Unit II

Meeting and Boardroom Protocol : Guidelines for planning a meeting -

Before the meeting - On the day of the Meeting - Guidelines for
Attending the meeting - For the Chairperson - For attendees - For
Presenters – Planning a power point presentation- Dealing with
customer complaints.
Entertaining Etiquette - Planning a meal - Issuing invitations - Business
meals basics - Basics of table etiquette - Holding and resting utensils -
Business dining etiquette - Multi-cultural Highlight: Japanese Dinning -
Specific food Etiquette guidelines.
 MEETING
• An organized occasion when a number of people come together in order to discuss or
decide something.
• A meeting is a gathering of two or more people that has been convened for the purpose
of achieving a common goal through verbal interaction, such as sharing information or
reaching agreement.

Corporate Meeting
Meetings are an important part of corporate where employees sit together on a common
platform, exchange their views and opinions and reach to a solution benefitting the
organization and mutually acceptable to all.

Effective Meeting
This occurs when people leave a meeting feeling energised, positive about the use of
their time and with a sense that progress has been made. Effective meetings can assist
you to generate ideas, plan work, keep your people informed and assist with doing work.
 Guidelines for Planning a Meeting
Decide If You Really Need a Meeting
First, decide if planning a meeting is really necessary. We often think a formal meeting
is the best way to share information or have a discussion. But if your news can be
delivered via email or conference call, or just by rallying a few people in your office
for 15 minutes, then it's probably a good idea to skip the formal meeting altogether.
Determine the purpose
There are many reasons to have a business meeting: reviewing a budget, coming up
with sales goals, introducing a new promotion, or a combination of all three. Once
you know the purpose of the meeting, you can determine who needs time on the
agenda. You should also determine the size of venue you need for the meeting. A
conference room may be enough room, or you may need to schedule a bigger room
depending on the purpose of the meeting.
 Guidelines for Planning a Meeting
Have an Agenda
To plan effective meetings, you should first decide what will be discussed. What is the objective of the meeting?
What are you seeking to accomplish? Develop a meeting agenda ahead of time and distribute it to attendees.
Indicate the start time and include a short list of topics to be addressed. Don’t bog down your own meeting with a
lengthy, overly detailed agenda. Indicate by name any individuals who will be responsible for reporting on a
specific area.
Remember, this is important for those attending, but also for you, too. When you set out your agenda, you'll be
better able to stay on topic.
Once the agenda is finalized, email it to those attending the meeting. If it is a big conference, preparing copies of
the agenda to hand out may be appropriate.

Only Invite Those Who Really Need to Be There

Ever been invited to a meeting and wondered halfway through why you're there? Don’t waste people’s time by
inviting them to a meeting they don't need to attend. That will not be an effective meeting. Does someone from
accounting need to be present at the meeting to answer budget questions? Then invite one person from accounting
who is suited for that task.
If a colleague or supervisor needs to be informed of what was discussed at a meeting, you don’t need to invite
them to the actual meeting. Simply prepare a meeting summary and send it to them afterward. They will appreciate
the time saver, and you have the assurance that — because you put the information in writing — they are fully
informed of discussions.
 Guidelines for Planning a Meeting
Inform in Advance
Announce the time and the place of the meeting to all employees
who are expected to attend.
Life is busy and calendars quickly become booked with scheduled
activities. Send out a follow-up meeting reminder two days before
your meeting. Those who said they would attend will then be able to
confirm they can still make it, or if their plans have changed and you
need to reschedule. Setting up an automatic email reminder can save
time. The reminder should go out one day prior to give employees
time to see it.
 Guidelines for Planning a Meeting
Be Clear About Expectations
When you first send out notification of the meeting, be clear about its purpose and your expectations.
Will the meeting revolve around a presentation? Will those attending need to take notes? Or is this a
brainstorming session everyone is expected to show up with ideas and suggestions?
In some corporate cultures, employees don't need to participate — they only listen and head back to
their workspaces. In other companies, employees participate freely. In today’s collaborative workplaces,
interacting and sharing ideas is not only welcome, it's frequently the purpose of the entire meeting.
When you're setting out your expectations, it's also a good time to send out any required reading or
material you'll want those attending to look over. That way they're prepared when they get to the
meeting and there are no surprises.
Start on Time
Starting on time is really important, both from a logistic and productivity standpoint. If you are the person
who typically shows up for meetings on time, then you understand how frustrating it can be when things
don't get going as folks trickle into the room. What inevitably happens is, going forward, everyone knows
that these meetings never start on time so everyone starts showing up late. Take charge of your
meeting. Start promptly at the given start time. Shut the door and begin. Stragglers will quickly get the
message they are arriving late and they should only make that mistake once. And besides, everyone
has to get back to work, so you don't want to disrupt the entire workday.
 Guidelines for Planning a Meeting
Keep It Short and Simple
Most meetings are slated for an hour when, in many cases, a shorter time period will suffice.
When too much time is allotted, time is wasted. Keep meetings short and to the point. Be
sure to follow the planned agenda to ensure an efficient, timely meeting.
Stay on Topic
An agenda alone will not run your meeting efficiently. Stick to the agenda and keep
discussions from wandering off on tangents. Address any off-topic questions, stating that it is
a topic for another meeting or it will be addressed privately. No one likes a runaway meeting
where the purpose of whole point took a backseat to other conversations.
Take Smaller Meetings Outside the Conference Room
Sitting in the same familiar conference room gathered around the same familiar table is just
that — it's just too familiar. To encourage employees to interact, think creatively and have
lively discussions, consider taking the meeting outside of the standard conference room.
Consider meeting at a table outside if venue and weather allow. Try gathering in a common
area with sofas and small tables instead of a large conference table and swivel chairs.
 Guidelines for Planning a Meeting
Don’t Be Afraid to Take a Different Approach
If the approach to the meeting isn’t working, don’t be afraid to switch course. For
example, if a brainstorming session is yielding a quiet room with very little dialogue,
change direction. Be flexible and pay attention to how the overall meeting is progressing.
Use Technology
Plan to use technology to keep attendees engaged. In today’s digital world, most people
are used to seeing graphics or videos to support the words they hear. Appeal to that
mindset and incorporate audiovisuals when planning your meeting.
Computers projected onto large screens and Smart Board presentations that encourage
interaction are a welcome change from the standard lengthy PowerPoint presentations.
One point on technology — be sure to test it out first. The last thing you need is to get
flustered because the laptop isn't working or you can't run through your visual aids when
you need them. If technology isn't your forte, have someone else do a run through
before the meeting. It'll definitely save you time and keep you on schedule if you do a
little prep work ahead.
 Guidelines for Planning a Meeting
Minutes of the Meeting
Once the meeting is over, minutes of the meeting must be prepared and circulated
across all departments for them to take necessary action.
Wrap up the details
Prepare any handouts or other items needed for individuals attending the meeting.
Organize catering or gift bags for the meeting. Verify that the gift bags are completed
and the food services will arrive on time and are correct. These items should be done
the day before to help the meeting run smoothly. Be sure to follow the planned
agenda to ensure an efficient, timely meeting.
Send out a Meeting Summary
Within a day after the meeting, send out a brief summary of what was discussed. It's
a good idea to follow up with an email to all those in attendance, those that were
unable to attend the meeting and anyone else who may need to be informed. Also
include any action items, specifying who is responsible for each item as well as the
due date.
 Planning a Power Point Presentation
• Plan carefully.
• Do your research.
• Know Your Stuff
• Know your audience.
• Keep Your Slides Simple.
• Highlight What’s Most Important.
• Use High-Quality Photos and Graphics.
• Clean + Simple Formatting Makes All the Difference.
• Check the spelling and grammar.
• Do not read the presentation. Practice the presentation so you can speak from bullet points.
• Give a brief overview at the start. Then present the information. Finally review important points. It is often more
effective to have bulleted points appear one at a time so the audience listens to the presenter rather than reading
the screen.
• Time your presentation- Practice With a Timer.
• Speak comfortably and clearly.
• Lighten Up Your Mood.
• Read the Room.
• Choose Three Focal Points in the Room.
• Do not turn your back on the audience.
 MEETING ETIQUETTE- For Attendees
Meeting Etiquette refers to codes of behavior, an individual ought to follow, while attending meetings
and discussions at the workplace.
Try to find out what the meeting is all about
Understand the importance of the meeting. Never go blank. Employees should do all the ground work
before attending meetings to ensure maximum participation from their end. Prepare notes in advance.
Never be late for meetings
Going late for a meeting is something which is not expected out of a professional. (5 minutes early is on
time). Do not enter the meeting room once the meeting has already begun It disturbs others.
Never attend meetings without a notepad and pen
It is practically not possible for an individual to remember each and every thing discussed at the time of
meeting. A notepad helps in jotting down the important points for future reference.
• Sit wherever you find a place. Do not run here and there.
• Never attend meetings in casuals. Follow a professional dress code.
• Be a good listener. Listen to the opinions of others. Wait for your turn to speak.
• Don’t interrupt in between the meeting unnecessarily.
• If you don’t understand something, ask questions.
 MEETING ETIQUETTE- For Attendees
Always keep your cell phone on the silent or vibrator mode
Cell phones ringing in the middle of meetings and seminars are considered rude and
unprofessional. This might insult others sitting in the same room as well as break the
pace of the meeting. Do not attend phone calls during meetings unless it is an
emergency. It is bad manners to do the same.
• Fiddling with pen or notepad is one of the major distractions in meetings One must
concentrate and stay alert. Be an attentive listener. Do not yawn even if you find the
meeting boring.
• Do not convert the meeting room into a battle ground. Speak politely and do respect
your colleagues.
• Keep an open mind.
• Participation is expected in meetings
• Avoid side conversations which distract others.
• Chewing gum during meetings is childish and must be avoided.
• Avoid taking your cups of coffee or tea to meeting rooms unless and until advised by
superiors.
 The Role of the Chairperson
Chairing Meetings
Before the Meeting
• Plan the agenda with the Chief Officer and officers.  Include items brought to you by
other members.   Decide the order and timing of the agenda, and who will introduce
each one.
• Identify which agenda items are for information, discussion or a decision.
• Check for Conflicts of Interest on the items on the agenda.
• Be well briefed about each item, and actions taken since the last meeting.
• Ensure all necessary background papers (including the last meeting's minutes) are sent
out with the agenda beforehand.
• Check with staff that all relevant practical arrangements have been made, e.g. room
layout, visual aids, etc.
• Arrive in good time before the meeting is due to start.
 The Role of the Chairperson
During the Meeting
•Communicate
•Control
•Coax
•Compare
•Clarify
•Decision Making
•Guide
Communicate
• Start the meeting.  Welcome any new members.  Make any necessary introductions.
• The one chairing the meeting must speak loud and clear . It is essential to take care of the pitch and
tone.
• Receive apologies for absence.
• Ensure that additions or amendments in agenda are made.
• Set the scene.  State the objectives of the meeting and each item.
• Try to be brief when making a point.
 The Role of the Chairperson
Control
• Maintain control.  Set out any time limits.
• Allow flexibility and freedom of expression.
• Keep to the agenda.
• Ensure quorum is present.
• Ensure time is used effectively.
• Ensure that proper minutes are taken.
Coax
• Ensure full participation.
• Draw out quieter members and control those who are monopolising the meeting.
• Compare
• Weigh up contributions impartially.
• All points in favour of a point should be summarised against all points not in favour.
 The Role of the Chairperson
Clarify
• Ensure everyone understands what is being discussed.
• Summarise.
• Ensure that if jargon and abbreviations are used, all present understand them.
Decision Making
• Ensure that decisions are taken in the context of the organisations strategy and
that they are recorded, together with who is going to implement them.
Guide
• Remember that above all you are there to guide the meeting.
• Steer members to work harmoniously and purposefully as a team.
• Keep an eye on time.
 The Role of the Chairperson
At the End of the Meeting
• Summarise decisions taken and action points to be followed up e.g.
who's responsible, by when.
• Agree a date for the next meeting - it is usually best to set dates for
the year's meetings well in advance.
• Agree what special items will be put on the agenda of the next
meeting and what work needs to be done, by whom etc.
• Ensure that the minutes are written up, checked by the Chair and sent
out in good time.
 Dealing with Customer Complaint
Stay calm
When a customer presents you with a complaint, keep in mind that the issue is not personal; he or
she is not attacking you directly but rather the situation at hand. “Winning” the confrontation
accomplishes nothing. A person who remains in control of his or her emotions deals from a position of
strength. While it is perfectly natural to get defensive when attacked, choose to be the “professional”
and keep your cool.
Listen well 
Let the irate customer blow off steam. Respond with phrases such as, “Hmm,” “I see,” and “Tell me
more.” Do not interrupt. As the customer vents and sees you are not reacting, he or she will begin to
calm down. The customer needs to get into a calm frame of mind before he or she can hear your
solution—or anything you say, for that matter.
Be Kind
In most instances, you can diffuse anger and frustration by remaining kind and understanding. You can
tell your customer straight away that you appreciate them reaching out about their concerns and
that you want to understand exactly how they are feeling. A statement such as this from the get-go
lets your customer know that you truly care and that you are ready to listen. When a customer knows
that you truly care, you are well on your way to finding a reasonable resolution to the customer
complaint. 
 Dealing with Customer Complaint
Acknowledge the Issue
After you’ve heard them out, acknowledge the problem and repeat it back to the customer.
Paraphrasing what your customer has said and repeating it back to them lets them know that you
listened and that you understand what the problem is.
Acknowledging the problem does not mean that you agree with what the customer has to say, it
just means that you understand them and respect where they are coming from. You can say things
like, “I understand this must be very frustrating for you,” or, “If I understand you correctly…” then
follow up with the paraphrased rendition of the complaint.
Apologize and Thank Them
It may feel difficult, but swallowing your pride and apologizing for your customer’s poor
experience will put you miles ahead of the game. As with acknowledgment, apologizing does not
mean that you agree with the customer, nor are you taking the blame. 
It may seem counterintuitive, but thanking your customer for reaching out with their issue will
also show that you’re always trying to improve your business. It demonstrates that you
understand where they are coming from and that you are ready to resolve the problem for them.
 Dealing with Customer Complaint
Ask Questions
After you’ve listened to your customer’s complaint and the individual has had a chance to calm down,
it’s your turn to take the initiative and get all the facts. Now is the time that you can calmly start
asking questions for clarification. Start a genuine conversation with your customer. Between being
kind, listening, acknowledging, and apologizing, you will have started gaining your customer’s trust.
However, it is imperative that you do not ask questions that your customer has already answered.
Making them repeat themselves can heighten emotions again and make your customer feel like you
weren’t listening in the first place.
Make It Speedy
Once you’ve gathered all of the information you need, now is your chance to find a solution that
makes everyone happy, especially your customer. The faster you find a reasonable solution that
everyone can agree on, the happier your customer will be and you get to breathe a sigh of relief.
It’s important to be flexible here. While it’s important to follow your company protocols and
guidelines, it’s also important to be able to go the extra mile for your customers. Passing an upset
customer up a chain of command may only make the situation worse, so it’s important to avoid it
when possible. 
 Dealing with Customer Complaint
Document Their Responses
Complaints often include hidden opportunities for improving your product or service. Documenting them
can help you identify flaws, issues, and trends. Whatever the case, make sure to record all customer
complaints for future use. 
With the complaints documented, you can bring them up in monthly and annual meetings to seek advice
on how to tackle the issue.
Follow Up
Contacting your angry customer after finding a solution for them might be the last thing you want to do,
but after all that hard work, following up with your customer is the icing on the cake for them. It lets
them know that their concerns are at the top of your mind, and it’s another way to show that you care.
During this follow-up, apologize again and make sure you’ve taken care of everything they needed. At
this point, if the customer is happy, there’s a really good chance that they will be returning to you for your
services and that they will tell their friends and family about you and how good your customer service is. 
Come Out from Behind the Screen
Use web conferencing tools to have a video call with the customers so that they know you care.
Dining Manners and Etiquette
 Dining Manners
• Table manners. Table manners are the rules of etiquette used while eating, which may
also include the appropriate use of utensils. Different cultures observe different rules
for table manners. Each family or group sets its own standards for how strictly these
rules are to be enforced.
• It's not only about table manners; it shows your upbringing and that you are a civilised
person. On the other hand, if you show good table etiquette, others will have a good
impression about you, you will get more dinner invitations, and you can make more
friends.
• Table manners are important, mostly because people will judge you on them. Worrying
about loud chewing noises might not be a thing in someone’s culture, but it is in others’.
While having good manners is important, the most important thing is not to make other
people feel awkward.
• The best is “watch your host”. 
 Planning a Meal
Planning the Business Lunch
If possible, find out whether your guest(s) likes or dislikes certain cuisine. Ask when extending the
invitation or call an assistant to get the answer. You could also give your guest a choice of two or three
restaurants. If hosting a group, choose a restaurant with a diverse menu.
Invite well in advance
You or your assistant should arrange any business meal at least a week in advance.
Choose a restaurant you know
If possible, pick one restaurant and frequent it. This will pay special rewards in terms of your being
recognized when you walk in, and it will probably result in better service. You will have to cultivate (and
tip) the headwaiter to make yourself known. Also keep in mind that if anyone is going to travel fairly far to
reach the restaurant, it should be you and not your guest.
Local custom will generally dictate the time of the lunch.
Confirm the time and place and repeat the details of the invitation later in the conversation.
Reserve a table ahead of time. If you have a preference for seating (a spot that's quiet) tell the person
taking the reservation.
Reconfirm with your guest. Call on the morning of a lunch or dinner; if you've scheduled breakfast, call the
day before.
Make it clear that you are the host.
 Planning a Meal
Business Meal Etiquette
Arriving
Good dining etiquette and the impression you make on your business lunch companions starts when you
first arrive at the restaurant.
Don't be late 
It's appropriate that this is the first rule of dining etiquette. Arriving even five or ten minutes late leaves a
bad impression; any later than that sends a clear message of carelessness and thoughtlessness.
Dress appropriately 
Call the restaurant to see if they have a dress code.
• When you arrive at the restaurant and your host hasn't arrived, etiquette dictates that you wait in the
lobby or waiting area for him or her. Don't go to the table and wait there.
• If you are the host, wait for your guest in the lobby. If some of your guests have already arrived, you
should wait in the lobby only until the time the reservation is made for. Then proceed to the table and
have the representative or waiter escort the late guests in.
 Planning a Meal
Paying the Bill
The person who does the inviting does the paying. If someone invites you to lunch and the
server places the check on the table, don't make a grab for it. Let the person who invited  you
have the opportunity to pick up the check and deal with it.
If the server gives the check to your guest ask them for the check. A simple way to prevent this
from happening, is to let the server know in advance that the check should be brought to you.
Tipping
Whoever is paying the bill should make sure a gratuity hasn't already been included in the
total--something that is standard procedure at some restaurants. Other restaurants may
include an automatic gratuity only for large groups. On many occasions, you’ll be tipping not
only the waiter but other restaurant staff as well. Tip according to these general guidelines.
Do not place any bags, purses, sunglasses, cell phones, or briefcases on the table.
Do not apply makeup or comb your hair at the table
 Business Meals Basics
Communicate a clear objective for the meeting. 
People's lives are incredibly busy nowadays, so it's best when you extend the invitation, to state the
reason why you're inviting them, so they have a clear understanding and can prepare or decline, if
they're too busy. Not having too much in the way of paper involved when you have a client meeting. It
can be very difficult to handle paper at a table when there's a meal involved.
Take care of everything 
It's the responsibility of the person who extends the invitation to take care of everything, from the bill
to figuring out any logistics for the meal.
To make sure things go smoothly, invite with all the details including all the necessary information,
including the address, time, tips on where to park, where exactly you will meet the client in the
restaurant, and anything else that will eliminate confusion.
Meet guests in their comfort zone
Everyone has their preferred mode of communication. Figure out which method the other individual
likes and using that to reach out with an invitation.
Clients will also appreciate it if you choose a restaurant close to their place of work, so it's
convenient. Ask about dietary restrictions before choosing a spot, and select one that serves food
they can enjoy. You may also want to try out the restaurant in advance to make sure it's an
appropriate venue for a business meal.
 Business Meals Basics
Don't make it all about business
The foundation of any successful business meal is the relationship you're working to build. You want
the other person to feel comfortable and secure, and you don't want them to think the meeting is a
sterile business exchange.
You want to build a connection and be a good listener, Ask questions and make eye contact with the
individual, and warm up a little bit before you dive into what it is you're hoping to get out of this
meeting.
Learn dining etiquette in advance
You should really get a handle on dining etiquette before you sit down for a meal with a client. As long
as you review the basics in advance, you can avoid any major red flags. Along those lines, experts urge
hosts to avoid slipping completely out of business mode, which can be easy to do in a social
environment like a luncheon. 
Be fully present
Don’t let the meeting distracted by your phone. Put your phone on silent mode and place it out of
sight for the duration of the meal. Be fully present at any dining experience and you will be deemed
charismatic.
 Business Meals Basics
Consider bringing someone along. 
Some business meals are better one-on-one, but some people, often uses meals as
networking opportunities to either connect two clients who are facing similar issues or
show a rising star the hopes.
"When I meet with a client or business relationship, I always try to bring somebody with
me, and I ask them to do the same thing," a business man said. "Sometimes I'll bring
another partner, sometimes a rising star who's already connected to the engagement. In
order to develop the next generation as trusted business advisers, it's really important to
bring somebody along, because how else are they going to learn?“
Follow up with a thank you
A very small but significant thing to do after a business meal is follow up in some way,
perhaps with a note of appreciation for some useful information they gave you at lunch
or simply thanking them for a great conversation. And of course, if you made plans for a
future meal or promised to follow up with more information, be sure to do so promptly.
Indian Dining Manners and Etiquette
 Indian Dining Manners and Etiquette
Indian Dining Manners and Etiquette
• Due to the western influence, we Indians have become more interested in learning the etiquette
and table manners of foreign countries, instead of being well aware of our own. While most of the
Indian dining etiquettes are taught at home to children while growing up, we seem to have forgotten
them. 
• This shouldn’t be the case, as besides learning global culture, one should also be well-versed with
things that have originated in our country. With time, Indian etiquettes are becoming more and
more renowned.
• Indian cuisine reflects the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage. India’s belief systems as
presented in ‘Rig Veda’—ancient India’s repository of Vedic Sanskrit hymns finds its expression in
food. As per Indian wisdom, food is God given and scared. Hence it is not something to be eaten for
enjoyment. Eating Indian food also requires dining etiquette.
Important etiquettes are:
• Washing your hands and taking the seat offered to start your meal
• Offering a seat to each other is an act of courtesy
• Waiting until the elders sit for the meal
• Maintaining good hygiene
 Indian Dining Manners and Etiquette
Indian Food Sequence
Indian cuisine is different from the West because the concept of ‘Courses’ is not relevant in India.  Indian
food is always served in one go. Thanks to India’s regional cultures there are different cuisines with varying
styles of serving. This doesn’t mean that the food will be served in heavy quantity all at the same time.
You will be offered various chutneys, veggies, dals, etc all at the same time and if you feel like having
more, go for the second round. This allows you to try different flavours all the same time to create magic
in your mouth. 
Standard Indian dish
A standard Indian meal consists of flatbreads like Roti and Naan, Curries, Daal and Rice accompanied by
many sweets and savories.
Indians do not usually use cutlery for eating, although the fashion of using a spoon for rice is catching up
in cities. The hands are preferred and more convenient for eating flat breads and curries.
Use your Right Hand
When eating Indian food, always use your right hand. Cut out a small piece from the flat bread with your
fingers and scoop the curry onto the flat bread and eat it.  Using your left hand is considered offensive and
unclean. Use only right hand to eat even if you are a lefty. Your left hand should be left free to drink
water or to pass food and serve food to yourself and others. This practice keeps common utensils from
getting dirty.
Proper scooping means making a boat-like shape with the roti and scooping up the curry without letting it
touch your fingers. Insert the food into your mouth before letting anything spill out of the boat.
 Indian Dining Manners and Etiquette
Pay Compliments 
Indian food is prepared with great care and effort. Positively complimenting the food will
make the host happy.
Sharing food
Sharing is an important part of Indian etiquette and culture. When two people are dining
together in a restaurant and have two different dishes, it is customary to share those dishes.
Do the sharing from the bowl only and not from the other person’s plate. Taking food from
someone else’s plate is considered bad manners under the Indian dining etiquette. 
Do not waste Food/ Finish up all your food
It is not necessary to taste each and every dish but finish everything on your plate. Eating
too fast or too slow implies that you are either rude or dislike the food. Never leave any
leftover food in your plate; make sure to finish it all.  Leaving food in your plate is considered
as bad manners; also do not talk with food in your mouth. We Indians do not appreciate
food wastage, as we understand the value of growing and buying the food grains. Also, do
not play or disrespect food in any other way, as it is also considered bad in Indian culture. 
 Indian Dining Manners and Etiquette
Wash And Dry Your Hands Before & After 
To savour Indian dishes, we hardly use a set of cutleries. Most foods are eaten
using hands. In fact, there is saying that the food tastes better when
consumed using hands. That’s why it is a must that you wash and dry your
hands before and after each and every meal. Given the current health
pandemic situation, this habit has become more of a necessity to keep germs
and virus away from our systems. 
Leaving the Table 
One should not leave the table before the host or the eldest person finishes
their food. Don’t get up as soon as you finish your meal. You will end up
offending everyone. Wait until everyone, especially the eldest member of the
family has eaten his/her food. Meanwhile, you can talk or just appreciate the
food that was offered to you.