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Public Relations
Student Society
of America
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 16, 2013
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Erin Kenna
Public relations director
Phone: 228.217.7693
Email: erinmkenna@gmail.com
PRSSA at LSU hosts business etiquette dinner
Baton Rouge, La.— Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) at LSU hosted more than 60
members for a business etiquette dinner in the Holliday Forum of the Manship School of Mass
Communication on Thursday, Oct. 10. Etiquette tips were shared by Melissa Thompson, student
coordinator for LSU Communication Across the Curriculum (CxC).
Thompson created a list consisting of 10 tips that are most important when attending a
professional luncheon or business meeting. She advised members to “follow the leader” when attending a
luncheon and to “say thank you at least three times — including writing a hand-written note.”
PRSSA emphasizes the importance of developing skill sets that can be transferred to post
graduation. This event acted as a natural precursor to the PRSSA National Conference 2013 in
Philadelphia, which will be taking place at the end of October.
“It’s really important to know how to present yourself professionally and exemplify how a preprofessional student should act,” said Emily Beck, PRSSA at LSU vice president and director of the
professional development committee. “These skills garner respect from prospective employers and fellow
professionals in the field.”
Members in attendance were able to ask questions about various scenarios during the question
and answer section. Some included “When is it appropriate to hand over your business card?” and “How
do I keep the conversation going in a casual interview or business lunch?”

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“Thompson taught me how to turn the dreaded business lunch into the opportunity of a lifetime,”
said Fatima Mehr, PRSSA at LSU member and senior public relations major.
Thompson wrapped the session up with insight of her own quests to find the perfect position. She
equated job seeking to dating, and the crowd seemed to unanimously nod in agreement.
“Public relations students often already have professional skills, so I expected a lot of quality
questions, but I was blown away with the professional skills they already exhibit and their obvious desire
to continue learning. I can’t wait to watch their careers blossom in the future,” Thompson said.
The Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL) in Baton Rouge sponsored the event, and
the purpose was to teach PRSSA at LSU members proper business dinner and general etiquette tips.
PRSSA at LSU is a pre-professional organization that allows members to network and gain insight from
leading professionals around Louisiana. It is one of more than 300 chapters of PRSSA National. For more
information about the organization, visit www.prssalsu.com.
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