With more and more business corporations emphasizing on the need to entertain the clients, the right dining etiquette goes a long way in reinforcing your organizations' and your image. Here are some dining etiquette points to remember while you are in the US and Canada.
• It is common to conduct business dinners at homes in American business culture. This doesn't mean that it's meant to be casual. Make it a point to arrive on time if invited for dinner, no more than 10 minutes later than invited. Invitations to homes are rare in Canada and traditionally business is not discussed during the meal. This rule, however, is slowly changing. If it is a business lunch or dinner it is safe to wait for your host to start the business conversation.
• It is common to conduct business dinners at homes in American business culture. This doesn't mean that it's meant to be casual. Make it a point to arrive on time if invited for dinner, no more than 10 minutes later than invited. Invitations to homes are rare in Canada and traditionally business is not discussed during the meal. This rule, however, is slowly changing. If it is a business lunch or dinner it is safe to wait for your host to start the business conversation.
• Always wait to be shown to your seat. Helping yourself before the host starts, resting your elbows on the table, fiddling with the cutlery and chewing with your mouth open are seen as disrespectful in almost every country, including the the US.
• Don't jump into "business conversations" as soon as you are seated. If you are an invitee, wait for the host to begin. If you are hosting the business dinner, pace time for the conversation properly. It's ideal to start after ordering so that, you can have the discussion uninterrupted till the food arrives. Starting the conversation too early will mean that your are only bothered about business while keeping the guests waiting will make them wonder, the purpose of the meeting.
• In Canadian table manners, fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. In American dining etiquette it is alright to switch hands while using a knife. Leaving a small amount at the end of the meal is generally acceptable in the Canadian dining etiquette. Table manners are more informal in both the US and in Canada. You can refuse specific foods or drinks without offering an explanation, but do so politely.
• While small talk after a business discussion is allowed, never be the one to initiate by commenting about weather or other general topics. It is advisable to steer away from topics like religion, politics and other controversial subjects at the table.
Source: Internet
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