Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Business Etiquette Practice Test

How should you hold your knife and fork while eating?

1. Like a dagger and a cello

2. With a relaxed grip

3. With the knife in an overly tight grip

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: With a relaxed grip

Holding your knife and fork with a relaxed grip is important for both comfort and etiquette during a meal. This approach allows you to maneuver the utensils easily while also maintaining control. A relaxed grip helps to prevent fatigue in your hands, especially during prolonged meals, and gives an impression of ease and sophistication, fitting for formal dining situations. In contrast, an overly tight grip can come across as tense and may even make it challenging to cut food properly. It can also send the wrong signal about your mood or demeanor, potentially affecting the overall dining experience. Options referencing unconventional or impractical ways to hold utensils, such as likening them to a dagger and a cello, do not reflect accepted dining etiquette and demonstrate a lack of understanding of proper dining conduct. Thus, a relaxed grip is the best approach when dining.