商务礼仪系列：去老外家做客

你对商务礼仪了解多少？在国内做生意，本国的礼数大家一般都不会错；可是和老外做生意，我们就得多了解了解西方的商务礼仪了。下文将为您详细解释。

In the Home

1) The Right Time to Arrive

When invited to luncheon¹, dinner, or supper, it is very impolite to arrive late, as it is usually planned to have the meal at the exact hour given in the invitation.

2) In arrival

When you arrive, the hostess or some member of the family will probably meet you at the door and take your coat and hat. In the winter time you should dress more lightly than usually, as you may expect the rooms to be warmer than in most Chinese homes.

3) In a few minutes the hostess will ask her guests to come in to dinner. She may or may not ask each gentleman to take a lady in. If she does, the lady will take the gentleman's arm as they walk into the dinning² room. If she does not, the ladies will go in first, followed by the gentlemen. The hostess will either point out their seats to the guests as they come in or have a place card at each place with the guests name on it.

4) How Long to Stay

After the meal is over, it is not polite to leave for at least half an hour, lest³ you seem to have come only for the meal. An evening dinner invitation usually implies⁴ that you stay for the whole evening. The hostess often plans some after-dinner entertainment.

5) What to Say on Leaving

When leaving any kind of a party, a guest always expresses his appreciation⁵ to the hostess. Some such words as these are appropriate. "Thank you so much. I've had a delight evening."

Some Points for Men

1) With a Lady

Always allow the lady to precede⁶ you in places where one has to go before the other except in the following case: when getting off a street car, train, bus, or out of an automobile⁷; when going up stair; when opening a heavy door. When you are walking along the street with a lady, always walk on the outside.

2) At a Dance

If you wish to dance with a certain lady, go to her, bow, and say:" May I have the pleasure of a dance?"

Personal Habits and Appearance

1) People judge you at first by what they see, so particular attention should be paid to your personal appearance.

2) Using a Handkerchief

Always carry a clean handkerchief. Do not use it while it is folded, and do not fold it after you use it.

3)Spitting

In the West it is considered very impolite to spit, even upon the street.

4) Smoking

Smoking is very prevalent⁸, both by men and by women. If you are a guest in a home where no others are smoking, it is better to refrain⁹ from smoking, you may say, "Would you mind if I smoked?".