Dining Guide / Conversation & Thanks
Eating and Talking
The trick is not to eat and talk at the same time. Take small bites, and swallow before you speak.
Try what you’ve read in questions based on real dining situations. · 5 min
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Key Points
- Small bites mean you can swallow quickly when someone speaks to you.
- If your mouth is full, nod or make a small hand gesture to show you’re listening, and answer once you’ve swallowed.
- When you’re talking or listening, set your cutlery on the plate and give the other person your attention.
- Keep an eye on everyone’s pace so you don’t finish far ahead of, or far behind, the others.
Do
- Nod to show you’re listening
- Put your cutlery down when you speak
Avoid
- Talking with your mouth full
- Gesturing with your knife or fork
- Finishing far ahead of or behind everyone else
Handy Tip
Ask a question, then eat while the other person answers. That way neither the meal nor the conversation stalls.
Practice in a Lesson
- Eating and Talking — 5 min · Sign in to unlock
Read next
Sources
- Debrett's, “A Practical Guide to Table Manners” — Eating and talking, posture, and using cutlery from the outside in.
- Debrett's, “Social Graces” — Conversation topics and balancing listening with speaking.