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Greetings from Around the World

Written by: Gloria Starr

Article Overview: Make a positive first impression by understanding the power of word selection and the understanding of other cultures.

Greetings from Around the World

The handshake is the most common form of greeting in the Western world. Other cultures may greet you with bows, applause or prayerful hands. In some parts of the world, looking someone in the eye is offensive and in other parts of the world, you may appear dishonest or shifty if you do not give direct eye contact. Europeans may give the double cheek kiss, other cultures may greet each other by shaking with both hands. Respect is shown with a very deep bow in some parts of Asia. Success can be assured by observing others and acquiring some basic knowledge in advance.

The Power of Face is essential knowledge when doing business in international circles. American's may refer to this as "saving face." In other cultures, the power of face is a dominant facet of everyday life. Face is associated with Asian cultures and in the simplest of terms means that you do nothing that would embarrass another person, especially one that you wish to do business with.

Gender Relations Around the World: In countries where women have achieved prominence in business, they are usually treated as equals. In countries such as Germany or the Arab culture, manners will be quite traditional. Men will stand when a woman enters the room or they may hold her chair out for her at the dining table. Men generally do not know what rules women are living by, so women....extend your hand first, smile and introduce yourself.

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Article Tags: Gloria Starr, greetings, handshake, meet and greet



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