Beijing Makes Final Presentation
Ladies and gentlemen, many people in the world have a dream, that one day they could come to China and visit Beijing. My countrymen have a very strong desire to stage an excellent Olympic Games in Beijing which is a great contribution to the Olympic movement and its history. I therefore hope from the bottom of my heart, that you distinguished IOC members, will help them realize their long-cherished aspirations.
The Chinese sage Confucius says, “Isn’t it a delight after all to have friends come from afar?” Indeed, it is our delight to welcome all guests with open arms in Beijing in the year 2008. I’m sure you will have a great games in Beijing! Thank you!
Just Do It!
If you put off things for too long, they can easily become uncontrollable. The longer you wait to tackle a problem, the more difficult it becomes. Don’t waste time thinking about how difficult something is. Just take the advice in this passage.
Many people put off until tomorrow what they can do today. They always look for excuses to postpone doing something. In the end, it never gets done. If we leave things undone, we will eventually worry. This will cause unnecessary stress. Therefore, if you have this bad habit, it’s best to get rid of it and do things as soon as possible.
“Just Ask!”
If you don’t understand, don’t hesitate to ask. Some Chinese seem to feel that it is impolite to ask questions even when they don’t quite understand. However, it’s much better to say that you don’t understand than to pretend you understand and answer very vaguely. When you don’t understand or haven’t caught what was said, you may ask by saying any of the following: “I beg your pardon?”
“I’m not clear on what you said.”
“I’m afraid I don’t understand you. Would you mind saying it again?”
“I’m sorry I don’t follow you.” “Could you repeat that?” “I didn’t get it.”
You’ll improve your understanding and the speaker will be happy to make his point again!
Speak Out!
Expressing opinions is one example of culture difference between east and west. Westerners express their opinions freely. They feel it is natural for people to have different ideas, and don’t mind hearing views that differ from their own. You may express frankly what you think or feel. Of course, you shouldn’t be rude in your manner or speech. Statements such as “You’re wrong,” “You’re mistaken,” “You don’t know,” etc. aren’t exactly bad, but it is preferable to soften the tone. You might say, “I don’t think you’re right,” “I’m afraid you’re mistaken,” or “You don’t seem to understand.”
Time Flies!
Many people value their time more than anything else in the world. Once time is gone it can never be replaced. This makes time more valuable than money.
Time is precious. Nobody can afford to waste time. Once time has gone by, it will never return. You can never turn the clock back. Time passes very quickly. People say time flies. Time and tide wait for no man. We should, therefore, make the best use of our time.
If you can manage your time well, you will have a successful life. Try using all your spare time to practice English crazily. Even a few minutes practice while waiting for the bus can be valuable learning time.
Informal Calls
Some friends are just like family. There is no need to make formal arrangements for a visit. Except for these very close friends and relatives, making unexpected calls should be avoided as much as possible. The unexpected guest is welcomed, but whether that welcome is sincere or given out of kindness is another matter. Practically everyone has his own plans as to how to spend his time, and it is often perplexing, if not annoying, to be obliged to change one’s plans by unexpected visitors. When someone invites you to drop by anytime, they really mean to call first to make sure the time is convenient!
Be polite
Good manners are so important in today’s society. A little effort towards being polite to everyone you meet can have great rewards. Of course there are other reasons for being polite as well. Everyone should be polite. Polite people show good manners. Moreover, they are popular. On the other hand, rude people are looked down upon. Rudeness shows poor education. Therefore, why not be polite? A simple “Please”, “Thank you”, or “You’re welcome” can make a big difference.
If someone says dirty words all the time, it shows that something is wrong with his mouth. You’d better persuade him to “watch” his mouth.
Table Manners
There are many differences in table manners in different cultures. It is really worth your time to learn about how to behave while eating in other countries. Knowledge of table manners will show your international qualifications.
Don’t make noises with your mouth. Close your mouth when eating. People make mouth noises because they eat without closing their mouths. When you drink your soup, don’t sip it, but swallow it all in one mouthful.
Don’t talk with your mouth full. If someone talks to you, wait until your mouth is empty before answering.
Restaurant Dos and Don’ts
What is considered polite in one country is sometimes considered rude in another. In other words, sometimes you should slurp and sometimes you shouldn’t. Learning about culture differences while you learn English is the fastest way to broaden your knowledge of the world and become more successful.
When eating, the Japanese and some Chinese are in the habit of slurping their food. By doing so, they show their host how much they like the food. Westerners find eating soup this way most unpleasant. They also consider picking one’s teeth and putting on makeup at the table no-nos. And when it comes to tipping, they just leave some money on the table. The amount is up to you, but it’s usually 15 to 20 percent of the check.
Business Cards
Business cards are less important in American culture than they are in Asian culture. Knowing the right way to handle business cards is a useful skill wherever you are.
Requesting someone’s business card is a straightforward process. You need only say: “Do you have a business card?” or “May I have your business card?”
When you want to present your own card, you can say, “Here’s my card. Feel free to call me if you have any other questions.” Or, you might say, “Please send the information to this address. I look forward to hearing from you soon.”
It’s not polite to directly refuse a request from someone for your business card. Instead, you can say, “Sorry, but I’m afraid I’m all out at the moment.” Or “ I forgot to bring them with me.” When you do receive a card, say “Thank you” and examine it briefly before putting it away.
