In this busy, busy world when we often get caught eating over the sink or in front of the TV, table manners tend to fall by the wayside.

But find yourself seated at an important business meal and, suddenly, the ins and outs of proper dining etiquette becomes a reflection of your corporate image. Not following an expected standard of conduct with clients and superiors can make or break what they think of you.

"The dining table is a great stage from which to share your personal side and demonstrate the respect you hold for your client or prospect," says Judith Bowman, a protocol consultant and the author of Don't Take the Last Donut: New Rules of Business Etiquette.

"It is a moment when you can display your proper attention to etiquette, protocol, manners and a myriad of details that set you apart and distinguish you from the competition."

Dining etiquette in business has become so important that refresher courses are popping up around the country. Many executives and students alike have pulled up a chair to career development workshops hosted by institutions like Dalhousie University, Concordia University, York University and Memorial University. Even the University of Manitoba's Asper School of Business has served up a business meal primer.

Here are some tips to polish your table skills and leave a good lasting impression:

• DO eat beforehand if you are famished. Grab a quick snack after work to avoid strapping on the feedbag at dinner. You don't want to waste a valuable networking opportunity because you were too busy chewing.
• DON'T be afraid to make pleasant conversation unrelated to business. Asking about guests' interests outside of work, their hometown, a recent vacation or their family is perfectly acceptable.
• DO set the tone if you are hosting the evening. If you intend for your guests to enjoy a glass of wine or an appetizer before dinner, begin by ordering the same for yourself.
• DON'T order finger foods such as pizza or chicken wings. Also, look for menu items that are easy to eat with a fork and knife. A plate of gooey ribs or a fussy lobster can distract you from what is being said or distract others from what you are saying.
• DO wait to eat if the other diners' meals do not arrive at the table at the same time.
• DON'T look down at your plate while another person is talking to you. Give them your full attention and stay engaged in what they are saying.
• DO take small manageable bites so that you can actively participate in the conversation. If you end up with a mouthful, chew well and swallow before speaking.
• DON'T take phone calls at the table. If the dinner is an extension of the business day, people may be tempted to leave the cell phones and pagers on, but while in the company of others, ignore the buzz and let it go to voice mail. Taking calls at dinner turns guests into unwitting eavesdroppers and often makes them feel uncomfortable.
• DO pace your eating with your fellow diners. Clean your plate too quickly and it appears as if you were not listening or contributing enough to the conversation, too slow and you likely dominated the table talk. Plus, you are causing others to wait for you to finish.
• DON'T push away your plate or bowl when you are finished. Simply put your utensils at the five o'clock position on your plate, which signals to the wait staff that you are done.
• DO discreetly pick up the bill if you or your company hosts dinner. A gracious host will not draw attention to the fact that they are footing the bill.

Whether hosting out-of-town associates, meeting a potential client for the first time or carrying over a marathon meeting to the supper table, a business dinner is a great opportunity. Breaking bread together can be an important stepping stone in building a personal business relationship.

Remember, being comfortable when interacting with others and making them feel comfortable in return is always your first priority. The actual act of eating comes second.

-- With reporting by Barbara Chabai

John McFerran, PhD, CMC, F. CHRP, is founder and president of People First HR Services Ltd. For more information, visit www.peoplefirsthr.com.

RESEARCH:
http://www.facultyclub.utoronto.ca/membenefits/etiquette/NPDec03FW3.pdf
http://www.chiff.com/a/business-dining.htm
http://www.protocolconsultants.com/media/bostoncombiz.htm