1. OPTIMIST PROTOCOL
Optimist International

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

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

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

5. 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.

6. GIFTS
Thank-yous
Respectful
Inexpensive
Easy to unwrap

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

8. 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

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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

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

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

16. & Q A
Optimist International