OPTIMIST PROTOCOL Optimist International

WHAT IS PROTOCOL? A formal way to show “courtesy” toward others Institutional rules of etiquette From Greek “the first glue” to hold society together

FELLOWSHIP & HOSPITALITY To make all your friends feel that there is something in them Put yourself in your guests shoes Communicate: Expectations, attire, hosts

MEETING AGENDAS Attendance Minutes Agenda; time, intros, parliamentary rules

INVITATIONS What is going to happen? Where is it going to happen? When is it going to happen? Why is it happening? R.S.V.P.

GIFTS Thank-yous Respectful Inexpensive Easy to unwrap

ROOM LAYOUT Theater, classroom, conference Audio-visual and technical

FLAG DISPLAY At no time should the flag of an outside nation be given the position of superior prominence On speaker’s right (speaker podium) On audience right (on floor next to podium) Right if marching or standing

HEAD TABLE Name places in advance Master of Ceremonies or presiding officer Others by rank order (to respect office

RECEIVING LINES Receiving Lines; Host/ hostess, guest of honor, spouse or partner of host/ hostess, spouse or partner of guest of honor

INTRODUCTIONS Introducing guest Person of higher rank is introduced to the person of lesser rank Introducing speakers Highest rank last Introducing head table Start at extreme left and move toward the center then repeat starting at the extreme right

INTRODUCTIONS Other introductions Young person is introduced to an older person A man is introduced to a woman Guest is introduced to the host or hostess Person without rank is introduced to one with rank

INVOCATIONS AND TOASTS Arrangements made well in advance Respect your audience Understand their culture Use non-denominational/generic prayer Toasts are for recognizing special people or honoring nations Raise a glass, make the toast, and then sip

VIP VISITS: SUMMARY Plan Communicate Greet Introduce Host & Hostess Follow-up Parliamentary Procedure

OPTIMIST PROTOCOL “To make all your friends feel that there in something in them.”

& Q A Optimist International