Business Etiquette Workshop

Associate Professor, Business Education North Carolina A&T State University

Lisa E. Gueldenzoph, Ph.D.

True or False
1. The following is an appropriate business introduction of a client to your boss:
Ms. Mathews, this is our new client, Mr. Smith.

FALSE
Introduce person of importance first. Gender or age is not the deciding factor. Include both first and last names.

True or False
2. If someone forgets to introduce you, its appropriate to move on with the conversation without saying anything.

FALSE
Introduce yourself. My name is John Doe; I dont

believe weve met.

True or False
3. If you forget someones name, dont worry about it. Keep talking.

FALSE
Its okay to admit you dont remember. Im sorry, my mind just went blank,

your name is?

True or False
4. When shaking hands, a man should wait for a woman to extend her hand.

FALSE
Business etiquette has become gender neutral. Women dont have to hesitate to offer their hands first.

True or False
5. When leaving your office to take a client to lunch, you should let her go through the revolving door first.

FALSE
The host should be ready on the other side to direct the guest.

True or False
6. Its okay to hold private conversations in office bathrooms and elevators.

FALSE
You never know whos listening!

What do you think

7. What percentage of the message you communicate is conveyed through your visual appearance?

75 93%
Verbal message filtered by nonverbal cues. Wardrobe should be appropriate. Know your body language. Dont forget to smile!

What do you think

8. When two business people talk face-toface, how far apart should they stand?

Three Feet
Avoid a colleagues personal space. Dont yell across the room. Understand cultural differences.

True or False
9. Its okay to tell a business associate if his zipper is open.

TRUE
Dont prolong the embarrassment. Applies to lipstick on teeth, etc. Be subtle.

True or False
10. The host the one who does the inviting pays for the clients lunch.

TRUE
Know your companys policy. Make sure restaurant is in budget.

True or False
11. When using a speakerphone, announce if anyone else is present before the conversation begins.

TRUE
Identify everyone in the room.

True or False
12. If youre out of the office, its important to change your voice mail message.

TRUE
Indicate when youll return. Provide information to contact a real person, if possible.

True or False
13. Its okay to send confidential information and large attachments by email.

FALSE
Private email does NOT exist. Deleted messages can be retrieved. Consider traditional mail methods.

True or False
14. During a meeting, its okay to leave a cell phone on if youre expecting a call.

FALSE
Its VERY rude!
Turn it OFF use voice mail.

True or False
15. If you overhear a colleague's conversation in a cubicle, its OK to comment on what you just heard.

FALSE
Use discretion.
Try not to eavesdrop.

Social Business Gatherings

Youre NOT there to eat! Talk to people you dont know. Shake hands (keep right hand free). Learn small talk (focus on other person). Listen before talking. Make eye contact. Introduce yourself. Avoid taboo topics. Close conversations and circulate.

Business Dinners
Work silverware from the outside in. Know which ones are YOUR bread plate and glass.
NEVER put your napkin on the table.

Business Dinners, Contd.

Never put used silverware on the table.
Butter your plate, use that for bread.

Butter each piece as you eat it.

Take small bite-sized pieces. When done, use 4 oclock position. Dont ask for a doggie bag. Be discreet; follow lead of host.

Business Netiquette
Never send personal email at work. Always use a subject line. Begin message with a greeting. Dont use emoticons. Use proper spelling, grammar, etc. NEVER TYPE IN ALL CAPS! Announce attachments. Close with your name (signature block).

International Ps and Qs
Men should be gentlemen.
Women should dress conservatively.

Avoid gesturing.
Keep hands OUT of pockets. Dont slouch or lean against things. Dont blow your nose in public. Avoid clichs.

Wrap-Up Quiz

In the business arena:

a) Only men should stand for handshaking and all introductions.
b) Only women should stand for handshaking and all introductions. c) It is not necessary for men or women to stand for handshaking or introductions. d) Both men and women should stand for handshaking and introductions.

In the business arena:

a) Only men should stand for handshaking and all introductions.
b) Only women should stand for handshaking and all introductions. c) It is not necessary for men or women to stand for handshaking or introductions. d) Both men and women should stand for handshaking and introductions.

To show confidence, authority during a handshake, use:

a) The bone crusher.
b) The limp fish. c) The glove. d) The fingertip holder. e) The web-to-web.

To show confidence, authority during a handshake, use:

a) The bone crusher.
b) The limp fish. c) The glove. d) The fingertip holder. e) The web-to-web.

For easy reading, ones name badge should be worn:

a) On the left shoulder.
b) On the right shoulder. c) On the left hip. d) Around ones neck.

For easy reading, ones name badge should be worn:

a) On the left shoulder.
b) On the right shoulder. c) On the left hip. d) Around ones neck.

If you accidentally drop your fork on the floor in a restaurant

a) Pick it up, wipe it off, and use it.
b) Pick it up, give it to the server, and ask him/her to bring you another one. c) Leave it on the floor and ask the server to bring you another one. d) Leave it on the floor and use your neighbors fork when hes not looking.

If you accidentally drop your fork on the floor in a restaurant

a) Pick it up, wipe it off, and use it.
b) Pick it up, give it to the server, and ask him/her to bring you another one. c) Leave it on the floor and ask the server to bring you another one. d) Leave it on the floor and use your neighbors fork when hes not looking.

If someone mistakenly uses your bread plate, you

a) Tell him he made a mistake and ask for your plate back.
b) Dont say anything and eat from your other neighbors plate. c) Dont say anything and convince yourself you dont need bread. d) Ask the server for another roll and use the side of your dinner plate.

If someone mistakenly uses your bread plate, you

a) Tell him he made a mistake and ask for your plate back.
b) Dont say anything and eat from your other neighbors plate. c) Dont say anything and convince yourself you dont need bread. d) Ask the server for another roll and use the side of your dinner plate.

A womans handbag, if its small, can be placed on

a) A desk.
b) A boardroom table. c) A restaurant table. d) All of the above. e) None of the above.

A womans handbag, if its small, can be placed on

a) A desk.
b) A boardroom table. c) A restaurant table. d) All of the above. e) None of the above.

If you want to remove something in your teeth,

a) Use your knife when no one is looking.
b) Raise your napkin to your mouth and be

discreet.
c) Use your business card.

d) Politely ask your server for a toothpick.

e) Excuse yourself and go to the bathroom.

If you want to remove something in your teeth,

a) Use your knife when no one is looking.
b) Raise your napkin to your mouth and be

discreet.
c) Use your business card.
d) Politely ask your server for a toothpick.

e) Excuse yourself and go to the bathroom.

If you bite into a piece of tough meat that is hard to chew,

a) Pretend to wipe your mouth and deposit
it into your napkin.

b) Use two fingers or your fork to remove it

and place it on the edge of your plate. c) Swallow it and hope you dont choke. d) None of the above.

If you bite into a piece of tough meat that is hard to chew,

a) Pretend to wipe your mouth and deposit
it into your napkin.
b) Use two fingers or your fork to remove it
and place it on the edge of your plate.

c) Swallow it and hope you dont choke.

d) None of the above.

The best way to meet people and work a room is to

a) Head for the bar or buffet upon arrival.
b) Introduce yourself to two people who are deep in conversation. c) Look confident, stand in the center of the room and wait.

d) Introduce yourself to groups of three or more.

e) Stick close to only those you know.

The best way to meet people and work a room is to

a) Head for the bar or buffet upon arrival.
b) Introduce yourself to two people who are deep in conversation. c) Look confident, stand in the center of the room and wait.

d) Introduce yourself to groups of three or more.

e) Stick close to only those you know.

When you are finished eating, your napkin should be

a) Folded loosely and placed on the right side of your plate.
b) Folded loosely and placed on the left side of the plate. c) Folded loosely and placed in the center of the plate. d) Folded like a dove and placed on the seat of your chair.

When you are finished eating, your napkin should be

a) Folded loosely and placed on the right side of your plate.
b) Folded loosely and placed on the left side of the plate. c) Folded loosely and placed in the center of the plate. d) Folded like a dove and placed on the seat of your chair.

Comments?