Objectives of the workshop

Proper business etiquette helps one to present him or herself in a professional and serious manner to current and prospective clients. The ever more challenging business environment and the diversity of cultures demand that business executives master the basics of etiquette in order to avoid inappropriate behaviour which could damage one’s image and effectiveness, affecting business relationships and the acquisition of new clients.

Sometimes, business professionals would like to have the style and ease of a trained diplomat in their social bearing and protocol. In today’s challenging global business environment, with the complexity of diverse cultural traditions, business executives and professionals must have a mastery of etiquette in order to present themselves and their ideas in the best possible manner, while putting their clients and colleagues at ease in any situation.

Objective

The primary objective of this workshop is to help business executives, diplomats, professionals and other professionals to manage complex social and professional relations in an increasingly globalised world. Participants will analyze and practise skills that will give them an understanding of the principles involved in cultivating relationships with their clients. Mastery of these skills will also help to project a positive and respected image within the business community. The course will teach the art of dining, the basic concepts of international protocol and how to make a good first impression.

Approach

Each topic is introduced in a power point presentation which involves class participation. Group members will be provided with templates and practical exercises which provide dynamic interaction at the end of each session.

Content

The following topics will be offered. Ideally 90 minutes will be devoted to each module but this will also depend upon the number of participants.

Module 1:

1: Introductions

• How to introduce oneself

• How to introduce others

• How to put new acquaintances at ease and engage them in conversation

Exercise:

• Participants will be given a few minutes to get to know their immediate neighbour. Each participant will then be asked to introduce his neighbour to a third person. This exercise will focus on informal introductions. 

• Three participants will be asked to come forward to the centre of lecture room and will be asked to discuss a topic among themselves. Another participant will then be asked to approach the three students and to try to enter their conversation. This exercise will give the fourth participant the opportunity to practise how to engage in conversation with a group of strangers. Those observing the exercise will be able to analyse how and why the techniques work or do not work.

• Participants will be asked to write down three do’s and don’ts about conversation technique. They will also be asked to write down a number of topics which one should avoid during business-related social events. 

2: Handshake protocol 

• Shaking hands

• Eye contact in various cultures

Exercise: 

• Participants will be asked to shake hands with the person next to them.

• Examples of different handshakes and the message sent will be discussed.

3: Name cards 

• Use of and presentation of name cards

• Interpretation and use of body language

Exercise: 

• Participants will be asked to draft their own name cards. They will be asked:

  - to compose and write a name card.
  - to present the name card to their neighbour.
  

Module 2:

1: Etiquette

• Introduction to etiquette and good manners. Practices one should avoid at the table. 

• A visual briefing on identifying the silverware and laying out a place setting.

• Correct and incorrect handling of the silverware.

• Taking one’s seat.

• Posture at the table and excusing oneself.

• Proper use of napkins.

• When to start toasting and eating.

• When to engage in business conversation.

Exercise: 

• Participants will be given a template and they will be asked to identify the various pieces indicated on the template.

• Participants will be asked to prepare a draft for a toast.

2: Seating arrangements 

• This section includes an explanation of various seating arrangements for different functions. 

Exercise: 

• Participants will be given templates of table arrangements and they will be asked to number the seating in accordance with the order of precedence.

• Participants will be divided into groups and asked to draw up a checklist for services for a particular function.

3: Entertaining

• Host and hostess duties

• Being an appreciative host

• Forms of address

Module 3:

1: Presentation: An Introduction to Protocol Procedures. This will include:

• order of precedence;

• invitations;

• reply toasts and

• Signing of agreements.

Exercise: 

• Participants will be asked to draft an invitation for a dinner reception, a joint invitation and invitations to other events. This exercise will give participants an opportunity to learn how to draft an invitation before sending it to the printers.

tify">Participants will be asked to write a note of acceptance of the invitation and also a response to decline to an invitation.

2: Preparation for a function

Exercise: 

Participants will be divided into groups and each group will be asked to make a checklist for the preparation of a State/official visit.

3: Present an International Image

• Clothes and accessories for men and women

• Dressing for the occasion.