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Dining Etiquette - A Practical 2-Hour Workshop

This practical 2-hour workshop introduces participants to the essential principles of dining etiquette in a clear, engaging, and easy-to-apply manner. Participants will learn how to navigate formal and informal dining situations with confidence, from table setting basics and proper use of cutlery to polite conversation and professional table manners.

Objective

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate proper dining etiquette in formal and business settings
• Build confidence when attending business meals
• Avoid common dining mistakes that may affect professional image
• Apply cultural awareness in dining situations

Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Dining Etiquette (15 mins)
Why dining etiquette matters in business
First impressions and professional image
Common dining scenarios (business lunch, networking dinner, formal banquet)
Icebreaker: “Most awkward dining experience”

Module 2: Table Setting & Utensils (25 mins)
Understanding table setup (formal vs informal)
Proper use of cutlery (outside-in rule)
Napkin etiquette (placement, use, when to excuse yourself)
Glassware basics
Identify utensils from a sample table layout

Module 3: Dining Behavior & Table Manners (35 mins)
Seating etiquette and posture
How to start and end a meal properly
Eating techniques (soup, bread, main course, dessert)
Conversation etiquette at the table
Handling difficult situations (spills, wrong orders, unfamiliar food)
Good vs poor dining behaviour

Module 4: Business Dining Etiquette (25 mins)
Who orders and pays in business settings
Hosting vs being a guest
Professional conversation topics
Using dining as a networking tool
Do’s and Don’ts in business meals

Module 5: Cross-Cultural Dining Awareness (10 mins)
Key differences in Western vs Asian dining etiquette
Respecting cultural practices (e.g., chopsticks, sharing dishes)
Avoiding cultural faux pas

Module 6: Practical Simulation & Practice (10 mins)
Quick simulation of a business dining scenario
Participants practice key etiquette behaviors

Profile of Agnes Koh

Agnes Koh is the President and Founder of Etiquette & Image International and The Etiquette Alliance International. She is the recipient of the Expat Living Readers’ Choice Awards 2019 and Promising SME 500 Award.

Recognised across many industries as an expert in etiquette, protocol and wellness coaching, she has accumulated the following certifications:

• International Protocol Manager, Protocol School of Washington, PSOW
• Image Consultant, Canada, AICI CEU
• Business Etiquette & Protocol Consultant, Canada, AICI CEU
• Advanced Colour Analysis, International Image Institute, Canada
• Executive Refining Image, International Image Institute
• Master Business Etiquette & Protocol, IBICA
• American Business Etiquette Trainer, ABETA
• Children Etiquette Trainer, Florida, U.S.
• Certified Behavioural Consultant, IML USA
• Makeup Artistry Exposed, The Makeup Show, New York
• Diploma in Holistic Wellness, C.H.Ed, UK.
• BA (Hons) Business & Marketing, University of Portsmouth

With 30 years of working experience, Her work encompasses skills in:

AGNES’ RECOGNITION

• 2019 - Winner of Expat Living Readers’ Choice Awards 2019
• 2014 - Promising SME 500 by SMBA, Small Medium Business Association
• 2011 - "Most-Loved Beauty Professionals" Holy Grail Beauty & Fashion Awards.
• 2009 - Successful Entrepreneur 2009 by Singapore Today Commemorative Magazine.

Agnes is a passionate advocate of etiquette and deportment. She constantly exudes a positive energy and radiates a sensible, pragmatic and realistic aura. She facilitated hundreds of workshops and through this, has established a strong lasting relationship with a diverse range of clients. Her commitment, service and qualities have all been reflected in her life journey.

Agnes’ corporate engagements have set a high benchmark for knowledge, skills and behaviour transformation. As the master trainer of the accredited train-the-trainer certification programs, she is a leader in etiquette workshops. Client feedback has spoken highly of her ability to motivate her trainees with an engaging yet energetic approach. She has poured her strong values of honing etiquette, image, protocol and wellness into her book â€˜Presence, Proficient, Professional’ as well as two additional books, 'Seasonal Colours to Slimmer, Gorgeous and Attractive You’ and 'Gentlemen’s Guide to Personal Brand’. Previously, Agnes has also published a children’s manners book as she believes cultural and social courtesy should be instilled from a young age.

Agnes was featured on Singapore Mediacorp Channel 8, Super Family 2 for an episode on Fine Dining and Social Etiquette. Contributing to National Etiquette Week, she went on radio 938 Live, 88.3 and Power 98 to discuss the importance of etiquette. She has been featured, quoted, interviewed and shared her expertise on various aspects of etiquette, protocol and manners in national print and social media.