My wife and I have been invited to a Black-tie optional formal dinner party. I’ve been asked to give a 2 min speech, and my Doctor will be awarded a Global Leadership Award. We’ve never been to a formal event before, and we don’t know proper etiquette. Worst, there’s gonna be lots of doctors, some media people, and high ranking others there. I know nothing about medicine! What type of conversation can I have with a doctor? What type of conversations should we try to indulge in, and how long should they last? What should I wear, (we don’t have much), and how should we act? They paid for a car rental, hotel stay, and food. Please help me out. We don’t want to stand out too much! Thanks
2007-10-16 23:01:24 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Be yourself. Don't pretend to know medicine when you really don't.
Do your two-minute speech (keep it short.)
Talk about your children, ask about their children, plants, weather, the number of people in attendance, the beautiful gowns the women are wearing, the different tuxedos, etc.
Relax and enjoy the experience.
2007-10-17 01:04:59 · answer #1 · answered by Lighthouse 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you are giving a 2 minute speech you must have something to do with all these physicians and this party so that's the easy conversation starter. Conversations at these functions can be general or specific. You aren't going to be specific with a doctor but they don't spend every waking moment talking about their career choice either. In other words, they are just people. Have the same conversation you would have with anyone. If you are unsure, then let others approach you. Since you are giving a speech, I would wear the tux. You are going to be up front and center. That means your wife will wear a formal dress as well but something conservative. The little black dress is always safe. During the evening and dinner, it's always good to watch what others are doing and try to conform to that behavior. You'll do fine.
2007-10-17 00:42:59 · answer #2 · answered by dawnb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Black tie optional means that this is not quite as formal as a "black tie" event. The one answerer is wrong, the men are expected to wear suits and ties, at least; black tie formal wear is optional.
I have many doctor friends, and believe me, most doctors do NOT want to talk about medicine when they are away from work. My best advise is to listen intently, and only offer a comment if you REALLY know the subject and have something short and interesting to add to it. Feeling obligated to TALK is how most people get their foot stuck in their mouths. And you'll find that generally the people doing most of the talking LIKE to be doing most of the talking! I'm a bit like that, and think those who listen to me are absolutely brilliant!
As far as your clothing, (I assume you are a lady), black is tres chic always, simple jewelry. Keep it simple. No extravagant ball gown! Too many sparkles will attract people to you, and I don't think that is what you want either.
Good luck, it's just a dinner; nothing to be nervous about! Go to a few and even dinner at the White House is same same, no problem to get through.
PS about silverware, glasses and eating, watch the person who looks the least impressed with the whole thing. AND most importantly, be VERY CAREFUL how much you drink; sometimes lots of wine is served, don't feel obligated to finish each glass.
2007-10-17 01:04:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question. I've attended quite a few black tie events and the common misconception is you have to act on the utmost of decorum and dignity. Don't be a moron either. LOL. The best advice I can say is be a wall flower for the first 10 minutes, observe the behaviour of many different people and try to fit in the middle of the extremes. Remember, a tuxedo isn't more than a black suit with satin on the lapels. Enjoy your time, laugh, but know your place too. It will be a blast. Remember, doctor's are people too. Hope this helps. Matt
2007-10-17 00:29:40 · answer #4 · answered by wilsonmatthewf 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Black tie optional means you can just wear the regular black suit without the tie. As long as your suit is well pressed, then you're set. Doctors are the most outgoing people. Don't box them up into a particular idea that they're just concerned with IVs, blood tests or CAT scans or even kidney transplants. Be yourself and just enjoy the 2minute moment. Introduce your doctor and you can even inject humor. Doctors don't want to always talk about being in a hospital, chances are, it bores them a lot, because they have been working in such a place for almost all of their lives, so a change of topic wouldn't hurt, in fact, they would appreciate it. Just avoid conversations when it comes to religion, politics or any controversial issue that might put you in the hot seat. Be yourself, the worst thing is for you to pretend to be someone you're not. You'll just look awkward and they will notice that. Just enjoy your time, your doctor will definitely introduce you and your wife to some his colleagues. You'll be fine, don't worry. Just have a casual conversation with them. Think of it as a "let-your-hair-down-day" for them because being a doctor is a lot of stress. They want to have a sip of wine and enjoy a casual and relaxing conversation for a change. Talk about their families, or yours and chances are there will be similarities that would be a start of a long and warm conversation. As long as you know the typical table manners, then ENJOY the moment DUDE!!! don't be a nervous wreck!
2007-10-17 00:39:14 · answer #5 · answered by archangel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋