Business Etiquette Course

Course Overview

Business Etiquette is so much more complex than knowing table manners like which fork to use at a business lunch. This course examines the basics, most importantly to be considerate of others, dress/appearance, the workplace versus social situations, business meetings, proper introductions and ‘the handshake’, conversation skills/small talk, cultural differences affecting international business opportunities, dealing with interruptions, and proper business email and telephone etiquette.

Course Objectives

After completing this course, participants will know how to:

• Create a professional image, follow cubicle and office etiquette, and maintain positive office relationships.
• Use the Internet appropriately when at work and handle ethical dilemmas and personal issues in the workplace.
• Introduce people properly, be a good conversationalist, and follow proper etiquette in meetings.
• Display courtesy on the telephone, in voice mails, and in written communications.- Follow proper etiquette at business functions and dinners, and identify formal table settings for business dining.
• Be a courteous traveler and prepare for international business trips.

Course Outline

Office protocol

• Office etiquette
• Understanding business etiquette
• Maintaining a professional appearance
• Cubicle and office etiquette
• Practicing cubicle etiquette
• Practicing office etiquette
• Office relationships
• Developing positive relationships with co-workers
• Avoiding rumors and gossip
• Developing relationships with superiors and staff

2 - Professional conduct

• Appropriate use of the Internet
• Accessing the Internet
• Ethical dilemmas
• Handling ethical dilemmas
• Maintaining loyalty and confidentiality
• Personal issues in the workplace
• Handling personal issues in the workplace

3 - Communicating in the workplace

• Introductions
• Introducing people
• Following etiquette while being introduced
• Conversations
• Making conversation
• Etiquette in meetings
• Understanding meeting protocol
• Conducting yourself properly in meetings

4 - Etiquette in communication

• Telephone courtesy
• Applying telephone courtesy
• Using voice mails and speakerphones
• E-mail etiquette
• Using subject lines and e-mail signatures
• Composing the body of e-mail messages
• Writing guidelines
• Formatting a business letter
• Writing memos and informal letters

5 - Business functions

• Attending business functions
• Identifying types of business functions
• Following etiquette at business functions
• Business dining
• Identifying table settings at formal dinners
• Following etiquette for business dining
• Handling utensils and napkins
• Applying basic rules of dining etiquette

6 - Traveling for business

• The courteous traveler
• Being a courteous traveler
• Being courteous on an airplane, on a train, or in a car
• Following the rules of etiquette at hotels
• International travel
• Understanding cultural orientation
• Showing respect to your hosts