Business Etiquette and Vocabulary Quiz

A cupped handshake (left hand covering the clasped hands) can be seen as overly intimate or inappropriate in many professional or first-meeting contexts. Standard etiquette dictates a firm, brief handshake with direct eye contact for introductions, without the left hand covering gesture, which may appear condescending or overly familiar.

At cocktail parties, etiquette experts recommend holding your glass in your LEFT hand, leaving your right hand free and dry for handshakes. Holding it in your right hand makes your hand cold and clammy, which is uncomfortable for others when greeting.

While traditional etiquette holds that gentlemen should pull out chairs for ladies, modern business contexts are more egalitarian. The answer "No, but it would be nice if he did" correctly acknowledges that while gallantry is not expected or required in contemporary settings, it would still be a courteous gesture if offered.

In Japanese culture, white is traditionally associated with death and funerals, similar to how black is associated with mourning in Western cultures. Gifts wrapped in white paper are inappropriate as they can be seen as a bad omen or reminiscent of funeral customs.

Business etiquette requires keeping phones away and silenced during meals. Placing a phone on the table signals distraction and disrespect to dining companions. The phone should remain in your pocket or bag to show full attention to the people present.

Proper dining etiquette dictates that when finished eating, the napkin should be loosely folded (not neatly refolded) and placed to the LEFT of the plate. This signals to servers that you have completed your meal. Placing it on the right is incorrect, and placing it on the chair seat is unsanitary.

The correct answer is False because name tags should be worn on the RIGHT side, not the left. When you shake hands with someone, their eyes naturally follow your arm to your right shoulder, making the name tag easiest to read when placed there. Wearing it on the left makes it harder to read during a handshake.