Eating and Talking

The secret to balancing eating and talking is not to do both at once. Taking smaller bites means you can swallow quickly if someone speaks to you. When your mouth is full, show you’re listening with a nod or a small hand gesture, then answer once you’ve swallowed.

When you speak or listen, resting your cutlery on the plate helps you turn your attention to the other person. Avoid gesturing with your knife or fork in hand. Keep an eye on how quickly others are eating, too — not racing ahead or falling far behind keeps the whole table comfortable.

During a meal, keep your phone put away, not on the table. If you’re expecting something truly important, mention it at the start, and if it comes, step away from the table to take it.