25 May,2009 07:45 AM IST | | Manish Gaekwad
International Finishing Academy in association with Sabira Merchant recently tipped young professionals on the the basics of biz etiquette. iTALK dropped in to bring you a comprehensive guide to getting your act right
When it comes to using chopsticks at a business lunch, we flounder with them like Edward Scissorhands did with his fidgety fingers. What is the correct pronunciation of Cognac (kon-yak)? Should you serve liqueur in a tulip glass?
How many of us know the meaning of RSVP (Respondez Si'l Vous Plait) on an invitation card?
If the thought of business etiquette and fine dining has been leaving you cold as fish, if you stick out like a sore thumb at social functions and feel like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, terrified of all the cutlery laid out before you on a table de hote (prix fix), who do you pray to?
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Consistent with her imperturbable dignified air, she grooms individuals with great u00e9clat, which can make it look misleading of being ruffled by a feather if a bird came too close.
TECHNOCRAT
Sabira peppers the second half of the day-long session with tips on how a lady should hold her bag (in the crook of her arm), to extolling virtues on the unbeatable sari as a divine ensemble, to how one should offer his business card with one hand (always facing the receiver), while holding his bubbly in the other hand.
She lights up the exercise with on-the-spot models chosen from among the participants, giving them cues to initiate small talk that art of conversation she is an expert at.
Napkin holding (not to be ever used as a bib), bread breaking (bite-sized chunks before the entru00e9e arrives), soup eating (tilt bowl, spoon outside and swerve to sip), wine tasting (shake glass to release bouquet for red wine, not for white wine) is taught without spilling into a boring boardroom spiel.
TRADE OFF
Given that Sabira has to listen to so many people get it all wrong, day in and day out, she says, "Quite a few things are wrong with Indian professionals communication skills have to be improved-tightened-honed-elevated," she quips.
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"We are going global, we have to be at ease in such a space, wear more than just a tie and shirt to an official affair, have dining skills (grasp menus, understand wines, what to order, how to eat).
These skills need to be strengthened, but most importantly, you need a sense of humour which allows people to loosen up, be free and open."
For those who do not have access to an experience programme like the one she conducted, she offers a quick-fix solution.
"Pick up a book on etiquette, but that's not what I am doing here, putting up a presentation and clicking through it; I put people in the thick of it, the attendees here have to enact each role themselves to understand and experience first-hand, business etiquette and fine dining skills."
Sabira's grooming tips for men
How to wear a tie length?
Till the buckle, not lower, not higher, even if that means you have to spend extra time in the mirror, fashioning it.
What about shoes and socks?
Shoes have to match your belt. If it's black shoes, it must be a black belt. Invest in a reversible one. If it's brown shoes, switch to the brown side.
Socks have to match trousers since they are an extension of the trousers. If the trousers are grey, opt for grey socks, and not ankle length please. Hike them up; no one wants to see hairy limbs when you cross your legs.
Suits and Indian men have always been at the crossroads.
Portly men should make use of double breasted suits; it allows them to tuck into an extra button to get a slimmer shape. The rest should play safe with single breasted suits. Lounge suits work so fine, look at Obama, always wearing dark colours, and only with one button done.
NEW EXPERIENCE
Parag Karhatkar, a young professional from a manufacturing firm, is elated to be here and recounts his experience at lunch time.
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"I have learnt quite a bit; projection of voice is one, even though I am quite high pitched. And pronunciation. I didn't know how to pronounce the word 'develop' correctly (d-vae-lup)."
Anamika, his colleague, chips in, "Yes, use of language has been one of the key experiences here; I am anxiously waiting for the second half of the session to pick up dressing tips, and how to converse with people at parties."
Tips for women
What should women wear for a formal occasion?
Sari formal and informal. It always works, but do not mix it with heavy ornaments. Don't deck up like the proverbial X'mas tree.
Are pants more formal than a short dress?
A short form-fitting dress is always more formal, better than pants and is considered more chic and elegant.
International Finishing Academy conducts programmes for professionals in corporate etiquette and grooming. Log onto www.ifa.ind.in to read their calendar. Call: 9221501421 / 9820060241 to sign up
