It’s safe to say that most students probably aren’t aware of the difference between American and Continental dining. However, after last night’s “Mind Your Manners” Business Etiquette Dinner, some students know plenty about proper dining manners.
Kim Holladay, the director of undergraduate BBA Career Services for the Cox School of Business, gave an opening before the meal began. Shortly following, the topic of the event, “Don’t be a mess, eat with success,” was addressed while business students and faculty dined on a three-course meal in the Ernst & Young Gallery of the Fincher Building.
Colleen Snyder, of Image Dynamics, was the main presenter and spoke about proper business dinner etiquette and how “the meal is never about the food.” She covered important topics such as silverware placement, napkin placement, and general dinner manners. However, several more etiquette topics were addressed. Questions were answered about business conversation, what to do when problems occur, and the difference between American and Continental dining.
“I didn’t even know there were different dining styles,” first-year Samantha Colletti said. “That’s why I need to be here.”
Snyder also discussed controversial areas, such as drinking alcohol and smoking during the meal. She also brought up the difference between what is socially acceptable and what is acceptable at a business dinner, which can greatly differ.
“Many of the things I thought were right turned out to be wrong,” Colletti said. “I’m glad I decided to come, and I learned some important things about business meals. I am even thinking of coming again next year.”
More importantly, the subject of being in an interview position or hosting position was discussed. This topic is crucial for business students because they are often being interviewed, and may eventually be hosting business meals. It was suggested by Snyder that people at a business interview mirror many of the manners being used by the host, as long as they are correct. However, in a host situation, “you are setting the rules to be followed.” Simple rules, such as ordering the same number of courses as the host, were also given throughout the evening.
Snyder is part of the Dallas-based company Image Dynamics, which is focused around teaching skills to give people the extra edge in the business world. They offer a variety of interactive courses that teach everything from sales training and team building, to customer service. The company also offers books, DVDs, and CDs as part of their learning material.
