Course Outcomes

This business etiquette course will:

  • Define professional behavior and suggest standards for appearance, actions, and attitude in a business environment.
  • Explain different communication styles and how to adjust to each.
  • Prepare participants to handle a variety of social and business situations: networking events, business meetings, business meals, and more.
  • Thoroughly review dining etiquette for everything from casual buffets to formal dinners.
  • Review the essentials of online and offline business networking.      
  • Discuss workplace appearance for any dress code. 

Course Overview

Learn how to take your professionalism to the next level during this no-nonsense, hands-on training program. This program addresses communication styles, networking, dining etiquette, meeting etiquette, tipping etiquette, travel etiquette, email etiquette, voicemail etiquette, business cocktail party etiquette, wardrobe etiquette, and more. We designed this program specifically for groups that want to polish their skills and improve their professional image. When you schedule this workshop, know that we will send you someone engaging, entertaining, and fun.  You can expect information presented in a humorous, relaxed style that cuts to the heart of modern professionalism.  

Program Objectives

At this program’s conclusion, participants should be able to:

  • Explain the four basic behavioral styles and how to adapt to each.
  • Describe appropriate office dress.
  • Demonstrate effective self-introductions, introductions of others, and small talk.
  • Successfully navigate a business meal.
  • Develop an action plan to improve personal professionalism.

The following outline highlights some of the course’s key learning points. As part of your training program, we will modify content as needed to meet your business objectives. Upon request, we will provide you with a copy of the participant materials prior to the session(s).

Workshop Outline

The Communication Jungle: Understanding Different Communication Styles

This course begins with Business Training Works’ signature diagnostic tool, The Communication Jungle, with which participants learn to identify their own behavioral styles and those of their coworkers and clients in order to adjust for better communication. This feature is beneficial for all who wish to get along better with different kinds of people.
 

Communication Etiquette: Saying and Doing the “Right” Things

Creating a dynamic self-introduction, introducing others, improving listening skills, wearing proper business attire, using grammatically correct language, and practicing good telephone behavior all contribute to first-rate business communication. In this unit, participants will have an opportunity to fine tune their business communication skills.
 

Gracious Host, Gracious Guest: The Art and Science of Entertaining 

From a seven-course meal to fast food, this section covers all aspects of dining etiquette. It explains the duties of a host and those of a guest. More important, it provides the answers to some of the trickiest business entertaining situations. What do you do when you have been invited to dinner but your host shows no sign of paying the bill? What do you do if you spill food on your dinner companion? For maximum effectiveness, clients may opt to include a practice dining session with this program.
 

Etiquette on the Move: Business Travel, Parties, Tradeshows, and More

How much to tip, when to tip, when to hand out business cards, and other similar situational questions often frustrate unsavvy business people. This component explores common and not-so-common business situations and explains what to do in each instance. At the client’s request, international etiquette may be included in this discussion.
 

Dress for Success: Looking Your Best

Creating a positive visual impression is often as important as demonstrating effective verbal and listening skills. In this concluding lesson, participants will play fashion critic by identifying appropriate and inappropriate work attire in a series of photographs. This visual approach helps participants understand the difference between simply complying with a dress code versus looking their best. Emphasis is placed on appearing clean, well groomed, and appropriately dressed without their having to spend a fortune.
 
At the program’s conclusion, participants will have an understanding of communication and business etiquette. Most importantly, they will know how to handle some of the most difficult situations with style, grace, and professionalism.