United Statesđź•Ł
Country in North America. Official name – the United States of America. Population – 334.5 million (as of 2020). Capital – Washington, D.C. Official language – English. Government type – federal presidential republic. Main religion – Christianity.
United States
Greeting
A handshake is the usual way to greet someone. It should feel “right,” meaning it meets the other person’s expectations. In the U.S., that means a firm handshake that lasts about 3 seconds, with 2–3 shakes.
While shaking hands, it’s polite to lean forward a little, smile, and make eye contact.
Offer a handshake when you’re meeting someone for the first time or seeing someone you haven’t seen in a while.
Either men or women can be the first to offer a handshake.
If you're sitting when someone enters, it’s polite to stand up to greet them, no matter your gender.
Hugs and kisses aren’t appropriate in a business setting—for anyone, but especially for women.
Physical touch in general is seen as impolite in professional situations.
If someone offers you a handshake, you should respond with one. Not doing so can come across as rude.
Introduction
Gender doesn’t play a major role in business etiquette and doesn’t affect the order of introductions. The person with the lower position (title, rank, or status) should be introduced to the person with the higher status, not the other way around.
A client and/or an important customer is considered the more impo...
Exchange of Business Cards
A business card should include only the most important information about its owner. Besides your job title, it's okay to include academic degrees and professional titles or qualifications.
Academic degrees are usually placed after the last name on the card.
In the USA, it is not necessary to hand a business card to you...
Small Talk: Overview
In American society, small talk is an important part of communication, both in business and social settings.
Americans tend to feel uncomfortable with pauses in conversation and usually try to fill them quickly.
Small talk is seen as an easygoing kind of conversation. There's a typical format: people ask short...
Preferred Topics
Americans are usually happy to talk about professional topics related to their work.
Sports — especially baseball, American football, and basketball — are popular conversation topics in the U.S.
Other safe and easy topics include American TV shows, movies, the weather, and travel....
Taboo Topics
Religion and politics are generally considered off-limits during casual conversation in American society.
Politically incorrect jokes or comments are completely unacceptable.
It’s best to avoid bringing up heavy or sensitive topics like world hunger or terrorism.
Don’t ask your ...
Personal Space
In American culture, people don’t usually stand too close to each other. At social events, parties, or casual gatherings, a comfortable distance is at least 2 feet (about 60 cm).
If someone gets too close, Americans may see it as an invasion of personal space.
Aside from a handshake, it’s best to avoid...
Communication Specifics
When saying goodbye, Americans might casually invite you over with something like “Y’all come to see us.” The usual response is to return the gesture with something like “We will — y’all come to see us, too.” These kinds of invitations are more of a social ritual — both sides understand it’s not a real invitation.
A key part of communi...
Any questions? Contact us.
Ask a Question