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

Diana Rahman's Profile

Diana Rahman is an ICF-ACC certified coach, an ACTA/ACLP-certified corporate trainer, and a seasoned people development professional with over 25 years of experience in training, coaching, and professional development. She holds a Diploma in TESOL (Distinction) from the London Teacher Training College and a Diploma in Professional Image from Color Me Beautiful (USA).

She began her career in the banking industry, spending six years in a credit card centre where she gained valuable hands-on experience in client relations, customer service, and operational processes. This early exposure provided her with a strong understanding of workplace dynamics, communication challenges, and the resilience required to perform in fast-paced environments.

Over the past two decades, Diana has dedicated her career to training and coaching leaders and teams across various industries. Her areas of expertise include interpersonal communication, public speaking, conflict management, stress management, resilience, critical thinking, personal branding, social and cross-cultural etiquette, social graces and dining etiquette, psychological first aid, and mental agility. Her training programmes are highly practical, interactive, and designed to address real workplace challenges.

Diana is also a Certified Trainer in Grooming, Business Etiquette, and Dining Etiquette, focusing on professional presence, effective communication, and personal branding. She has appeared on several television programmes on Channel 5, Suria, Vasantham Central, Channel U, CNBC Asia, and Channel NewsAsia, where she shared insights on professional image and communication.

In addition, Diana is the co-founder of two companies, including a digital marketing and technology solutions agency that leverages AI systems. Her entrepreneurial experience enables her to bring practical business insights and real-world perspectives into her training and coaching.

Following her banking career, Diana spent 10 years with Jill Lowe International as an Image Consultant, where she helped professionals strengthen their personal branding, professional presence, and etiquette.

She is also a certified memory trainer and the co-author of Venus Rising: The Phoenix Awakens, an Amazon #1 Bestseller in 2022.

Diana is known for delivering highly engaging, credible, and relatable training that focuses on practical application and measurable results.