▲PARNELL Learning - Vital Skills Workshops

Business Etiquette

Business etiquette is so much more complex than knowing table manners like which fork to use at a business lunch. This course examines the basics, 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. This workshop will help participants look and sound their best no matter what the situation.

Workshop outline:

Module One: Getting Started
Icebreaker - Ground rules - The parking lot - Workshop objectives - Action plans and evaluation forms

Module Two: Networking for Success
Creating an Effective Introduction - Making a Great First Impression - Minimizing Nervousness - Using Business Cards Effectively - Remembering Names

Module Three: The Handshake
The Three-Step Process - FAQs

Module Four: Making Small Talk
The Four Levels of Conversation - Case Study

Module Five: 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 E-Mail Etiquette
Addressing Your Message - Grammar and Acronyms - Top Five Technology Tips

Module Eight: Telephone Etiquette
Developing an Appropriate Greeting - Dealing with Voice Mail - 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 Colours - 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 - Review of Parking Lot - Lessons Learned - Completion of Action Plans and Evaluations