In the era of increasingly frequent international exchanges, etiquette is not only a hallmark of personal cultivation, but also a symbol of the property of a nation. Etiquette can not only promote family harmony and happiness, but also reveal the strength and image of individuals, organizations and even countries. 

In order to enhance the CFLC faculty and staff’s understanding of the Chinese and international rules of etiquette and social interaction, on the morning of July 18, the CFLC Women’s Committee invited Dr. Zhou Jiali of the Department of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs Management at the China Foreign Affairs University to give a talk on the fundamental rules of etiquette in international exchange. The talk was entitled “Etiquette Goes a Long Way”.

Ms. Xi Kelin of the CFLC Women’s Committee provides over the talk.

Dr. Zhou Jiali is currently vice chairwoman of the Beijing Branch of the Association of International Image Consultants. She was a guest professor of the Central University of Finance and Economics and the Ministry of Commerce’s Institute of International Business Officials (January 2016 – January 2018), and a visiting scholar at the Bond University in Australia and the University of Oxford in the UK. Her research interests include diplomatic protocols and etiquettes, personal image shaping and public diplomacy. She has authored five books and more than 40 papers and articles.

In the two-hour talk, through interesting cases and on-the-spot interaction with the CFLC faculty and staff members present, Dr. Zhou elaborated on seating etiquette, greeting etiquette, speech communication etiquette and dressing etiquette. She also talked about the similarities and differences between Chinese and foreign rules of etiquette, cultural differences, communication skills and taboos in different settings.

Dr. Zhou elaborates on the importance of etiquette in the context of colorful foreign cultures in different countries.

CFLC faculty and staff members get a taste of the different rules of setting etiquette in domestic and international settings.

Tips on proper handshaking: Extend your right hand straight before the handshake; do not have your palm facing either up or down; the palm should meet with the palm of the other person.

Dress codes are created out of social perceptions and norms, and vary based on purpose, circumstances and occasions.

CFLC faculty members chat with Dr. Zhou at the end of the talk.

Etiquette serves several important functions: It provides personal security. Knowing how to behave appropriately in a given situation makes you more comfortable. It protects the feelings of others. It makes communication clearer. Etiquette enhances communication by breaking down barriers. It will enhance your status at work. In any working situation, you are perceived as more capable, more professional, and more intelligent if you are familiar with the proper code of conduct for the workplace.