How to Act During a Business Meal

Beginner 15 min 16 steps 7850 views Rating: 4.4/5 Published: 2026-02-01

Research the restaurant ahead of time.. Dress appropriately for the type of business function.. Arrive on time or early.

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Steps

1

Research the restaurant ahead of time.

Step 1

Research the restaurant ahead of time.

2

Dress appropriately for the type of business function.

Step 2

Dress appropriately for the type of business function.

3

Arrive on time or early.

Step 3

Arrive on time or early.

4

Shake hands and look people in the eye when speaking to them.

Step 4

Shake hands and look people in the eye when speaking to them.

5

Treat your server and the other restaurant staff respectfully throughout the mea

Step 5

Treat your server and the other restaurant staff respectfully throughout the meal.

6

Make wise choices regarding alcohol.

Step 6

Make wise choices regarding alcohol.

7

Shift the conversation to business talk at the appropriate time.

Step 7

Shift the conversation to business talk at the appropriate time.

8

Silence your phone and put it away.

Step 8

Silence your phone and put it away.

9

Handle the bill appropriately.

Step 9

Handle the bill appropriately.

10

Excuse yourself when leaving the table.

Step 10

Excuse yourself when leaving the table.

11

Select a suitable meal choice.

Step 11

Select a suitable meal choice.

12

Sit up straight and keep your elbows off the table.

Step 12

Sit up straight and keep your elbows off the table.

13

Begin eating once everyone has been served.

Step 13

Begin eating once everyone has been served.

14

Place your napkin in your lap and avoid talking with your hands while holding yo

Step 14

Place your napkin in your lap and avoid talking with your hands while holding your silverware.

15

Chew with your mouth closed.

Step 15

Chew with your mouth closed.

16

Place your fork and knife in the proper position once the meal is over.

Step 16

Place your fork and knife in the proper position once the meal is over.

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