As a form business entertaining, business meals are increasingly used to build up
personal trust and confidence. Westerners do an extraodinary amount of business over meals
from a quick breakfast to "working lunches" to cocktail receptions and formal dinners.
Breakfast meetings rarely last more than an hour. They imply certain urgency and are
often convenient during business travels. Lunch is usually best for getting to know a
guest a bit better. People do not have to talk about business, of coures. Afternoon tea or
coffee is a relaxed way to spend 45 minutes or an hour talking about business. Dinner is a
more formal business event. Generally, this is not a time to talk about business, but
rather a time to get to know the other person and enjoy each other's company.
Business meals are multi-tasking jobs which can often turn out to be nightmares. If you
want to make a lasting impression, then it pays to be on your best behavior at any such
meal. Of coures, you need to be knowledgeable in your field, but you also need the style
and grace to see you through these events. During a typical business meal you master be a
good listener, ask and answer questions intelligently, talk about your company confidently
and appear pleasant and relaxed.
Your mastery of good table manners comes in handy. It gives you the confidence of
knowing that you can conduct yourself properly. After all, you are trying to have a
conversation with your guest, not concentrating on which fork to use. Choosing the
corrrect silverware from the variety in front appear. Always start with the knife, fork or
spoon that is farthest from your plate and gradually work your way in. A simple rule to
remember is that liquids are to the right and solids are to the left.
Polite dining at the table is one of the codes of behavior that people in the West
consider important. By mastering these skills, you become a better representative of
your company, a wonderful host, and even more sought-after as a dinner guest.