The workshop on 'Professional Executive Image and Table Etiquette' was held on 10 February 2003 in LT1 of Mong Man Wai Building with very good response from the 120 participants. The speaker of the workshop was Ms. Salina Chan, Assistant Manager, Staff Training & Development of the American International Companies. The following tips were shared in the workshop:

Professional executive image in business environment counts on 3 aspects. They are the way you 'talk', 'behave' and 'dress'.

In order to talk professionally, it is very important to express your ideas clearly, give feedback sincerely and listen attentively. A guiding principle is to say the right thing at the right time and at the right place.
In some situations, you may turn down the request of other people and this may give you an unhelpful image. What should you say when you wish to turn down the request from others? Firstly, to start saying with the word 'Sorry' instead of 'No' to the person who asks for your help. Then you can tell the constraints for the request and suggest some other alternatives that may help.

To behave professionally, you have to pay attention to your body language which will form lasting impression on your image. Body language speaks louder than words; you may try to give positive body language signals such as smiles and sitting straight.

To dress professionally, simple, comfortable, neat and tidy clothing is indispensable. Please also note that what you dress should fit your age, job position, body shape, style and company culture.

Try to take note of the following guidelines when having meals with other executives:

To sit close to the table and keep elbows off the table.

To keep food portions small.

To avoid ordering juicy dishes and dishes not easily eaten (such as lobsters and crabs) with the use of utensils.

Never stoop and bend your body to eat anything.

Use your fork or spoon to remove something from your mouth and lay it on the side of the plate.

For Western meals, flatware is used from outside in. Bread on left, coffee or tea on right.

To put knife and fork across plate to indicate meal is in progress.

Look Eager to Succeed!

The world changes rapidly. How can we, the university students, survive in this ever-changing world? How can we keep our edge in this competitive environment? 'Look Eager' is the answer, according to Mr. Paul Chan, Principal Consultant of Dale Carnegie Training. Mr. Chan conducted the 'Be more Assertive and Enhance your Competitiveness' Workshop at CUHK on 13 March 2003. Mr. Chan told us the meaning of 'look eager' with a loud, clear voice and a most convincing gesture. 'Could you see the fire in my eyes? Could you see my enthusiasm to give this talk?' he demanded. 'Yes ! We do !' the audience responded. 'When the interviewers feel that you are enthusiastic to get the job, they will be confident with you and will likely give you an offer ! Opportunities will come as a result !' Mr. Chan continued.

Success = Constant A x Variable B. This is a formula given by Mr. Chan. 'Constant A is the knowledge you acquired in your school, while Variable B is your personal qualities such as confidence, enthusiasm, maturity, communication skills, interpersonal skills......' explained Mr. Chan. 'Success is never determined by how many 'constant' you've got, but how well you can make use of the 'variable' multiplier ! Let's consider such a situation: When the 'multiplier' is negative, the stronger your 'constant' is, the worse the situation will be !'

He ended the seminar by giving out one of Carnegie's most famous books about communication skills to a participant sitting in the front row. 'You are the first one to put up your hand. You look eager to get this book. So, you got it ! ' Mr. Chan told the student.