Your social grooming isn't over until you master the manners of talking at the dinner table. And you really can't afford to ignore this as dinner invitations are a part and parcel of corporate life. So, here are a few pointers that will help you make a good impression at the dinner table:
No mouthfuls
Talking with food in your mouth is totally unacceptable. The sight of half-chewed food in your mouth will not only destroy the appetite of others but also put your life at risk lest you choke. And it won't be surprising if you aren't invited to any following dinners or get-togethers.
Make small talk
It's customary to make some small talk at a dinner table, so please don't eat like you have starved for years. Gobbling away at a dinner table won't endear you to anyone. Discuss neutral yet interesting topics like movies, art, travel, etc.
Don't seek attention
While it's decent to make polite talk at the dinner table, showing symptoms of verbal diarrhoea isn't. Don't attract attention to yourself by talking loudly, butting into conversations or ranting about a given topic. A dinner party is a social event where your good manners are put to test.
Avoid bitching
Even if you honestly feel that you could have arranged a better dinner party than the host or the organisers please keep your comments to yourself. Passing opinions on the quality of food and wine is uncalled for. Bitching too is best avoided at formal dinners.
Stay non-personal
Refrain from discussing topics like divorces, break-ups, family feuds, poor financial conditions at a dinner party. Also avoid discussing topics that might provoke ill-feelings or bring back bad memories for certain guests. Remember that people are there to have a good time and not to dwell over sob stories.
No loud noises
Calling out loudly, guffawing or slapping your fellow diner's back only reflect your lack of etiquette. And we need not warn you that slurping or burping will do irrevocable damage to your image.
Maintain eye contact
The rule of maintaining eye contact while talking also applies to a dinner table conversation. Don't talk to your fellow diner as you are looking down at your plate or eating. Pause for a while, reply to the person and resume eating.
Don't interrupt
As kids we were taught not to butt into conversations. The same rule applies even at a formal dinner event. If you want to contribute to something your fellow diners are saying, then please wait for your turn.
