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At some point in your career you are going to have to conduct business over a meal. Whether it’s lunch, dinner or something as simple as a couple of appetizers, there is a certain etiquette that goes along with the territory. Don’t be that one person who breaks every rule and loses out because you had poor etiquette. Here are 10 of the worst table manners.
Read 10 Food You Probably Shouldn’t Eat at a Business Lunch
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Arrive late
Forget table etiquette, let’s just focus on basic manners. You need to make sure you are on time to your meal. You don’t want to come off as if you don’t care about the other person’s time. A general rule of thumb is to try and arrive 10-to-15 minutes early.
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Stay on your phone
Talk about being rude!
Cell phones have no place on the dinner table as they are an addictive distraction from organic conversation. How can a person talk to you when you are glued to your cell phone? Did you want to eat with your smartphone or the person in front of you?
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Order before everyone else
Unless you are prompted by the table you should hold back on being the first person to order. Granted ladies tend to get the first word before the gents, just sit back as it’s common courtesy to not rush to order, especially if you are the host. Everyone will get their food together.
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Reach over others
This is why you were given a mouth. To ask for the things you need and not reach over everyone to get them. It doesn’t matter if it’s salt, ketchup or a napkin, please do not reach over others.
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Order alcohol
This one requires some personal judgement as there’s no law on not enjoying a spirit (or two) at mealtime. As the general rule of thumb, you should not be the only person at the table with an alcoholic drink. To prevent yourself from looking like a boozer, survey the table to see if anyone needs a wine list. This will reveal if people have an interest in adult beverages.
Monopolize the conversation
No matter how excited you are, do your best not to control the conversation. Even if no one else is springing up to have a chat, ask more questions instead of talk about yourself. If people wanted to hear a monologue they would pay to see a stage play.
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Eat before everyone else
Just because your plate comes out first doesn’t mean you should eat before everyone else. It won’t kill you to wait until all plates are present at the table. It’s not a good look.
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Talk with your mouth full
Table etiquette 101 dictates you keep your mouth closed while chewing. No one wants to see your food while it’s in the process of being digested! As a bonus it’s also not a good idea to smack.
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Pick your teeth
Thankfully not too many people do this as it’s a nasty habit in public. If you feel you have something in your teeth it’s best if you excuse yourself from the table to deal with it. Don’t dig for food bits in front of your fellow dinner guests.
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Assume someone else will pay
On average those who host business meals typically pick up the tab, but that doesn’t give you the green light to assume. Always bring enough money to cover your own plate so you can prevent any awkward, “I thought you had it” moment. Pay for what you eat.
