Tips for Planning Events
Posting an Event on the Law Events Calendar
The first step to planning ANY event at the law school is to check the online Events Calendar to be sure your event does not conflict with another. To post your event on the online Events Calendar, follow this link . Then contact the Law Events Office for further help planning your event.
Did You Know?
The Law Events Office is here to help you and your student organization plan events. Stop by room 475 or send an email to events@law.usc.edu for more information.
Standard Business Attire
Standard business attire for men is a suit - composed of a pair of trousers with a matching jacket. The suit should be worn with a long-sleeved shirt and necktie. For women, a suit is also the standard for business attire - a jacket with a matching skirt or trousers plus a blouse, and closed-toe shoes.
Proper Introductions
Introduce the person of greatest authority or importance first. Gender or age is not the deciding factor. When a client is involved, mention him or her first. A proper business introduction should include first and last names.
Nametags
The proper placement of the name tag is high on the right shoulder, for this reason: When shaking hands, your eye follows the line of your arm to the other person's right side. When the tag is on the left, you have to scan across the body to read it, which can be an awkward, or insulting, gesture.
Which Fork Should I use?
Always use your silverware from the outside in. If you have two forks, the outside fork is for salad and the fork closest to the plate is for your main course. The silverware will be removed as you finish each course. There may be a third fork outside the salad fork for appetizers. Usually no more than three utensils are placed on each side of the place setting. If a fourth utensil is needed, it is placed above the plate and is usually for dessert.
What Should I Do with My Napkin?
As soon as everyone is seated, unfold your napkin and place it across your lap, folded, with the fold toward you. Do this discreetly without flourish. If you need to leave the table, place your napkin on your chair, folded loosely (NEVER wadded). Only after the meal is over should you place your napkin on the table, folded to the left side of your plate (NEVER on your plate!).
Social Settings
Many first impressions are formed during a party, dinner or golf game. These can make or break a key business arrangement, whether or not business is discussed directly. In most cases, business cards should not be exchanged while dining. This is true at even the most informal dining situations. Arrive at a party at the stated time and in the appropriate attire. Let the host or event planner know if you are going to be late or if your original RSVP has changed.
Don't be a "No Show"
If you find that you are unable to attend an event for which you have already accepted, let the host or event planner know right away. The host is responsible for ordering/purchasing the food which is based on the number of people who have said they are coming to the event. If the event is seated and you are a "no show" this creates an awkward situation for those at the table and for the host. The host may hold the seat for you thinking that you are just running late.
Is it Okay to attend an event if I didn't R.S.V.P.?
If you find that you are able to attend an event that you thought you were not going to be able to attend, contact the host right away to see if you can change your "regret" to an "accept". Walking up to an event unannounced puts the host in a difficult situation especially if the event is seated. It should not be assumed that there will be plenty of food and space for one more.
R.S.V.P. - Not Just Letters of the Alphabet
The term R.S.V.P. comes from the French expression "répondez s'il vous plait", meaning "please respond". If R.S.V.P. is written on an invitation it means the invited guest should tell the host whether or not they plan to attend the event. It does not mean to respond only if you are coming, and it does not mean respond only if you are not coming (the expression "regrets only" is reserved for that instance). It means the host needs a definite head count for the planned event, and needs it by the date specified on the invitation. So the next time you see R.S.V.P. on an invitation you receive, please contact your host and respond promptly.
When do you Rise for a Greeting?
Whatever your gender, you should rise when a superior or an older person, whether male or female, enters. This includes a client or a customer. It is not necessary to rise when your assistant or a coworker of either sex comes in, unless the assistant or coworker is new and you are introducing yourself for the first time.
