Activity 3 Reading
Read the following passage and fill in the gaps.
Dining Etiquette in Business
There are definite rules of dining etiquette, and having a working knowledge of them turns any executive or employee into a gracious host or guest and a poised marketing representative of the company.
Let’s focus on tips for hosting a business lunch or dinner.
● When making the initial invitation, be sure each guest is (1) _____of the purpose of the gathering. Is it a board meeting? Are you introducing a prospective partnership? Is it a strategic planning session or a membership development event? Let people know what to expect.
● If utilizing a set menu, be sure to include a vegetarian dish as an option.
● Arrive early! As the host, you want to be the (2) _____ person present. Arriving early will also give you time to (3) _____ the table and the menu before greeting any guests. Be sure there is (4) _____ seating and introduce yourself to the waiter who will be serving you. This is the time to make any special requests or (5)____________ the wait staff of any special circumstances. A word to the maitre d’ at this point will avoid complications with bill paying later. If you are (6)____________ business clients, you will pay for the meal. This can be established before any guests arrive so the wait staff can avoid potentially embarrassing questions later.(https://www.daowen.com)
● Wait by the door so you are able to (7)____________ guests as they arrive and escort them to the table, or have the maitre d’ show your guests to the table where you will be waiting for them. It is best not to order anything to eat or drink while you are waiting to greet all your guests.
● As your guests arrive, (8)____________ them to one another and show them where you would like them to sit.
● When all the guests are (9)____________, it is the duty of the host to “call the meal to order”.This can simply be a statement indicating that everyone is present and it is time to begin the meal and get down to business.
● Immediately upon sitting down, place your napkin in your lap.
● The host sets the (10)____________ for the meal. If the host orders alcohol, other guests will feel free to do so as well. If you intend for guests to order appetizers, you must begin by ordering one yourself. The same is true for dessert.
After all of your guests have left and the bill has been settled, you can leave content knowing you were a gracious host.