DENVER, June 20: Some advice for summit goers: Don't point, don't give the Japanese gifts in sets of four or nine, don't greet a Russian in a doorway and for goodness sake when meeting someone new don't ask them how they are doing.``How are you' is taken literally in most countries where they will really tell you how they feel,'' said Karen Gerwitz, Chief of Protocol for the Denver Summit of the Eight.For months, Gerwitz has been briefing volunteers, State employees and others associated with this weekend's summit to give them some pointers on how to treat their visitors from abroad.The leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United Kingdom joined President Bill Clinton for their annual economic meeting which began today.Short Protocol guides for each country were compiled by Gerwitz with suggestions such as this for Italy: ``Eye contact, maintain it. Otherwise, Italians may think you have something to hide.''``The Canadians may be our neighbors, but they are much more formal and soft-spoken,'' said Gerwitz. ``They don't like to be mistaken for Americans.''Hand gestures are best avoided with all visitors. The ok sign is considered rude in several countries, Gerwitz said.``Really the only time I would use hand gestures is when giving directions and then with the palm of the hand,'' she said.Other advice from the guides:Chewing gum is rude in France. Never talk or shout loudly to make a point with a German. Don't exchange greetings with a Russian in a doorway: It's bad luck. If Vodka is given to a Russian as a gift, be prepared to help empty the bottle.Don't stand too close to a person from the United Kingdom. Touching and other displays of affection are reserved for family members and close friends. Gift-giving is an important part of Japanese society, but don't give anything in sets of four or nine as their homonyms mean suffering or death. Sets of three or five are good. And be careful about topics of conversation.``Even though this is an economic and political summit, I would avoid talking about politics,'' said Gerwitz. ``They are all very good debaters, probably better than what we are accustomed to. If you are going to debate, you should probably know both sides.''
