When the master of ceremonies introduces the after dinner speaker, all else ceases. There is no tittering, twittering, dithering or jittering. Finish eating and sipping coffee before the speaker begins, turn your chair toward the speaker and give the speaker your undivided attention. NO, you may not text under the table.
If your ill-timed dessert arrives after the speaker begins, you may finish it as quietly and unobtrusively as possible. A speaker can be distracted by the clanking of dishes, silverware and glasses or the uttering of “yummy noises”. You may not ask the banquet staff to box any part of the meal “to go,” nor put food into a plastic baggie in your purse, man-bag, or pockets.
From the Culture and Manners Institute at http://www.cultureandmanners.com
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