Creating and maintaining the right personal image for you and your company

Normally I write entries that give general tips, rather than culturally specific tips. Since many people like eating at Chinese restaurants, and that many people now travel to China for work, I am inspired write this culture-specific entry. And especially since I read an interesting piece of info today this morning. If you have gone to a Chinese Wedding Banquet/Reception before, you may have noticed that when guests use their chopsticks to hit their bowls and cups, newly weds are expected to go up and be willing to be made fun of. I have only witness this ritual in North America, never in Asia years ago. Always find it strange and rude. Upon reading about chopstick etiquette today from the Sing Tao Daily, I found out why this act is rude - it is because only beggars who want food would hit their bowls and cups using their utensils. Here is a list of chopstick etiquette, courtesy of Sing Tao Daily (I edited and translated the tips in proper English): : 1. Never place chopsticks on the table unevenly, as it signifies death in Chinese. 2. While holding the chopsticks, never stick out the finger that is next to the thumb. 3. Do not suck on the chopstick (I have seen people do this, even Chinese people) to savor the sauces on them. 4. Before extending the chopsticks to the food, know what piece you are to pick up. Having the chopsticks in the air, waving from one dish to another, is rude. Others will be waiting for you to finish before they get their portions. 5. Do not "dig" into foods that are at the bottom of the dish when the bottom pieces are covered by top pieces of food. It is not hygenic. 6. Try not to drop the food you're holding onto other dishes. Again, this is not hygenic. 7. Use both chopsticks to get food, not just one to spear food. 8. Do not places chopsticks in a bowl of rice like two standing sticks - this is a ritual done only for dead people. 9. Place chopsticks on placemat evenly, as mentioned before, do not make a cross out of them. 10. Try not to drop chopsticks on the floor. I will be on vacation for a week, and will write again when I'm back. Have a great weekend and a wonderful work week ahead!