Jim要去参加一次公司庆典活动，特别正式。他问同事Gary，参加这种社交活动有哪些注意事项。
J: Have you ever been to a black-tie event?
G: Twice actually….and to be honest, it was a bit boring both times.
J: Aside from the tuxedo is there anything else I need to wear or take with me?
G: I suggest keeping all other accessories to a minimum.
J: I see. Any other tips or suggestions?
G: Keep your eyes open and just sort of do what everybody else does. And…don’t get drunk or talk too loud or draw any attention to yourself!
J: Okay, good points.
Gary说，自己参加过两次这种要穿礼服打领结的 black-tie event, 觉得很无聊。他建议Jim, 最好 keep all other accessories to a minimum尽量少带装饰品，accessory is spelled a-c-c-e-s-s-o-r-y, accessory 是指手表、手袋等饰物，他还告诉Jim, 睁大眼睛看别人怎么做，特别要注意 don’t get drunk 不要喝醉，don’t talk too loud 说话声音不要太大，don’t draw any attention to yourself 不要让别人注意到自己。
G: You and Henry are acting as representatives of the company so you’re kind of like ambassadors.
J: Wow. Now I’m really stressed!
G: It’s not that hard. Just be a good conversationalist and even more importantly, be a good listener. If someone makes a humorous remark, chuckle mildly; even if the comment isn’t very funny. And remember, always smile!
Gary说，Jim跟Henry这次去参加晚宴，代表的是公司，you’re kind of like ambassadors. 是公司使节。Jim听后表示，压力很大，Now I’m really stressed. Gary告诉他说，其实这项任务也不难完成，他们只要会聊天 be a good conversationalist，做个好听众就行了，别人讲笑话，就算不好笑，也要chuckle跟着笑两声，脸上要随时随地保持笑容。
J: Can I rent the tux in New York?
G: Absolutely. Do some research before you go and find a good rental company. They will probably deliver it to your hotel. Make sure the tuxedo fits well….otherwise; you can end up looking pretty silly.
J: How much should I expect to pay to rent a tux?
G: I’d say roughly $100. You could probably find some cheaper options, but you want to look good.
J: Thanks Gary…. I really appreciate your help.
G: Not at all. It should be an interesting experience for you.
J: I hope so.
Jim想知道能不能到纽约去租tux, tux is spelled t-u-x, tux, tux是 tuxedo 的简称。Gary建议Jim事先查一下，找一家服务周到、能送货上门的租赁公司，They can deliver it to your hotel. 他们可以把燕尾服送到 Jim下榻的旅店。Gary还建议Jim一定要穿上试试看，otherwise, you can end up looking pretty silly. 否则如果不合适的话，那你看上去会很傻的。Gary最后还告诉Jim, 燕尾服的租金应该在100美元上下。