By Allison Jameson

It wasn't until this past fall, when I attended a business etiquette training dinner that I fully understood how important manners and etiquette are. Jodi Smith, of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting, came to Emerson to do a presentation on business dinner etiquette for our graduate program (Integrated Marketing Communication), and it was a great experience.

I was very impressed with everything that Mrs. Smith taught us, and all of what I learned can be applied to any business situation I find myself in, whether it be a lunch conference, or a fancy dinner with the bigwigs of a company.

During the presentation, we sat down to a three course meal and were guided through the dinner with specific tips on every aspect along the way. We learned how to fold and use the napkin, how to properly hold the silverware and eat each type of food, what and what not to order when out at a business dinner, how to pass the salt, and many other things.

All of these seem like manners one would learn growing up, but there are many technical aspects that I was unaware of until the presentation. You can easily get away with cutting your chicken wrong, or ordering a messy pasta dish when out with the family, but while at a professional dinner event or meeting, you won’t make it out alive with bad manners.

It is always important to be aware of how you are portraying yourself and the company you work for, so it is never too late to learn more on manners and etiquette. Check out this article from Experience on business etiquette, and start brushing up on your skills today!

Anyone have any bad manner horror stories?? Please share!

Photo by SdPanek