Test Your Etiquette IQ: Everyday Protocol We Should All Know

I often receive emails and comments from people sharing what they have learned throughout the years from family members, friends and well-meaning mentors.

Recently, a young woman mentioned her mother taught her to always order a small salad at a business meal, and never a regular entrée. I’m not sure of the reasoning, but I respectfully corrected the instruction and suggested she order comparable to her guest or host. This lesson was given only a few years ago; she was perplexed when she attended a training session and learned otherwise.

Here is a fun quiz to put your etiquette skills to the test. The query about “turning the table” is a rule from the 1920’s that no longer occurs, but it will be interesting to see how you do. How many of the following can you answer without hesitation?

1.How many pumps does a professional handshake require?
a. Three
b. Two and a grab of the forearm
c. Four

2. A text is more efficient than an email when letting someone know you are running behind.
True/False

3. A man’s wedding boutonniere is worn on what side of the body?
a. Right lapel
b. Left lapel
c. On the right collar

4. How many seconds does it take to form a solid first impression?
a. 7 seconds
b. 10 seconds
c. 30 minutes

5. At a party or networking event, in which hand do you hold your drink – right or left?
a. Left
b. Right

6. How can you tell when a smile is genuine?
a. Their lips don’t move
b. They move their hands
c. They part their lips

7. Who should exit the elevator first?
a. Men
b. The person(s) closest to the door.
c. Women

8. Who should walk up the stairs first, a man or a woman?
a. A man
b. It shouldn’t matter in business.
c. A woman

9. What is the most important thing you must do before you leave a party?
a. Get a business card from a new contact
b. Ask for a doggie bag
c. Say goodbye to the host

10. How do you signal a waiter?
a. Whistle
b. Raise your hand slightly and make eye contact
c. Lift your hand high and snap for quick service

11. Where do you place your cell phone at a meeting?
a. On the conference table, next to your notepad
b. In your lap to feel the vibration should you receive an alert
c. In your purse or pocket

12. When meeting a client, allow the client to extend his/her hand first.
True/False

13. It’s rude to interrupt two people in conversation at a networking event.
True/False

14. Remove bone or gristle from your mouth with:
a. Your index finger and thumb
b. A napkin
c. A tissue

15. High tea is:
a. A formal afternoon tea
b. A heavy meal
c. A ceremony conducted at noon

Bonus: What does outdated term “turning the table” mean?
a. Talk to the person on your left side during the first course, and rotate sides after each course
b. Move the table to be closer to the dessert buffet
c. Change seating throughout the course of a dinner party

Answers:
1. a, 2. True, 3. b, 4. a, 5. a, 6. c, 7. b, 8. b, 9. c, 10. b, 11. c, 12. False, 13. False, 14. a, 15. b
Bonus: a

Here is a recent video you may enjoy from Fox 7:

For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her Inc. contributions, subscribe to her articles on the Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, or follow her on Pinterest and Instagram.