Business Etiquette

1 Day

Introduction

This course examines the basics of business etiquettes, most importantly, to be considerate of others, dress/appearance, the workplace versus social situations, business meetings, proper introductions and ‘the handshake’, conversation skills/small talk, cultural differences affecting international business opportunities, dealing with interruptions, and proper business email and telephone etiquette.

Have you ever been in a situation where:

• You met someone important and had no idea what to say or do?
• You spilled soup all over yourself at an important business event?
• You showed up at an important meeting under or overdressed?

Let’s face it: we’ve all had those embarrassing etiquette gaffes. Our Business Etiquette workshop will help you look and sound your best no matter what the situation.

Programme Objectives:

• Define etiquette and provide an example of how etiquette can be of value to a company or organisation
• Understand the guidelines on how to make effective introductions
• Identify the 3 C’s of a good impression
• Understand how to use a business card effectively
• Identify and practice at least one way to remember names
• Identify the 3 steps in giving a handshake
• Enumerate the four levels of conversation and provide an example for each
• Understand place settings, napkin etiquette and basic table manners
• Understand the meaning of colors in dressing for success
• Differentiate among the dressy casual, semi-formal, formal and black tie dress code

Method and Approach

This programme will involve the use of slides, handout material, work manual with all instructor notes and slides, examples of best practice, appropriate videos and appropriate video material.

The use of flip-charts, syndicate workshops and reporting back sessions will encourage a fully participative and enjoyable event. Delegates will be encouraged to participate actively in relating previous work experiences.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for those who frequently find themselves in different, and often unfamiliar, situations. The course is particularly useful from front-end or customer facing personnel who often communicate with strangers and conduct business in various places and situations around the world.

Course Content

Module One: Getting Started

• Introduction to the course
• Workshop Objectives

Module Two: Understanding Etiquette

• Etiquette Defined
• The Importance of Business Etiquette

Module Three: Networking for Success

• Creating an Effective Introduction
• Making a Great First Impression
• Minimizing Nervousness
• Using Business Cards Effectively
• Remembering Names

Module Four: The Meet and Greet

• The Three-Step Process
• The Four Levels of Conversation

Module Five: The Dining in Style

• Understanding Your Place Setting
• Using Your Napkin
• Eating Your Meal
• Sticky Situations and Possible Solutions

Module Six: Eating Out

• Ordering in a Restaurant
• About Alcoholic Beverages
• Paying the Bill
• Tipping

Module Seven: Business Email Etiquette

• Addressing Your Message
• Grammar and Acronyms
• Top 5 Technology Tips

Module Eight: Telephone Etiquette

• Developing an Appropriate Greeting
• Dealing with Voicemail
• Cell phone Do’s and Don’ts

Module Nine: The Written Letter

• Thank You Notes
• Formal Letters
• Informal Letters

Module Ten: Dressing for Success

• The Meaning of Colors
• Interpreting Common Dress Codes
• Deciding What to Wear

Module Eleven: International Etiquette

• General Rules
• Important Points
• Preparation Tips

Module Twelve: Wrapping Up

• Words from the Wise
• Lessons Learned
• Completion of Action Plans and Evaluations