1st Impressions, Inc.

November 2003

Past Article(s):

October 2003

Using Voice Mail Effectively

September 2003
Making a Great First

Impression

Lasting
Impressions

"We were very satisfied with the first impressions seminar. The presenter was fully qualified, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable about the subject matter."

Participants from
(Richmond) City University

"The Etiquette Advantage" is a free monthly online newsletter from1^s^t Impressions, Inc. It is geared for those who want to enhance their self-confidence, heighten their communication skills, and outclass their competition.

This free subscription newsletter should come to you only if you have requested it or because you have a pre-existing relationship with Patricia Whitaker or her business, 1^st Impressions, Inc.

Visit us on the web at www.1stimpressionsonline.com

With Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings just around the corner, this is an opportune time to review dining skills. Most of our mothers taught us the basic table manners - "elbows off the table" and "don't talk with your mouth full". However, in the business world, there are many additional rules that you need to learn in order to present yourself as a class act. Oftentimes, employers only send employees who are skilled in dining and conversation to special events such as awards ceremonies, dinners with high-ranking executives and special clients, and other venues that include eating. You must represent the company well. As hungry as you may be you can not eat the same way you do at your kitchen table! Dining in the business world is not about the food, but about building professional relationships. Do not assume that your basic table manners will be enough to know in these situations. With higher levels of business come new rules and expectations. Remember, to whom much is given, much is required.

Below are only a few of the myriad of table rules that need to be followed for a successful business meal:

The Place Setting:
	Know which setting is yours. Once one person uses the wrong implement, it throws off the whole table.
	Knives and spoons are on the right.
	Forks and napkins are on the left.
	Glassware is on the right.
	Side plates (for bread and butter) are on the left.
	Plates will be served from the left and removed from the right.
	Glasses will be filled from the right.
	Pass bread and serving platters from left to right (counter clock-wise).
Silverware:
	Use silverware from the outside in.
	Do not “tip” or lean silverware against your plate. Used silverware should never touch the tabletop. Place them on the plate across the top when not in use.
	The knife blade should always face you.
	Always use the proper spoon for soup and tilt the spoon away from you. Sip quietly from the side of the spoon; do not slurp from the front.
	At the conclusion of the meal, imagine your dinner plate as a clock and place the utensils at the 4:20 position. Do not push your plate away. Your server will recognize this as a silent sign that you are finished.

These are only some of the many rules of dining etiquette. The best way to learn them all is to take a class and then practice, practice, practice! The more often you use the skills, the more prepared and comfortable you will be when you have to use them. Remember, you are always being watched and evaluated, so it is in your best interest to represent well at all times. Be prepared for promotion!

1^st Impressions, Inc. offers a variety of customized workshops on professional presence, business protocol, effective communication, interviewing skills and dining etiquette. Clients include corporations, professional associations, community organizations, churches, government agencies, and universities. Individual private coaching is available and there is also a special program for teens. 1^st Impressions, Inc. provides the finishing touches that will enhance your professional image.

Patricia Whitaker, President, 1st Impressions, Inc.

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