By Mary Dondiego
Sporting good table manners in the Wilkinson Student Center is sometimes a hard feat -- especially at meal times.
The Public Relations Student Society of America made practicing good manners the main course at their annual Protocol and Etiquette Dinner in the WSC, March 15.
Bruce Olsen, managing director for LDS public affairs, and his wife, Christine, were the featured speakers on etiquette and good manners.
Members and friends of PRSSA sat down to a formal place setting, complete with dinner and dessert, and received instruction from the Olsens on how to act -- and eat -- in style.
The Olsens drew on their experiences as parents and their involvement in various church and professional positions.
Christine Olsen discussed topics from correct silverware placement to proper manners in an elevator.
During dinner, Bruce Olsen talked about the definition of protocol. He said protocol includes everything from a formal ranking system, to being polite and making others feel comfortable.
'Good manners are said to be the oil that greases the wheel of society,' Bruce Olsen said.
He said common sense and consideration are the basis of protocol.
Bruce Olsen said presidents of the United States have often been trendsetters in protocol and etiquette.
John and Jacqueline Kennedy were the first to introduce mixed company in the White House during after dinner conversations, he said.
He also stressed the importance of mixing the practice of good manners with business -- especially business dinners.
'Having the right kind of manners and etiquette may be your own personal weapon,' he said.
He said there are two types of people: those who are socially educated and well respected, and those who are not.
Manners are a reflection of how you will be perceived, he said.
Bruce Olsen said to always be prepared for every situation.
For example, it is always a better idea to overdress for an occasion than to under dress, he said. However, the best thing to do is know the rules beforehand.
He also stressed the importance of knowing the customs and culture of a foreign country before traveling there.
For example, white is a symbol of mourning in the Far East, he said.
Some personal etiquette advice included making eye contact, using hand gestures to emphasize a point when talking and being aware of someone else''s personal space.
Also, a more recent etiquette rule is turning cell phones or pagers to 'silent mode' when in a business meeting or during important conversations.
Bruce Olsen said when you answer your cell phone in the middle of a conversation, it signals 'this call is more important than you.'
He also said preparedness is the key to being comfortable in most social situations.
Bruce Olsen said President Gordon B. Hinckley as someone who is well-read and always prepared for meetings.
Overall, it is important to 'be the best you possibly can to represent yourself, family and church with good manners, etiquette and personal protocol,' he said.