International Protocol Quiz - Do You Think You Are Ready?

Do you think you are ready for high society and a global world? Traveled internationally? Starting a new job in Washington, DC? Know all about your international manners, etiquette and Protocols?  

Alrighty then. Let's test your knowledge! 

1. Q: How do I address the President of the United States at a White House function when introduced?

    A: Mr. President or Sir. The President's last name is NEVER used when addressing him personally. 

2. Q: How do I address a US Ambassador when introduced? 

    A: Mr. Ambassador, Excellency or Sir/Madam.

3. Q: What gifts are appropriate for a corporate host in Germany?

    A: Gifts are given at the end of the negotiations. They should not be Logo gifts, extravagant gifts or personal gifts (soaps, perfume or jewelry), as it may embarrass the Host. An American made fine pen or desk set is nice. Good Scotch or gourmet chocolates are appropriate as well. A bouquet of flowers in an uneven number (but NOT 13) are great, however, DO NOT give red flowers (love) or white flowers, in particular, chrysanthemums or calla lillies (funerals).  

4. Q: Why is the American custom of crossing your legs at the knee frowned upon in Europe, Asia and the Middle East?

    A: In Europe, crossing one's legs at the knee is considered bad breeding, and in Asia and the Middle East, crossing one's legs at the knee and the ankles, thus showing the sole of one's shoe, is considered to be dirty and an insult to your Host.

5. Q: Why should one be very careful in outwardly admiring possessions belonging to Middle Eastern clients/hosts/hostesses?

   A:  Tradition in the Arab culture is to make a gift something that is admired by a new friend. If you verbally admire something, your Host will give it to you! As well, you will be expected to reciprocate in kind. 

6. Q: What gift should NOT be given in Japan because it signifies death? 

    A: A clock. Signifies time ticking forward to death!

7. Q: Why should you never give knives, sharp objects or scissors for a wedding, Christmas, or even a Birthday, even if you place a 'lucky penny' inside your gift? 

    A; In many cultures, including older generations in America, the superstition signifies bad luck and/or signifies death in giving such potentially dangerous items.

8.  Q: Gentlemen, should you all stand up at the conference table when a woman executive exits or enters? 

    A; Sorry, but the answer is NO. Women executives may appreciate the occasional chair pulled out for them or the door held for them (especially those heavy glass doors) but gentlemen rising when a woman executive exits or enters the conference room is not necessary any longer, as women executives are considered equals in the board room. Interestingly, the host traditionally enters the restaurant first in Europe as it gives them a chance to introduce themselves to the Maitre'd, check to make sure the seating for their party is nice (not near the kitchen or bathroom), direct to whom the check will be delivered, etc. 

9. Q: Do grade school children in Europe greet each other by shaking hands on the play ground? 

    A: Yes they do! This tradition is why handshaking is prevalent in Europe. 

10.  Q: At a business dinner, does the most important, oldest, honored, and/or highest ranking person still sit to the right of the host and the 2nd most important person sit to the left of the host? 

       A: Yes. Except Korea. Korean etiquette places the most important person in the middle of the table, and facing the door (which is where the power in any room is located), and is superstition to face the door because you can see who is coming and going. 

11. Q: Which countries use the metric system? 

      A: Every country except the USA, Myanmar and Liberia! Thank you Thomas Jefferson!

12. Q: Why should one eat in the Continental Style (wrists above the table at all times) while in the UK, Europe, and especially in Germany?

      A: Upon the popularization of tableware in the 15th Century, when sitting at the King's table, bad men placed knives up their sleeves and could potentially stab their King, or others in power. Showing one has "nothing up your sleeve" is a matter of trust in these societies, even today. If you place your hands or even one hand in your lap at any time, people around you will think you are hiding something, therefore are dishonest.

13. Q: What flower in France is a funeral flower, so should never be given as a gift?

      A: Chrysanthemums. Any color, especially white. 

14. Q: Should you tip in the UK, New Zealand, Canada?

       A: Tipping is not expected for normal services in restaurants and pubs, as servers are paid a living wage. Also, an approximate 20% V.A.T. tax or approximate 12.5% consumer tax may be added to all purchases of goods and services. Check the laws with the concierge at your hotel or the Maitre'd in your local restaurant. Know if this charge is to be listed on the bill before dining out and what to expect before going out. 

15. Q: What are some gift giving guidelines in China?

       A: During a final negotiation, gifts may be exchanged. Wrap the gifts nicely in quality paper once inside China  (once through Customs). Give a gift to each person on the negotiation team, otherwise you will "lose face." Do not give personal or intimate gifts such as soaps, perfume or jewelry (reserved for couples). Acceptable gifts include: Logo gifts from your Country, records, tapes, stamps, sports equipment, coffee table books from your home region, food specialties from your home region (for example: Virginia peanuts), fine chocolates, or a fine desk set. Check what foods are allowed into the Country before departing. Do not be surprised if the gifts will not be opened in front of you.  

16. Q: In Germany, should you refer to someone as "Reverend Doctor Schaefer, or Mrs. Doctor Baker?"

     A: Yes! German titles are very important and used in excess! Always use all titles and honorifics when addressing a business contact. 

17. Q: When doing business in Mexico, Latin America, southern Europe, India or China, should you, as an American, get 'right down to business?' 

       A: No. First, 'Old World' niceties must be observed. Take your time. Tour the local attractions. Have lunch or dinner with your host. Make new friends. No business yet. Enjoy your afternoon or evening. 

18. Q: When offered refreshments before a business meeting with your Middle Eastern host, should you accept?  

      A: Yes, absolutely. If you refuse refreshments or coffee, you are insulting your host. Also, do not ask about the spouse and children, do not cross your legs when you sit down to have your refreshments, and do not accept your refreshments with your left hand, as it is used for toileting. 

19. Q: When walking down the street with a man, should the woman place herself on the outside of the sidewalk or place herself on the inside of the sidewalk?

      A: Both. In America, the custom is to place the man on the outside of the sidewalk. In European countries, the tradition is to place the man on the LEFT of the woman, which places the woman on the inside and outside of the sidewalk depending on which direction you are headed.  

20. Q: When in many foreign countries, can I use the "victory" or "peace" hand gesture, and can I lightly slap someone on the back or usher a woman into a room by touching her lightly on the shoulder?

     A: NO. Just say no to all hand gestures as most have obscene meanings abroad and NEVER touch the Queen, including on the shoulder ushering her into dinner, and don't touch any other woman.

Travel safely and enjoy yourself, but always remember you are not in America but are representing Americans!