On Wednesday, November 13th, the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration and the Lisska Center for Intellectual Engagement hosted Denison University’s Networking & Etiquette Dinner. Held in the Huffman President’s Dining Room, the event gave students the opportunity to refine their networking and dining etiquette while gaining practical skills to carry into their professional lives.
Led by Cathi Fallon, Founder and Director of The Etiquette Institute of Ohio, the evening covered essential topics such as first impressions, small talk, and formal dining skills. These lessons helped students build confidence, navigate professional settings, and foster meaningful relationships.
First Impressions: Confidence Opens Doors
Cathi Fallon stressed that first impressions matter. A genuine smile, warm eye contact, and a firm handshake communicate both respect and self-assurance. These small yet significant actions set the tone for how others perceive you. “It’s your first step through the door,” Fallon reminded students, “and it can determine whether or not you establish a connection.”
The Art of Small Talk: Building Meaningful Connections
Networking isn’t about impressing people—it’s about connecting with them on a personal level. Drawing on insights from Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People, specifically the section on becoming genuinely interested in others, Fallon encouraged attendees to approach conversations with curiosity and empathy.
One of the key takeaways from Carnegie’s book is that people love to feel heard and valued. By asking open-ended questions and actively listening, you create opportunities for genuine connections. Fallon shared a simple but effective strategy: start with “Tell me about…” and let the conversation flow.
Conversation Starters:
- Travel experiences
- Hobbies or personal goals
- Shared interests in sports or entertainment
When engaging in small talk, Fallon highlighted the importance of showing authentic interest, much like Carnegie emphasizes in his book. By truly listening to others’ ideas and stories, you create a space where they feel respected and valued—something that often leads to deeper connections.
To make the interaction last beyond the moment, Fallon suggested exchanging business cards or contact information and restating any follow-up plans at the end of the conversation.
Dining Etiquette: Confidence at the Table
Formal dining can feel overwhelming, but Fallon made it simple by introducing the “BMW” method:
- Bread Plate: On the left.
- Meal Plate: In the center.
- Water Glass: On the right.
Students also learned how to navigate utensils by working from the outside in, with each course.
Additional Tips:
- Napkin Placement Matters: Place it on your lap with the fold facing you, and if you leave the table, fold it neatly on the back of your chair.
- Maintain Good Posture: Sit up straight, keep feet flat on the floor, and avoid resting elbows on the table.
- When You Have a Handbag: Women were advised to place handbags on the floor between their legs, not on the chair or table.
Polished Eating Habits
The focus of a business meal isn’t the food—it’s the relationships you build. Still, proper eating habits can help you make a positive impression:
- Cut difficult foods, like cherry tomatoes, into manageable bites to avoid spills and stains.
- Choose a single eating style (American or Continental) and stick with it throughout the meal.
- Avoid messy foods and use condiments sparingly.
Cocktail Networking: Balancing Conversations and Canapés
At the networking reception before dinner, students practiced the art of balancing socializing with eating. Fallon shared practical tips:
- Hold your cocktail plate in your left hand with a napkin underneath, keeping your right hand free for greetings and handshakes.
- Avoid common faux pas like chewing ice, overloading your plate, or using toothpicks in public.
- Keep small bites manageable so you can remain part of the conversation.
People Are Humans Too: A Lesson from Dale Carnegie
One of the evening’s most important reminders was that “people are humans too.” Carnegie’s timeless principle of genuine interest, detailed in How to Win Friends and Influence People, was a central theme. Fallon reinforced that people are drawn to those who make them feel heard.
As Carnegie explains, “You can make more friends in two months by being interested in other people than in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” Fallon encouraged students to embody this mindset during networking: focus on the other person, show curiosity, and listen attentively. These simple yet powerful actions leave a lasting impression and open doors to meaningful connections.
Denison’s Dedication to Professional Growth
The Networking & Etiquette Dinner, brought to life by the Knowlton and Lisska Centers, exemplifies Denison’s commitment to preparing students for success. Cathi Fallon’s expert guidance gave attendees the confidence to navigate professional settings and build authentic connections.
For students who couldn’t attend, the key takeaway is clear: whether it’s a business dinner or a casual networking event, success comes from treating people with respect, listening to their ideas, and showing genuine interest.
A special thank you to Cathi Fallon, The Etiquette Institute of Ohio, and the Knowlton and Lisska Centers for making this impactful event possible.
