Lim Rui Qi Jessica
Temasek Polytechnic
Leisure & Resort Management
0703222J
T13
Business Etiquette & Service Excellence BHT2008

Mr. Fernando Arroyo Fassio

Building a Professional Presence

I have learnt about the fundamentals of dressing, the proper dress code for different
occasions and events. Through this workshop, I am more aware of the appropriate dress
code for the particular event, from clothes to handbags, shoes and to accessories.
In addition, I also truly agree with you, Mr. Fernando when you said that everyone should
also learn about the dress code for the opposite sex. Who knows, one day I might
be appointed to check the overall appearance of the company staffs, and this first
workshop will come in handy. Another interesting part in this workshop is the dressing for
special occasions. I have really learnt a lot, e.g. before this workshop I did not know that
cocktail party and cocktail reception actually make a difference! After attending this week’s
workshop I will not be afraid that my dressing does not match with the occasion.

In this workshop, it also equips me with the knowledge and know-how during the first
interaction with others, from introducing myself to handshakes, handling business card and
make small talks. Very commonly, our first impression would have been
made even before we communicate with each other. Action speaks louder than words,
therefore we should be very cautious about our body language and gesture, because you
will not know when there might be someone out there observing you silently at a corner.
Therefore it is important that we portray ourselves in positive way to give others a good
impression of us.

One’s appearance and gestures say all about his/her character,
this is also where others will get a first impression of us.

“The Art of Corporate Entertainment”, the name of this topic itself has appeared to be so unique as compared to the others like “Customers’ Perception” and “Corporate Politics in Perspective”. It tells me that all in all, the process of meeting your corporate associate is an art. True enough, this is not something that you can learn from book easily.

I like the different mode of teaching that the lecturers have came up with. Example, the video specially produced for this topic, showing the ‘should do’ and ‘should not do’ in a dining setting had made a really deep impression in me. The comical actions of the lecturers were still clear in my mind, i.e. the napkin tucked in his belt. During the class workshop, Mr. Fernando had brought a set of dining utensils to let us observe their position and the different uses.

The self-directed learning assignment given to us was a great learning experience. In the process of enjoying the meal, we learnt a lot and took down notes of the dining etiquette that my group mates have made. Their mistake was a valuable lesson to us (e.g. MUST stand when our guest stands up) and we have also learnt from their correct dining etiquette (e.g. do not talk when mouth is full).

Ask yourself, how many times do you actually practice the correct social etiquette? Many times when the atmosphere becomes informal (especially with your friends around) we tend to forget about our etiquette. One may not even realise that they have neglected the importance of presenting themselves well. There may be only you and your close friends, thus you think that there is no need to have extra attention on your behaviour. But never forget that you are still in a public setting. Who knows, the person sitting next to your table when you comb your hair at the table may be your superior or business associate!

After this workshop, I learnt to be more sensitive of my dining etiquette. E.g. Placing my fork and spoon parallel to each other at 4 o’clock position. I share knowledge with my outside friends and we had fun reading through my notes and studying the table settings. We even tried to exercise those practices and learnt while we enjoy each other companion; it was really a very interesting learning process. Since then, I have become more particular of my dining etiquette!