DINING ETIQUETTE

Knowing proper dining etiquette and using table manners simply gives you more confidence in embracing new dining experiences, especially important in business situations. Dining graciously, whether it’s a job interview over a meal, dining at the White House, or dinner at your boss’s home - not only makes you more comfortable, but it also makes a positive lasting impression. During business meals, you often see memos and papers on the table. But resist the temptation to use cell phones or laptops at the table; the restaurant isn’t your office. If you have to use all sorts of electronic devices to conduct the meeting, have the meal catered in a conference room or a private room in the restaurant. Don’t forget that other people in the restaurant are dining. They don’t want your business interfering with their meal. Keep your voice low and pleasant. Don’t load up the table with your sunglasses, keys, and electronic gadgets. Put these things in a briefcase or handbag, and put them under the table or on an empty chair. As soon as you’re seated, informal conversation is in order. Avoid discussing your personal life, sex, politics, or religion, and avoid telling jokes. You want cordial conversation, not controversy. On the average, allow about two hours for a business meal. Be prepared to spend as much time as necessary at the meal. While sitting at the tables you should use the basic utensils and dishes correctly. At every meal, you have a plate, a napkin and several utensils usually consisting of a knife, fork, and soup spoon - and at least one glass.

 

4.10. Say if the statements are true or false or not mentioned in the text. Correct the false variant.

 

1. Knowing proper dining etiquette and using table manners simply gives you more confidence in embracing new dining experiences.

2. During business meals it is advisable to use cell phones or laptops.

3. If you have dinner at a restaurant it is necessary to use all sorts of electronic devices to conduct the meeting.

4. People do not care if you interfere with their meal at a restaurant.

5. You should not load up the table with your sunglasses, keys, and electronic gadgets.

6. As soon as you’re seated, formal conversation is in order to discuss personal life, sex, politics, or religion.

7. On the average, allow about two hours for a business meal.

8. While sitting at the tables you should use the basic utensils and dishes correctly.

 

4.11. Give the English equivalents to the following words and phrases from the text. Choose five of them and make up sentences of your own. Read your sentences aloud for other students to translate.

 

Быть знакомым с правилами поведения за столом; научиться использовать правила поведения за столом; производить положительное впечатление; устоять перед соблазном; проводить встречу; пообедать в конференц-зале; вмешиваться; говорить тихо; не загружать стол посторонними предметами; неформальная беседа; пользоваться сотовым телефоном.

 

4.12. Give either Russian (A) or English (B) equivalents to the following words or word-combinations.

 

A B

1. сотовый телефон	a) to intervene
2. умно, разумно	b) international conflict
3. по порядку	c) to escape
4. в среднем	d) sensibly
5. служебная записка	e) to embrace
6. проводить собрание	f) to avoid
7. загружать стол чем-либо	g) experience
8. устоять перед соблазном	h) to interfere
9. рассказывать анекдоты	i) graciously
10. столовые приборы	j) at least

 

 

Text 4C