Participants of the "Young Tour Guides School of Russia" learned about diplomatic etiquette

---

How to properly shake hands with a guest from Germany, what showing the sole of one’s shoe can lead to in Arab countries, and why clocks are not given as gifts in Japan? Vasily Taran, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of International Relations at MGIMO University of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and lecturer at the Department of International Relations and Russia’s Foreign Policy shared the secrets of intercultural communication in the National Centre RUSSIA. The seminar "Diplomacy for Top Tour Guides: What Is a Cultural Code and How to Decipher It?" was held as part of the original project "Young Tour Guides School of Russia".

The art of diplomacy, non-verbal communication and an understanding of cultural codes — these are the skills that, according to the expert, distinguish a good tour guide from the best. The participants were introduced to the fundamentals of diplomatic etiquette and, in practice, examined the specifics of interaction with representatives of different countries and cultural contexts.

"Interaction with different cultures and societies during a tour is built on how you position yourself, how you conduct dialogue with each representative of your audience and how you hold their attention. This essentially determines how your tour will unfold. But if you also use special 'bridges' that help build interaction with each audience and prepare for tours in this way, there is a high probability that you will become not just the best tour guide, but the best tour guide in the world," Vasily Taran told the participants.

In a dialogue with the lecturer, the young attendees embarked on a true journey around the world — from countries of Europe and North America to states of the Islamic world, Asia, Latin America and Africa. They learned why punctuality is important in Germany, while in Arab countries relationships may take precedence over schedules; how representatives of China and Japan behave when they want to refuse; and what is meant by the "Slavic gaze" in a global context. The topic of non-verbal communication aroused particular interest: how to hold one’s hands during a presentation, why direct eye contact is often avoided in parts of Asia and what consequences an incorrect gesture may have in Africa.

The original project "Young Tour Guides School of Russia" continues the tradition established at the International RUSSIA EXPO. Its participants immerse themselves in the world of history, art and technology, gain a closer understanding of the country’s cultural heritage and develop speech technique and public speaking skills. Upon completion of their training, the young guides conduct tours of the expositions at the National Centre RUSSIA, including for distinguished guests, and some have already decided to make working with tour participants their life’s calling.