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American Business Etiquette Guidelines (Part 2)

greetingsGuidelines for Communication

  • Offer a firm handshake, lasting 3-5 seconds, upon greeting and leaving. Maintain good eye contact during your handshake. If you are meeting several people at once, maintain eye contact with the person you are shaking hands with, until you move on to the next person.
  • Good eye contact during business and social conversations shows interest, sincerity and confidence.
  • Good friends may briefly embrace, although the larger the city, usually the more formal the behaviour.
  • Introductions include one's title if appropriate, or Mr., Ms, Mrs. and the full name.
  • Business cards are generally not exchanged during introductions. However, they may be exchanged when one party is leaving.
  • A smile is a sign of friendliness, and in rural areas you may be greeted with a "hello" rather than a handshake.
  • Ask permission to smoke before lighting a cigarette or cigar. Due to health concerns, you may or may not be given permission.
 
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