Have you ever paid any attention to airport signs while traveling throughout the country? Sometimes they can tell you a little something about that city or region, or principal airline. Take for example the Miami International Airport, the gateway to Latin America. The signs at MIA are in both English and Spanish. What about DTW, where I am presently awaiting a connecting flight, on my way to SITE International? The airport signs in this motor city are in both English and Japanese. Speaking of Japanese, do you know that to slurp your noodles in Japan is a compliment to the chef?

Whether traveling overseas or hosting visitors, here are a few tips on international dining etiquette.

- In China it is considered rude to finish everything on your plate as your host will feel that they did not give you enough food and you are still hungry.

- Asking a chef for ketchup in France would be an insult as it would be interpreted that you do not like the food.

- Dining in the Middle East? Eat with your right hand only as the left hand is considered unclean.

- In Poland it is a bad omen when eating a whole fish to turn it over. According to the old wives’ tale, turning over the fish turns over the fisherman’s boat.

For many, cocktail functions provide the opportunity to network and meet new people. If attending a reception at which there are few if any tables, do not try to juggle handling your drink as well as a plate of food. Opt for one or the other. However, if handling food, particularly finger foods, hold the plate in your right hand in order to pick up your food with the left. In this way you will be able to switch the plate to your left hand if approached by someone, with the right one remaining clean you will be ready to shake hands.

If you attend an event or function at which you are given a name tag, wear it! Name tags make it easier to reestablish existing relationships as well as forge new ones. Wear your name tag high on your right-hand side, just below your shoulder. This will make it easier for the person with whom you are shaking hands to look directly at it and note your name.

Ever find yourself on the receiving end of a cold handshake at a cocktail event? Glasses should always be held in the left hand leaving your right free for handshakes. We’ll have more on handling cocktail food and drinks in the next few weeks.

The way you dress promotes confidence and is a projection of your role and position. Beyond the golf course, have you ever seen images of Donald Trump in anything but a suit?

With the increased interest in the program, we will lead another session in April. Please feel free to share the following with others …

Audience: Professionals working within child-serving organizations

Wednesday, April 23, 2008 | 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

For anyone wishing to understand business etiquette in the office, at business functions, and when traveling on business, this training is for you. This session is designed to provide an overview of etiquette guidelines that are essential to thriving in today’s business world. Participants will learn how to create a lasting impression, build positive business relationships, communicate professionally, and dine with proper manners.

More information and registration are available at http://training1.cscbroward.org

We are thrilled to be bringing highlights of our training programs to the web. Last month we led a session titled “Business Etiquette in a Culturally Diverse Community” for the Children Services Council of Broward and have created this blog in order to keep the lines of communication open with management and staff of non-profit and community organizations.

We are however not limiting our postings on business etiquette to the county or state, and therefore invite you to join the conversation as understanding business etiquette in the office, at business functions, and when traveling on business is essential despite your location or the type of organization to which you belong.

So, welcome!