Professional Skills — 2025
Chapter 11 — Dining Etiquette
K.H.I.U. De Silva • SA23656710 • Undergraduate Software Engineering
Overview
Dining etiquette is about showing respect and professionalism at the table—how you sit, use cutlery, talk, and finish your meal. Good manners leave a positive impression in interviews, business lunches, and formal events.
Short Notes
- Before you eat: Wait to be seated; phone on silent; sit upright.
- Napkin: Unfold on lap after host; dab (don’t wipe); place on chair if you leave briefly.
- Cutlery rule: Work outside → in with each course; hold fork/knife lightly.
- Bread & butter: Break small pieces; butter each bite on the side plate.
- Passing items: Pass to the right; ask before reaching across.
- Talking: Small bites; don’t speak with a full mouth; include everyone in conversation.
- Pace: Match the table; don’t start or finish far ahead of others.
- Resting/Finished: Rest = fork & knife in an inverted V; Finished = together at 4 o’clock.
- Tricky items: Soup—tilt bowl away, spoon away; Fish—remove bones discreetly to side of plate.
- End: Napkin to the left of plate; thank the host/staff; settle the bill politely if hosting.
What I Did
I practiced the outside-in cutlery rule, proper napkin use, and resting/finished positions during a role-play meal.