Many of us use humor in first-time meetings to break the ice, form a meaningful connection with the other party and keep the meeting fun and engaging. To avoid making a faux pas when meeting with international business leaders and professionals, it may be best to avoid using humor. If you disagree with or are unsure of what the other person is saying, avoid displaying a scrunched-up facial expression or any reaction that may come across as hostile or rude. Don’t assume that everyone can speak or understand your language perfectly give enough time for the other person to respond to all of your points. Speak slowly and softly so your words are clear. Meanwhile, some cultures are rather lax, so you can be more casual in your speech. Some cultures pay close or rigid attention to social hierarchy, so you may have to use honorifics and formal speech registers. In navigating conversations with international clients, mind the way you speak and respond. Language, whether communicated through the body or spoken, shows us an entire culture, a worldview and a way of life. Keep Your Reactions, Word Choices And Tone Of Voice In Check Additionally, it shows respect for the culture and willingness to learn more about it, which people really appreciate. It will also keep you “safe” from unintentionally ruining a relationship. This shows some vulnerability and will ease any tension in the air. Let them know that you will try your best, but if anything is interpreted as disrespectful, ask to be given the benefit of the doubt and for them to correct you to avoid making the same mistake next time. Be transparent with the other party and open up a space where they feel comfortable calling you out on any body language or speech faux pas. Research the culture and background of the people you will be interacting with before you meet them, but be aware that there may be something you missed in your research. Ask Your Business Contacts To Correct You A disclaimer that no action on your part is meant to offend their culture may help in clearing the air and promoting communication. Even if the meeting is sudden and you don’t get the time to research, pick up behavioral cues from the person you are interacting with and you should be good to go. Be open to the culture and steer clear of stereotypes. This will make the people you communicate with feel that you have invested efforts into learning their protocol and will result in them warming up to you. Get to know about the culturally appropriate greeting and communicating. In the time you have to prepare for a business meeting with professionals from a different cultural background, do your research on the basic do’s and don’ts while interacting with people from the culture. Be Observant And Open To New Cultural Experiences Just be a decent person and you won’t have to overly stress about using the wrong eating utensils. The key is to relax and enjoy the opportunities that come with business travel and multicultural projects. Those are all important steps to take during any business interaction. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to understand the culture, ask questions and be aware of how other people are interacting. For me, the bottom line is this: If you are acting in good faith and treating your hosts or guests with the same courtesy you would treat any important guest, then most people will not interpret mistakes as a sign of willful rudeness. In most of my international business interactions, I have seen many examples of generosity regarding cultural faux pas.
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