FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 10, 2008

NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN COLLEGE STUDENTS

LEARN BUSINESS ETIQUETTE AND TABLE MANNERS

The Career Development Department of Northwest Christian College (NCC) hosted a Professional Etiquette Seminar and Dinner on March 6.  Mindy Lockard, professional etiquette consultant and NCC alumna, spoke with a group of 13 NCC juniors and seniors, advising them on proper business etiquette practices and table manners.  The students were given an opportunity to practice skills during a four-course meal that was served as part of the event.

Lockard shared insights into the importance of etiquette, including basic business conversation skills such as entering and exiting a conversation, introductions, business card etiquette, non-verbal communication, and formal table manners.  Lockard pointed out that many business contacts occur in a social gathering, and the skills learned at her seminar will be appropriate at any setting, professional or otherwise.

“Statistics show that technical skills only account for 15 percent of the reason a person will get or retain a job.  The other 85 percent is attributed to an applicant’s people skills,” said Lockard.  “My programs are intended to empower participants to be in various settings and to feel comfortable wherever they are.” 

“As Christians, we are called to love God, and then love our neighbors,” said Lockard  “Manners come from Biblical truth; they started in Europe hundreds of years ago, and were created to teach children to understand and respect God.”

Lockard teaches not only group sessions such as NCC’s recent event, but also offers individual lessons.  Her Web site lists specialized programs, such as children’s manners, teen etiquette, college age lessons, and several adult programs.  According to her Web site, “Manners are not something we turn on at a fine restaurant and then off at home. Manners are not about the number of possessions we have or the experiences we can afford. They are about possessing the desire to treat others and oneself with respect and care. Manners are the greatest gift we can give ourselves and the world we encounter.”