Here are some tips for planning ahead to make the most of your dining experience with other:
1. Plan ahead
- Make a recommendation for a restaurant you know is good
- Ask for a quiet location when booking or discuss with the party organiser
- Preview the menu online so you have an idea of the dishes on offer
2. Take control
- Make it clear where you need to sit
- Ask for a round table if you are with a group, a square table is fine for a couple
- If the music is loud, ask for it to be turned down
- Ask the waiter / waitress to move closer if you cannot hear them
- Ask for a written list of the 'specials' rather than the waiter / waitress telling everyone
- If it is too noisy ask if they have any other tables available
3. Give yourself the best chance to hear
- Sit in a position with good lighting; light to be on face not silhouette
- Look for a quieter area
- Soft furnishings are better than hard surfaces
- Away from loud speakers
- Sit with your back to the wall, facing out - this gives the best location to help you follow the conversation
These principles can be applied to many other situations, such as family meals or at work. Apply what you have learnt here to other situations.