WCLI Business Etiquette

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. Have you ever been in a situation where:

Have you met someone important and had no idea what to say or do?Did you spill soup all over yourself at an important business event?You showed up at an important meeting under or overdressed?

Let’s face it: we’ve all had those embarrassing etiquette gaffes. Our Business Etiquette workshop will help your participants look and sound their best no matter what the situation.

Course Objectives:Research has consistently demonstrated that when clear goals are associated with learning that the learning occurs more easily and rapidly. With that in mind, let’s review our goals for today.

You Will:By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Define etiquette and provide an example of how etiquette can be of value to a company or organization.
• Understand the guidelines on how to make effective introductions.
• Identify the 3 C’s of a good impression.
• Identify at least one way to minimize nervousness while in social situations.
• Understand how to use a business card effectively.
• Identify and practice at least one way to remember names.
• Identify the 3 steps in giving a handshake.
• Enumerate the four levels of conversation and provide an example for each.
• Understand place settings, napkin etiquette, and basic table manners.
• Understand the protocol in ordering in a restaurant, handling alcohol in a business meal, paying the bill, and tipping.
• Understand basic guidelines when it comes to the proper form of address, grammar standards, and use of acronyms in e-mails.
• Understand basic guidelines in the use of the telephone, voicemail, and cell
• State the difference between a formal and an informal letter.
• Create an effective ‘Thank You’ note.
• Understand the meaning of colors in dressing for success.
• Differentiate among the dressy casual, semi-formal, formal, and black tie dress codes.
• Understand basic guidelines in international etiquette.

Target Student:

Course Core Competencies:Module 1: Understanding EtiquetteTopic A: Etiquette DefinedTopic B: The Importance of Business Etiquette

Module 2: Networking for SuccessTopic A: Creating an Effective IntroductionTopic B: Making a Great First ImpressionTopic C: Minimizing NervousnessTopic D: Using Business Cards EffectivelyTopic E: Remembering Names

Module 3: The Meet and GreetTopic A: The Three-Step ProcessTopic B: The Four Levels of Conversation

Module 4: The Dining in StyleTopic A: Understanding Your Place SettingTopic B: Using Your NapkinTopic C: Eating Your MealTopic D: Sticky Situations and Possible Solutions

Module 5: Eating OutTopic A: Ordering in a RestaurantTopic B: About Alcoholic BeveragesTopic C: Paying the BillTopic D: Tipping

Module 6: Business Email EtiquetteTopic A: Addressing Your MessageTopic B: Grammar and AcronymsTopic C: Top 5 Technology Tips

Module 7: Phone EtiquetteTopic A: Developing an Appropriate GreetingTopic B: Dealing with VoicemailTopic C: Cell Phone Do’s and Don’ts

Module 8: The Written LetterTopic A: Thank You NotesTopic B: Formal LettersTopic C: Informal Letters

Module 9: Dressing for SuccessTopic A: The Meaning of ColorsTopic B: Interpreting Common Dress CodesTopic C: Deciding What to Wear

Module 10: International EtiquetteTopic A: General RulesTopic B: Important PointsTopic C: Preparation Tips