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

What should you avoid doing with your utensils or fingers during a meal?

1. Use them to clean your face

2. Talk with them in your mouth

3. Lick them

4. Drop them on the table

The correct answer is: Lick them

Using your utensils or fingers to clean your face during a meal is considered highly inappropriate as it can create an unappetizing view for those around you and suggests a lack of table manners. Good etiquette requires maintaining a clean appearance and minimizing distractions at the dining table. Talking with food in your mouth is also a breach of etiquette, as it can be unappealing to fellow diners and might hinder clear communication. Dropping utensils on the table can signify carelessness and disrupt the dining experience, making a loud noise that draws attention. However, the correct action is to avoid licking your utensils, which can be perceived as unsanitary and unrefined. It demonstrates poor hygiene and can be off-putting to others, detracting from the overall atmosphere of the meal. It is important to handle utensils respectfully, using them for their intended purpose, and presenting yourself in a polished manner throughout dining experiences.