The scheduling1 of appointments is very important in western culture. If you want to visit somebody or invite somebody to do something, the best way is to make an appointment with him in advance2, because most westerners often keep a strict personal schedule. They don't welcome unexpected visitors. Usually for a Westerner three schedules are kept: one for daily events, one for weekly planning, and one for long term planning. You have to show respect for their cultural custom. Often appointments are made on the phone by talking with him directly or with his secretary who can help him to arrange the appointments. Remember to tell him or her directly why you want to meet him.
　　Before making an appointment, you must know the full name and title of the person you want to meet. If necessary, you can check with his secretary. All the appointments should be double-checked3 for accuracy4. The time, address, names of involved parties, and spelling and pronunciation of the names should be verified5.
　　Don't be late for the appointments. You have to get to the meeting place on time. If something urgent happens which prevents you from keeping the appointment, you can change or cancel the appointment immediately. It is very impolite for you to fail to keep an appointment.

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西方约会礼仪是西方文化的重要组成部分。如果你想拜访某人，或者是请什么人做什么事，最好的方法是与他们事先约定好，因为绝大多数西方人通常都有严格的个人日程安排，都不欢迎不速之客。通常一个西方人会制定三个时间表：一个是当天的计划，一个是每周的计划，一个是长远计划。你必须尊重他们的文化传统。通常你可以通过电话与他本人或者他的秘书定好约会时间等事项。要记住告诉他或他的秘书你拜访的目的。
　　在约会之前，你必须了解你要约会的人的全名和头衔。如有必要，你可以找他的秘书核实。为了准确，应当把所有的约会细节都核实一下，包括时间、地点、所涉及的人的名字以及名字的拼写和发音。
　　约会时决不能迟到。你必须按照约定的时间到达，如果有急事发生，使得你不能按时赴约，你应该立即更改或取消约会。失约是非常不礼貌的。

 

1. scheduling  n．行程安排，时间安排
2． in advance 提前
3． double－check 再三核实
4． accuracy  n．精确，准确
5． verify  v．核实，查验