Making introductions

Nowadays people seem to be taking a more casual approach to etiquette than in previous times. However, it is valuable to know the basic tenets of etiquette so that you know what to do in business and social settings.

Introductions are one of the things we do frequently in our work and daily life. There are a few key rules to ensure you conduct according to the traditions of etiquette.

There are occasions in which you need to introduce yourself. To introduce yourself extend your hand and say, "Hello, I am Jack Brown."

When you are introduced to someone, you should always stand and shake hands and make eye contact. Not shaking hands could be perceived as a sign of rejection and could be very insulting to the other person. If you are wearing gloves, you should remove them before shaking.

Some of the situations in which you should shake hands:

• when meeting a person for the first time or when saying goodbye;

• when renewing acquaintances;

• when greeting a host or hostess or being introduced to someone;

• when ending a transaction or leaving a business or social event.

• There are certain rules of shaking hands:

• a woman offers to shake hands with a man;

• an older person extends his or her hand first to a younger one;

• a "more important" person offers to shake hands with a "less important" person.

A woman does not rise to shake hands with anyone, unless that person is much older or very prominent.

A man should stand when shaking hands with someone. He should also rise when a woman comes into a room for the first time and remain standing until she is seated.

In social situations a man is traditionally introduced to a woman. However, in the business world introductions are based on a person's rank or position in a company. The highest-ranking person is introduced to everyone else in order of his or her position. The only exception to these traditions is when you are dealing with a client. In this case the client should be introduced first. Use a friendly relaxed manner when introducing people. Remember to smile.

When you are given a business card, take the time to read it. Don't simply slip it into your pocket. Say the name of the person out loudly to check that you have the correct pronunciation. If you aren't sure how to pronounce it, ask the person to pronounce it for you.

Notes

tenets – принципы

social settings – окружающаяобстановка

perceive – воспринимать

Culture traditions in britain

If you are invited to dinner at someone's home, you should take some flowers or a box of chocolates. If you are invited to an informal party, it is quite common to take a bottle of wine or even a few bottles of beer. At English parties men should wear a suit and tie. If you wish to bring a friend along, that's fine, but it is polite to ask first. You are not expected to turn up with very expensive presents. People in Britain are generally quite careful about time. When you are invited to someone's house, you should either arrive on time or no later than fifteen minutes after the time arranged. If in doubt, give your hosts a ring. You should be careful about overstaying your welcome. Look out for signs of tiredness in your hosts. You can say, "Well, I think it's time we are going."

Usually in Britain they introduce people by their first name or their first name and surname together. Most people use first names at informal parties. It is usual to shake hands with men and to kiss women on the cheek when you are introduced to them. Do not embrace, however, on this first encounter and do not stand too close to the other person. As you are introduced to someone, you say, "How do you do?" or "Pleased to meet you." You need not wait to be introduced — just introduce yourself.

You can "break the ice" with strangers by talking about the weather: "Shame about the weather." "Is it still raining?" or "Bit chilly today, don't you think?" When you have broken the ice like this, you can then go on to ask the person other questions.

Another good topic for conversation is work. However, people do not like talking about politics except in a general way, and you should avoid asking them what political party they vote for. When you first meet someone, it is also not appropriate to ask about their age or how much they weigh.

A pub is where you drink beer or other alcoholic drinks, but light refreshments are also available. Pubs serve drinks at fixed times and generally accept last orders at about 11 p.m. It maybe difficult to get a drink after this time. At lunch time and sometimes in the evening food is served. If you order more than three pints of beer, the food is free of charge, so drink as much as you can and then ask (politely) for your free meal. People may pay for their own drinks or take it in turns to buy a "round", in other words, to pay for the whole group.

Notes

1. to turn up – появляться

2. either…or – или…или

3. in doubt – в сомнении

4. encounter – встреча

5. shame – досада

6. refreshments – еда;питье

7. free of charge - бесплатно

Вариант 10