商务礼仪系列：邀请和问好

Invitation

1) You Must Reply to an Invitation

Foreign custom is much more strict than Chinese custom in the matter of replying to invitations. When you receive an invitation you should answer it immediately, saying definitely¹ whether you are able to accept it or not.

2) Written or Verbal² Reply

If the invitation is given by word of mouth, in conversation or at a chance meeting, you should answer at once whether you can come or not. If you cannot give an answer at that time, you may say, "May I let you know this evening?" Or some such words.

Introduction

1) How to Introduce People

In introducing two people, the general rule is: Introduce other people to the person you wish to honor³. The old are honored⁴ in the West as in China. Women have been honoured in the West since the days of knighthood（骑士时代）.

2) Rising at Introduction

A man always rise for an introduction, except that it is sometimes all right for an elderly man to remain seated when a young man is introduced to him. The hostess always rises for an introduction.

3) Introducing Yourself

If you want to meet someone, it is better to ask a friend who know him to introduce you. But sometimes at a meeting or gathering⁵ it is all right to introduce yourself to a fellow-student, or to one of the same sex and position.

Meeting and Greeting People

1) Greeting

The simplest thing to say is "Good morning," "Good afternoon" or "Good evening." This greeting is given to one whom you know only slightly, or to any one you are passing quickly. "How are you" is usually used when you are not in such a hurry. No answer is expected other than " Fine, thank you." "Hello' is the commonest form of greeting between good friends.

2) When a Man Raises His Hat

If you are wearing a hat which can be taken bold⁶ of easily, it is customary⁷ to raise it slightly off your head when you greet a girl or a woman.

3) When to Shake Hands

It is customary to shake hands when you first meet someone. And usually friends shake hands when they meet after not having seen each other for some time. However it is not necessary to shake hands.

4) Use the person's Name

It is always good form to use the name of the person you are greeting. You might say, "Good Morning, Mr. Moncrieff" or "Hello, Franklin." A person's surname⁸ should be used unless he is good friend or school-mate.

With Strangers and Friends

1) Lending and borrowing are more matters of principle in the West than in the East. Things borrowed in the West are definitely expected to be returned, whether it is fifty dollars or merely a friend's pencil.

2) Don't Be Curious. It is impolite to be curious about the private affairs of others, such as age, salary, religion and marriage.

3) Thanks for Gifts. When some one gives you a present, it is very impolite to neglect⁹ thank him for it.

4) One Hand Only. In china we use two hands when giving something to a person, or when receiving it, if we want to be very polite. In the West this would seem awkward¹⁰ and impolite.