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Meeting and Greeting

  • The handshake is the common form of greeting.
  • The British might seem a little stiff and formal at first.
  • Avoid prolonged eye contact as it makes people feel uncomfortable.
  • There is still some protocol to follow when introducing people in a business or more formal social situation. This is often a class distinction, with the 'upper class' holding on to the long-standing traditions:
  • Introduce a younger person to an older person.
  • Introduce a person of lower status to a person of higher status.
  • When two people are of similar age and rank, introduce the one you know better to the other person.

Gift Giving Etiquette

  • The British exchange gifts between family members and close friends for birthdays and Christmas.
  • The gift need not be expensive, but it should usually demonstrate an attempt to find something that related to the recipient’s interests.
  • If invited to someone's home, it is normal to take along a box of good chocolates, a good bottle of wine or flowers.
  • Gifts are opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

  • Unlike many European cultures, the British enjoy entertaining in people their homes.
  • Although the British value punctuality, you may arrive 10-15 minutes later than invited to dinner. However, if going to a restaurant be on time.
  • Table manners are Continental, i.e. the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
  • The fork is held tines down so food is scooped on to the back of the fork. This is a skill that takes time to master.
  • Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat.
  • Do not rest your elbows on the table.
  • If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife.
  • Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel across the right side of your plate.
  • Toasts are given at formal meals.
  • When in a pub, it is common practice to pay for a round of drinks for everyone in your group.
  • If invited to a meal at a restaurant, the person extending the invitation usually pays. Do not argue about the check; simply reciprocate at a later time.

Business Etiquette and Protocol


Greetings

  • A firm handshake is the norm; there are no issues over gender in the UK.
  • People shake upon meeting and leaving.
  • Maintain eye contact during the greeting but avoid anything prolonged.
  • Most people use the courtesy titles or Mr, Mrs or Miss and their surname.
  • Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis. People under the age of 35 may make this move more rapidly than older British.
  • Business cards are exchanged at the initial introduction without formal ritual.
  • The business card may be put away with only a cursory glance so don’t be offended if not much attention is paid to it.

Date: 2016-03-03; view: 1018


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A Multicultural Society | The British Communication Style
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