商務禮節美語第244期:Attending a Black Tie Event (下)

Jim要去參加一次公司慶典活動，特別正式。他問同事Gary，參加這種社交活動有哪些注意事項。

J: Have you ever been to a black-tie event?

G: Twice to be honest, it was a bit boring both times.

J: Aside from the tuxedo is there anything else I need to wear or take with me?

G: I suggest keeping all other accessories to a minimum.

J: I see. Any other tips or suggestions?

G: Keep your eyes open and just sort of do what everybody else does. 't get drunk or talk too loud or draw any attention to yourself!

J: Okay, good points.

Gary說，自己參加過兩次這種要穿禮服打領結的 black-tie event, 覺得很無聊。他建議Jim, 最好 keep all other accessories to a minimum儘量少帶裝飾品，accessory is spelled a-c-c-e-s-s-o-r-y, accessory 是指手錶、手袋等飾物，他還告訴Jim, 睜大眼睛看別人怎麼做，特別要注意 don't get drunk 不要喝醉，don't talk too loud 說話聲音不要太大，don't draw any attention to yourself 不要讓別人注意到自己。

G: You and Henry are acting as representatives of the company so you're kind of like ambassadors.

J: Wow. Now I'm really stressed!

G: It's not that hard. Just be a good conversationalist and even more importantly, be a good listener. If someone makes a humorous remark, chuckle mildly; even if the comment isn't very funny. And remember, always smile!

Gary說，Jim跟Henry這次去參加晚宴，代表的是公司，you're kind of like ambassadors. 是公司使節。Jim聽後表示，壓力很大，Now I'm really stressed. Gary告訴他說，其實這項任務也不難完成，他們只要會聊天 be a good conversationalist，做個好聽衆就行了，別人講笑話，就算不好笑，也要chuckle跟着笑兩聲，臉上要隨時隨地保持笑容。

J: Can I rent the tux in New York?

G: Absolutely. Do some research before you go and find a good rental company. They will probably deliver it to your hotel. Make sure the tuxedo fits rwise; you can end up looking pretty silly.

J: How much should I expect to pay to rent a tux?

G: I'd say roughly $100. You could probably find some cheaper options, but you want to look good.

J: Thanks Gary.... I really appreciate your help.

G: Not at all. It should be an interesting experience for you.

J: I hope so.

Jim想知道能不能到紐約去租tux, tux is spelled t-u-x, tux, tux是 tuxedo 的簡稱。Gary建議Jim事先查一下，找一家服務周到、能送貨上門的租賃公司，They can deliver it to your hotel. 他們可以把燕尾服送到 Jim下榻的旅店。Gary還建議Jim一定要穿上試試看，otherwise, you can end up looking pretty silly. 否則如果不合適的話，那你看上去會很傻的。Gary最後還告訴Jim, 燕尾服的租金應該在100美元上下。