Mind your manners

Etiquette expert Karen Mallett gives two students a first-hand lesson in proper utensil etiquette at the Jan. 18 session.

Attending a networking event or business function can be nerve wracking at the best of times. Try adding a sit-down dinner to the mix.

In an effort to ease the stress and be prepared for such situations, close to 120 students from Dalhousie, Saint Mary«s and Mount Saint Vincent gathered for two hours Jan. 18 to dine on a four-course meal and learn comprehensive tips to help them face any business situation involving food.

Presented by Dalhousie«s Student Employment Centre in partnership with Technical Co-op Education, the session entitled Shaken not Stirred: Corporate Dining and Entertaining for Business was hosted by Karen Mallett, etiquette expert and co-founder of In Good Company, a Canadian company best known for its corporate training.

"Etiquette is not about being perfect or better than anyone else," Mallett opened with. "It«s situational. It«s about being prepared. It«s about respect and leadership and taking the time to put others at ease. It«s about thinking before you act."

Mallett, who has appeared on television programs including Canada AM and Canadian Living Television, covered a variety of topics as she took the group through each course of the meal and provided a series of etiquette guidelines, which included:

Do not touch anything on the table, including your napkin, water or wine, until the host or hostess is seated.

Place your napkin folded on your lap with the opening towards you. This allows you to slip your fingers between the folds to wipe off grease or food bits and keep them hidden from others.

Remember BMW (bread, meal, water) ? your bread plate is on the left and your glassware on the right.

Always pass to the right, counterclockwise, and wait for the item to come back around before helping yourself.

Pace yourself so that everyone finishes at the same time.

Be sure to keep the conversation on appropriate topics.

This final point, according to Mallet, is key when it comes to a networking function. And it«s not only about being able to contribute to the conversation; it is also about knowing when to stop and listen.

"Every person at a table is accountable to keep the conversation going," she explained. "So be prepared before you go to a dinner. Be able to talk about something and make sure to ask questions."

For first-year community design student Mary Wong, the session was educational and filled with plenty of useful information.

"I came here today because I think it«s never too early to learn proper etiquette for networking situations," Wong said. "While I already knew some of the points covered, it was nice to have them reinforced. Plus I learned a few new tips. I«m definitely leaving feeling more confident to attend my next function."

Mallett closed the session with one final tip. "Anyone can look good and put together in a suit; but the way you conduct yourself and the habits you have are what truly make an impression and are what will get you through life."