinners say a lot about you as a person and people can warm up to you giving you business and growth opportunities.
Dining etiquette therefore is a visible reflection of you and your etiquette.
IMPORTANCE OF DINING ETIQUETTE:
1. First Impressions:
Being good at dining and conversing during dinners creates a positive impression of you on the guests allowing them to take notice of you and remember you.
2. Networking opportunities:
Formal dinners are aimed at creating opportunities to build working relationships which help you in your career growth. Being conducted in informal settings they give you the opportunity to know people from various domains and casually interact to connect on common grounds.
3. Reflects social skills and grace:
Introducing yourself to a stranger, striking up a conversation and turning it into a relationship requires several smaller skills. Successfully doing so is an art that very few people possess and if you happen to be one of them it talks of you in great ways.
Key elements to never go wrong with your dining etiquette are:
1. Pre-Dining Etiquette:
RSVP Promptly:
Respond to invitations as soon as possible to help the host with planning.
Dress Appropriately:
Follow the dress code specified in the invitation or, if unsure, opt for business casual or formal attire depending on the setting.
2. Table Manners:
Wait to Be Seated:
Wait for the host to indicate where you should sit.
Napkin Use:
Place the napkin on your lap as soon as you sit down. If you need to leave the table, place the napkin on your chair.
Utensil Use:
Use utensils from the outside in, according to the course being served. Forks are typically on the left, knives and spoons on the right.
Pace Yourself:
Eat at a moderate pace to keep up with the rest of the table and enjoy the meal.
3. Interaction and Conversation:
Polite Conversation:
Engage in light, polite conversation. Avoid controversial or sensitive topics like politics and religion.
Listening Skills:
Listen actively to others and do not dominate the conversation.
4. During the Meal:
Wait for Everyone:
Wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat.
Passing Items:
Pass items like salt and pepper to the right. If asked for one, pass both.
Cutting Food:
Cut one piece of food at a time and eat it before cutting the next.
Drinking:
Take small sips of your drink and avoid talking with your mouth full.
Resting Utensils:
When taking a break from eating, place your utensils on your plate in a resting position (e.g., knife and fork in a V-shape).
5. Ending the Meal:
Finishing:
Place your knife and fork parallel on your plate when you are finished with the meal.
Thank the Host:
Always thank the host for the meal and their hospitality.
By following these key elements of dining etiquette, you can ensure a pleasant and respectful dining experience, making a positive impression on those around you. Comment down how is your dining etiquette in day-to-day life. write down how this helped you now.
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