Chapter 4
ETIQUETTE/DRESS
“Winning is
accomplished in the
preparation phase, not
the execution phase.”
Anonymous
OBJECTIVES
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Describe and discuss the importance of
professional behavior in your career
State the impact dress can have on others’
perception of you
Demonstrate a professional introduction and
handshake
Demonstrate appropriate professional
behavior in business dining situations
Recognize and apply the appropriate use of
technology in business/social situations
Utilize professional etiquette in appropriate
business situations
EXECUTIVE PRESENCE

Executive presence: having
the attitude of an executive
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This demonstrates knowledge
about basic workplace behavior
Be prepared for the social
experiences you will face in the
workplace
INFLUENCES OF DRESS IN A
PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT
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Appearance: how you look
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The majority of first impressions
are made through your visual
appearance
Appearance has an impact on how
you perform at work
Think of your appearance as a
frame; it is there only to highlight
the picture
INFLUENCES OF DRESS IN A PROFESSIONAL
ENVIRONMENT
Appropriate Dress
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Dress code: a policy that addresses issues
such as required attire, uniforms, and
hairstyle
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Work wardrobe: clothes primarily worn
only to work and work-related functions
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Vary depending on the industry, work area, and
health/safety issues
Should pose no safety hazards
Start with basic pieces and be conservative
Develop a style that conforms to both
company policy and your taste
TALK IT OUT
Name local places where
you can buy
professional attire at a
low cost
CASUAL WORKDAYS AND
SPECIAL EVENTS
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Casual workdays: days when companies
relax their dress code
Still dress appropriately for work
Do not wear tattered, stained, or torn
clothing
Avoid shirts with sayings or graphics that
may offend others
When visiting different geographic locations
research appropriate attire
TALK IT OUT
Identify people in class
who are wearing
something appropriate
for a casual workday
TIPS FROM HEAD TO TOE
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Shower daily and use deodorant
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Use lotions, cologne, or perfume sparingly
Clothes should be clean and ironed, and they fit
properly
Hair should be clean, well kept, and a natural
color
Practice good dental hygiene
Hands and nails should be well-groomed
Jewelry should be kept to a minimum
Shoes should be in good condition
TIPS FROM HEAD TO TOE
WOMEN
 Makeup should be for day wear
 It is not acceptable to wear
suggestive clothing
TIPS FROM HEAD TO TOE
MEN
 Shave and/or trim
facial hair, including
nose and ear hair
 Shirts should be
tucked in
 Hats should not be
worn inside
buildings.
JEWELRY, BODY PIERCING,
AND TATTOOS
Body piercings and body
rings/jewelry may be offensive to
some individuals
 It is difficult to hide a tattoo
 Consider the long-term consequences
if you are thinking about getting a
tattoo
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JEWELRY, BODY PIERCING,
AND TATTOOS
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Nose, lip, and/or tongue rings
should not be worn in a
professional setting
More than two earrings worn on
each ear is considered
unprofessional
Earrings and other jewelry
should not draw attention
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symbols or words that could be
considered offensive to others
Body art should not be visible at
work
BUSINESS ETIQUETTE
Terms
Etiquette: a standard of social
behavior as seen by society
 Courtesy: exercising manners,
respect, and consideration toward
others
 Respect: holding someone in high
regard; putting others’ needs before
your own needs
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BUSINESS ETIQUETTE
Please and Thank You
These are extremely powerful
words that can create power for
you at work
 When someone does something
nice for you, say “thank you”
 Make it a habit to write a thankyou note when someone does
something for you
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BUSINESS ETIQUETTE
Demeanor
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Have a pleasant attitude
Smile and say please and thank you
when appropriate
Knock before entering an office
Put others first
Apologize when necessary
Do not use profanity
Avoid dominating a conversation
TALK IT OUT
Discuss ways you can be
courteous and respectful
in class
HANDSHAKES
A good handshake conveys
confidence
 Extend your right hand, make
eye contact and smile
 Meet at the web and grip the
other person’s hand
 Gently squeeze and shake
hands
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HANDSHAKES
 Do not squeeze too firmly
 Shake the entire hand, not just the
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fingers
Do not place your hand on top of the
other person’s hand or pat the hand
If your palms are sweaty, discretely
wipe your palm on the side of your
hip prior to shaking
INTRODUCTIONS and BUSINESS
NETWORKING
 Networking
 A tool for collaboration
 Initiate conversation
 Focus the conversation on the other
person
 Create a positive relationship
 Introduce the lower-ranking person
to the higher-ranking person
APPOINTMENTS
 Meetings, phone, Internet
 Check regional time differences and
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include it in your confirmation
Be kind to the receptionist and/or
administrative assistance
(gatekeeper)
Call if late or have to cancel
Thank the participants
DINING
Dining Etiquette
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Place your napkin on your lap; if you
need to leave the table, place your
napkin to the side of your plate
Do not discuss business matters until
everyone has ordered
Utensils are set to be used in order of
necessity
With beverages, offer and serve others
at your table prior to serving yourself
DINING
Dining Etiquette
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Do not order anything expensive or
messy
Do not order alcohol unless others
at your table first order an alcoholic
beverage; abstaining from alcohol is
the most desired behavior
DINING
Dining Etiquette (cont.)
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Offer bread to others at your
table before taking a piece for
yourself
Use the bread plate for bread
and butter; do not butter the
entire piece of bread at one time
DINING
Dining Etiquette (cont.)
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Offer the last piece of bread or
appetizer to others before taking it
Begin eating only when everyone at
your table has been served; if
everyone receives their meal except
you, give others at your table
permission to begin eating without
you
DINING
Dining Etiquette (cont.)
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Do not eat your meal with your fingers
unless your main course can be eaten
without utensils
Be kind and polite to the staff and
servers
If you accidentally burp or slurp,
immediately apologize and say
“excuse me”
DINING
Dining Etiquette (cont.)
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When done eating, place your knife
and fork together with the blade facing
in and the tines up; when you are
resting and do not want the server to
take your plate, place tines facing
down
It is inappropriate to use a mobile
device while dining; if you must take a
call, excuse yourself from the table
DINING
Dining Etiquette (cont.)
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R.S.V.P. means “please respond”
 Send a reply, whether you are accepting
the invitation or sending your regrets
When attending a social functional with other
professionals, remember:
 Refrain or limit the consumption of alcohol
 Only serve yourself a small plate of hors
d’oeuvres and move away from the food
table
 Hold your hors d’oeuvres in your left hand,
leaving your right hand free to shake hands
and greet others
 Do not talk with food in your mouth
TALK IT OUT
Share common dining
and social situations
that make you
uncomfortable and
identify how best to deal
with these situations
OTHER ETIQUETTE BASICS
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Have a pleasant attitude
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Please and thank you
Knock before entering an office
Put others first—allow others to go first
Apologize—everyone makes mistakes
No profanity in the workplace
Avoid dominating a conversation—the key
is listening