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Executive Dining Excellence: Etiquette & Professional Presence

Business dining has become an integral part of relationship building, negotiations and executive networking. Every interaction at the dining table reflects an individual's professionalism, confidence and respect for others. This programme enables participants to master the art of business dining while enhancing their executive presence, ensuring they can confidently host, attend and participate in formal meals with local and international counterparts.

Objective

Upon completion of this programme, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate confidence and professionalism during formal business meals.
• Understand international standards of business dining etiquette and protocol.
• Present a polished executive image in social and professional settings.
• Engage confidently in dining conversations and business networking.
• Handle formal dining situations with poise, cultural awareness and confidence.
• Represent their organisation professionally during official functions and business hospitality.

Outline

DINING ETIQUETTE
Invitations

• Things to consider when extending an invitation or accepting an invitation.
• Protocol to observe when canceling an invitation.

Receiving Lines

• When is the receiving line important for the host?
• What should you do at the receiving line?
• Who should be at the receiving line?

Host Duties

• Steps to follow when organizing a proper business luncheon, eg. Choosing the restaurant, table, how to greet your guest, how to extend your hospitality, etc.
• Protocol to observe as the host.

Guest Duties

• Etiquette to observe to be an appreciative and cooperative guest.

Seating Guidelines

• How to seat all your guests correctly at a business meal.

Taking your seat and napkins

• The proper way to approach your seat and taking the exit.
• The correct way to pick up your napkin and where to position it between meals and after meals.

Host and Guest-of-Honour duties

• Types of formal toasting by the host.
• When should the formal toasting be done?
• When should the guest-of-honour return the toasting?

Toasting

• How to do a proper and good toast?

Posture at the table and excusing yourself

• Correct posture at the table for American and Continental styles of dining.
• Protocol to observe when excusing yourself

Styles of eating

• 2 universally accepted styles of eating – American and Continental.

Silverware savvy

• The correct way to secure your knife, fork and spoon.
• Correct ways of placing your silverware when you are cutting the food, eating the food, resting or after the meal – American and Continental styles.
• Handling the silverware for a very formal business meal.

Place setting maps

• Formal place settings for 4 & 6-course meals.

Dining Do’s and Don’ts

• Etiquette to observe at dining table.

Eating various foods

• Ways of eating various types of foods.

PROFESSIONAL IMAGE

The image you project will be the “first impression” given to the customers / clients / business partners. Having the right image will impress them and draw their attention right away, melting any of their apprehension and meeting their expectations. Every participant will be given an individual colour analysis and a colour chart.

Fashion Sense

Your Image is Showing

• First impressions

Plan your Career Wardrobe

• Basic Career Wardrobe
  
  • Traditional Business Attire for Men / Women
  • Combining ties, shirts, pants, suits for maximum visual impact
  • Clothes to suit different women body proportions
  • Guidelines on shoes, socks, belts, watches, handkerchiefs, briefcases and other accessories for Men
  • Guidelines on shoes, pantyhose, jewellery, belts, briefcases and other accessories for Women

Dress Codes

• Formal and Informal Dressing
  
  • White Tie
  • Black Tie
  • Black Tie Preferred / Optional / Invited
  • Formal / Informal

Personal Grooming

• Detailed descriptions for improved outlook:
  
  • Hair
  • Hair color
  • Teeth
  • Hands and Nails
  • Skin Care
  • Fragrance

Colors

• Psychological Association of Colours
• Colour Tips to help you project your professional image
• Selecting the right colours for you
• Colour Coordination
• Guiding principles to harmonizing colors
• The Color Wheel
• Colour to project professionalism and confidence

Who should attend

This programme is designed for senior executives, directors, managers, team leaders, government officials, diplomats, spokespersons, customer-facing professionals, and individuals representing their organisations at high-level meetings, conferences, official events and international engagements.

Methodology

The programme is highly interactive and incorporates practical demonstrations, facilitated discussions, case studies, individual and group activities, self-assessments, role plays, and real-life business scenarios. Participants will receive personalised feedback and practical strategies that can be immediately applied in the workplace.

Profile of Teo Ser Lee

Teo Ser Lee PBM is the Founder and Director of Protocol Academy Pte Ltd, Singapore’s pioneer in etiquette and protocol services. The company was founded in 2003.

In the dynamic world of corporate professionalism, Ms Teo stands out as a luminary figure, bringing a unique blend of expertise in Corporate Etiquette, Dining Etiquette, International Protocol, and a flair for personal image enhancement. Trained and certified by The Protocol School of Washington, she has cultivated an impressive portfolio of clients that spans across various industries, showcasing her prowess as a Colour & Make-up Artist, Personal Stylist, Image Consultant and an accomplished professional in the training sector.

Ms Teo's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Accountancy degree from the prestigious National University of Singapore, which laid the foundation for her multifaceted career. Her initial foray into the business world commenced as an external auditor with the then Ernst & Whinney, demonstrating her analytical acumen and attention to detail. Over the following years, she has accumulated more than 12 years of invaluable experience in the hospitality industry, specializing in marketing and corporate communications.

Ms Teo's ascent in the corporate arena has been nothing short of extraordinary. She held pivotal management positions with industry giants like Singapore Airlines, where her strategic vision and communication skills contributed to rapid promotion to Head of PPS (Priority Passenger Services). Her journey reached new heights when she assumed the role of General Manager, Corporate Communications for Samsung Electronics, the first foreign lady to join a major chaebol, a testament to her ability to navigate the complexities of the technology sector.

Ms Teo's proficiency in Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol sets her apart as an authority in refining the finer points of professional conduct. Her certification from The Protocol School of Washington attests to her commitment to excellence in this realm.

Through her trainings, she imparts invaluable knowledge, helping individuals and organizations project a polished and professional image in a globalized business landscape. Some of her clients include the ministries and statutory boards in Singapore, such as Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, EDB, Enterprise Singapore, IRAS, HDB, MPA, SPF, SCDF, etc., MNCs such as American Express, Borneo Motors, Dyson Singapore, Cycle & Carriage, Federal Express, Genting Hotels & Resorts, Great Eastern Life Assurance Company Limited, Louis Vuitton (Sngapore) Pte Ltd, Rémy Cointreau International Pte Ltd, Shangri-la Hotels & Resorts (Shanghai, China). Notably, she has also conducted programmes training the civil servants of China who are under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, and EMBA students of Fudan University in Shanghai, further underscoring the international reach and impact of her expertise.

Ms Teo's accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, as she has been featured in several major newspapers and magazines, cementing her reputation as a thought leader in her field. Beyond her corporate endeavors, she has also conquered the world of beauty with an impressive collection of five beauty titles, showcasing her versatility and poise.

• Ms Singapore/International
• Ms Singapore/World
• Ms Singapore/Globe
• 1st Runner-up of Queen of the Midnight Sun (International Pageant)
• Ms Friendship/Globe (International Pageant)

As the ambassadress of Singapore, she has travelled extensively round the world gracing occasions, raising funds for charity and representing Singapore in international pageants.

Ms Teo's talents extend beyond the corporate boardroom; she is also a part-time drama artiste and a radio guest presenter. Her involvement in the arts reflects a well-rounded personality, demonstrating her ability to seamlessly blend creativity with corporate finesse.

Ms Teo's journey from a Bachelor of Accountancy graduate to a respected figure in Corporate Etiquette, International Protocol and Professional Image is nothing short of inspiring. Her diverse skills, coupled with her impressive track record, showcase a professional who not only excels in the corporate realm but also embraces creativity and personal development. Ms Teo's global impact through her training initiatives across ASEAN countries and China underscores her commitment to shaping a world of professionals who exude excellence and cultural sensitivity. Her story serves as a testament to the power of continuous learning, adaptability and the pursuit of excellence in multiple domains, breaking barriers for Singaporean women of her generation.