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 actually....and 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. And...don'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(jié)的 black-tie event, 覺得很無聊。他建議Jim, 最好 keep all other accessories to a minimum盡量少帶裝飾品,accessory is spelled a-c-c-e-s-s-o-r-y, accessory 是指手表、手袋等飾物,他還告訴Jim, 睜大眼睛看別人怎么做,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(jié)。Jim聽后表示,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,做個好聽眾就行了,別人講笑話,就算不好笑,也要chuckle跟著笑兩聲,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 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最后還告訴Jim, 燕尾服的租金應該在100美元上下。