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Business Etiquette Excellence: From Boardroom to Dining Table

Business relationships are often built and strengthened beyond the meeting room. Whether engaging in formal meetings, networking events or business meals, professionals are expected to demonstrate confidence, cultural awareness and impeccable etiquette. This programme provides participants with the knowledge and practical skills to navigate both corporate and dining settings with professionalism, ensuring they leave a positive and lasting impression while representing their organisations with distinction.

Objective

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

• Demonstrate confidence and professionalism in both business and dining environments.
• Apply internationally accepted standards of corporate and dining etiquette.
• Build stronger business relationships through polished social and professional skills.
• Navigate formal business meals with confidence and cultural sensitivity.
• Avoid common etiquette mistakes that may undermine professional credibility.
• Enhance their executive presence in both domestic and international engagements.

Outline

Benefits of Etiquette & Protocol Intelligence

Etiquette and protocol intelligence will distinguish you from the crowd. While this
unique intelligence alone may not get you anywhere, it will give you an edge that will
make the difference between you and another person who is just as smart!

Dining Etiquette

1. Invitations

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

2. 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?

3. 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.

4. Guest Duties

• Etiquette to observe to be a “good” guest.

5. Seating Guidelines

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

6. 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.

7. 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?

8. Toasting

• How to do a proper and good toast?

9. 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.

10. Styles of eating

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

11. 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.

12. Place setting maps

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

13. Dining Dos & Don’ts

• Etiquette to observe at dining table.

14. Eating various foods

• Ways of eating various types of foods

Corporate Etiquette

Today, more than ever, your people skills play a huge role in helping you reach your
professional goals. Some of the pertinent points to remember to tell you apart from
your competition!

1. Eye Contact / Eye Signals

• Various eye signals for business and social environment.
• How to maintain correct eye contact.

2. Improve Mingling Proficiency

• How to improve your small talk ability.
• Subjects for small talk.
• How to enter and exit from group of strangers who may be your potential clients.
• Positive and negative body language.
• Deportment and posture.

3. Handshaking

• Various ways of handshaking that reveals your personality.
• Power points for handshaking.
• International ways of handshaking.

4. Introductions

• How to introduce yourself with confidence and authority.
• Protocol for business introductions.
• Formulas for proper formal and informal introductions.

5. Remembering Names

• Formulas for remembering names.

6. Business Card Protocol

• How to present the business card.
• How to make your business card an effective visual communications package.

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.