Business Etiquette Part of making a good impression is demonstrating social and dining etiquette. The information presented on this page is designed to provide you with guidelines about the most frequently asked etiquette questions.
Introductions/Greetings
Conversation
Dining Etiquette
How to Work a Room
Introductions/Greetings
Throughout your career, you will find yourself in numerous social situations in which you are expected to interact with a wide variety of professionals. Below are helpful tips for making introductions. - When introducing yourself, state your first and last name.
- When facilitating introductions, use that name that was given to you during the introduction, e.g. "Michael" is "Michael" not "Mike."
- A firm handshake is crucial. It conveys a sense of confidence.
- Nametags should be placed on the right side, so individuals can easily look at your name when shaking your hand. If you write your name on the nametag, make certain that your writing is legible.
- Maintain eye contact as you speak.
- If you forget someone's name, you may say something like, "I'm sorry I know that we have met before, you are . . . ?"
- At the end of your conversation, be certain to make a closing statement such as "It was a pleasure to meet you."
Conversation
Social conversations can be awkward. The following are possible conversation topics: - The event at hand
- Current events
- Books and trade publications
- Topics in your line of work
Topics to avoid:
Also, be careful not to monopolize the conversation. You should listen attentively so that you can effectively respond to comments and questions posed by others and give other individuals an opportunity to speak as well.
Dining Etiquette
In the business arena, your interview might include lunch or dinner with executives or your future manager. One of the many ways that you can make a positive impression is to demonstrate that you have good dining etiquette. Dining Etiquette Tips (from the University of Missouri, Columbia College of Business)
