礼节美语 Business Etiquette 218: Attending a Black-Tie Event (2)

 　　Jim要去参加一次公司庆典活动，特别正式。他问同事Gary，参加这种社交活动有哪些注意事项。

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

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

　　J: Aside from the tuxedo¹ 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. And...don't get drunk or talk too loud or draw any attention to yourself!

　　J: Okay, good points.

　　Gary说，自己参加过两次这种要穿礼服打领结的 black-tie event, 觉得很无聊。他建议Jim, 最好 keep all other accessories to a minimum尽量少带装饰品，accessory is spelled a-c-c-e-s-s-o-r-y, accessory 是指手表、手袋等饰物，他还告诉Jim, 睁大眼睛看别人怎么做，特别要注意 don't get drunk 不要喝醉，don't talk too loud 说话声音不要太大，don't draw any attention to yourself 不要让别人注意到自己。

　　G: You and Henry are acting² 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, chuckle³ mildly; even if the comment isn't very funny. And remember, always smile!

　　Gary说，Jim跟Henry这次去参加晚宴，代表的是公司，you're kind of like ambassadors. 是公司使节。Jim听后表示，压力很大，Now I'm really stressed. Gary告诉他说，其实这项任务也不难完成，他们只要会聊天 be a good conversationalist，做个好听众就行了，别人讲笑话，就算不好笑，也要chuckle跟着笑两声，脸上要随时随地保持笑容。

　　J: Can I rent the tux in New York?

　　G: Absolutely. Do some research before you go and find a good rental⁴ company. They will probably deliver it to your hotel. Make sure the tuxedo fits well....otherwise; 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想知道能不能到纽约去租tux, tux is spelled t-u-x, tux, tux是 tuxedo 的简称。Gary建议Jim事先查一下，找一家服务周到、能送货上门的租赁公司，They can deliver it to your hotel. 他们可以把燕尾服送到 Jim下榻的旅店。Gary还建议Jim一定要穿上试试看，otherwise, you can end up looking pretty silly. 否则如果不合适的话，那你看上去会很傻的。Gary最后还告诉Jim, 燕尾服的租金应该在100美元上下。

1 tuxedo   

n.礼服，无尾礼服

参考例句：

• Well,you have your own tuxedo.噢，你有自己的燕尾服。
• Have I told you how amazing you look in this tuxedo?我告诉过你穿这件燕尾服看起来很棒吗？

2 acting   

n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的

参考例句：

• Ignore her,she's just acting.别理她，她只是假装的。
• During the seventies,her acting career was in eclipse.在七十年代，她的表演生涯黯然失色。

3 chuckle   

vi.／n.轻声笑，咯咯笑

参考例句：

• He shook his head with a soft chuckle.他轻轻地笑着摇了摇头。
• I couldn't suppress a soft chuckle at the thought of it.想到这个，我忍不住轻轻地笑起来。

4 rental   

n.租赁，出租，出租业

参考例句：

• The yearly rental of her house is 2400 yuan.她这房子年租金是2400元。
• We can organise car rental from Chicago O'Hare Airport.我们可以安排提供从芝加哥奥黑尔机场出发的租车服务。