Manners makeover
A group of women teachers from the Wenzhou Vocational School for Overseas Chinese in Zhejiang Province learn how to put on makeup. |
Kevin walks towards his workmate, Zhang Liying, and holds out his right arm to her. Zhang stands up and puts her arm around his. Then he slowly leads her to the other side of the room.
They pause halfway and pose as if cameras are flashing on them like some Hollywood film premiere.
Alas, there are no autograph hunters or crying fans but rather three other pairs of colleagues, waiting in line to practice their respective struts. Some look focused, others look ready to erupt in laughter.
"Gentlemen don't walk fast. You are leading not pulling your companions," says Yang Jinbo, their etiquette trainer, who bellows instructions as the couples walk forward.
"And ladies, please keep pace with the men. When you pose for photographers, turn to both sides and greet other guests."
Kevin is feeling the heat. "I feel a little bit anxious, because I've never been to a black-tie party," he says. "High-ranking officials and clients will be there."
The event Kevin is referring to is an upcoming company party in Shanghai. It will be the first time that many employees from the Beijing branch will attend a formal event.
This is where Yang can help: to provide an outline of the do's and don'ts of basic etiquette expected as such soirees. "On such grand occasions, the most important thing is to forget yourselves," Yang explains to his students. "Show your graces and enjoy the party."
Yang Jinbo, an etiquette trainer, gives instructions to Wang Ying, an English major at the Central University of Nationalities on how to dress correctly. Yang entered the profession after sensing a need to promote Western social graces in China. Tian Chi |
As the country tightens its connections with the outside world, people have gradually become more aware of what foreigners regard as decorum. In recent years etiquette training courses have become an essential part of the office culture in many companies and governmental departments.
"My little knowledge of etiquette mainly comes from the media," Kevin says. "Take Western dining manners, for instance. I barely knew anything except that the fork is in the left hand and the knife in the right hand."
"Etiquette should be a basic social quality. It shows how open-minded a society can be," he says.
His partner, Zhang agrees, adding that the training provides more than advice on handling cutlery, it also gives an individual more charm.
"All my former classmates who come back from Britain will hold the elevator and let others in first, whether they know each other or not. That's impressive," she said.
"Etiquette means a lot to people's self-development. I think those in State-owned and private enterprises should be trained regularly to improve their social abilities and communication skills."
Enrolments show that etiquette courses are now in high demand. Last year, Yang Jinbo gave more than 50 speeches in universities, mostly in Beijing.
He has observed a few differences between the office staff and college students. "Employees, driven by specific needs at work, are more practical and career-oriented. Students are modest and willing to practice everything they've heard," he said.
Wang Ying, an English-major junior at the Central University of Nationalities, took such classes last semester.
"The etiquette advice for occasions such as Western dining and black-tie parties is not as practical as the interview tips for job-seeking students," she said after Yang's courses.
"But if I'm ever in such a formal situation, knowing these rules will come in handy," she said.
Wang may find the dinner lessons of benefit sooner than she thinks. Some employers are already judging candidates on their table manners.
The course also covers how to politely engage with the disabled, something that Luo Tingting found beneficial. Her younger brother has disability in one leg.
"Even if I don't become a Paralympics volunteer, I have learnt a few ways to better help my brother without hurting his feelings," she said.
The upcoming Olympic Games in Beijing have prompted our national sporting teams to brush-up on their etiquette skills as well.
Invited by the State General Administration of Sports, Yang is teaching the athletes how to behave when being received by governmental officials and how to maintain a good relationship with the media.
Huang Jianmian, a coach of China's track and field team, attended all five of the classes. He said the athletes have put the training into practice. An example: formerly twitchy team members no longer shake their legs when they sit on a chair.
"Our athletes are also cultural envoys. They represent the image of our country," Yang said. "This knowledge will be useful for them even after they retire."
Still, not everyone is convinced of the need for etiquette refinement.
Zhang, Kevin's colleague who declined to give her full name, said international etiquette doesn't fully adhere to Chinese culture.
She also suggested that China rebuild its national confidence by developing its own etiquette system.
(China Daily 03/09/2007 page18)
