Greeting

The traditional form of greeting is a handshake.

When meeting a potential Australian partner, remember that the handshake should be short (no more than a few seconds) and firm (firm).

A weak handshake can be interpreted as lack of confidence, indecision or dishonesty.

The Australian business culture accepts a handshake between men and women. Women do not shake hands with women during business contact.

In a handshake, it is really important to have direct eye contact.

Physical contact during formal communication (hugging, pat on the shoulder, kissing) is not encouraged.

The greeting ritual in Australian business culture can generally be described as informal.

The list element.

Introduction

When greeting a partner in an (initial) business meeting, say your last name and then add "Pleased to meet you."

The following expressions are also common forms of greeting: "Hello" and "Good day," but "Good day" is considered somewhat obsolete.

In Australia (even in business circles), it is not unusual to hear the expression "G'day, mate. Don't try to copy the local tradition in this case, because in some circles the expression is not common.

When addressing senior people or officials, use the formal Mr, Ms, or Mrs.

In Australia, people quickly turn to "you" and address each other by their first names. Colleagues call each other by their first names only.

Wait until your partner suggests you call them by their first name. You may get the same suggestion from someone who is older or in a position to do so.

If you have titles and/or titles, avoid naming them when introducing yourself in a business environment. This could be perceived as bragging.

Ranks/titles of honor are not generally used in business, but are often heard in academia, among politicians, or when addressing individuals knighted by the monarch of Great Britain.

University professors prefer "Professor" in both oral and written speech.

The governor should be addressed as "Your Excellency" on first meeting, later changing it to "Sir" or "Madam.

Exchange of Business Cards

Business cards are typically exchanged during an introduction during initial contact, or during a follow-up meeting when people find it necessary to exchange contact information for possible follow-up meetings.

Business cards are generally designed simply and contain basic information about their owners: name, company name, mailing and email addresses, phone number, website.

There is no specific procedure or formal protocol for sharing business cards.

Small Talk: Overview

The small talk in Australian business practice is a fairly brief exchange of pleasantries and questions like "What was the trip like? How did you get there?" Then Australians move on to discussing business matters.

Even if you can "brag" about some achievements in your professional or other fields, try to avoid mentioning those achievements when talking to partners from Australia. This can be seen as too directly "promoting" yourself or your company.

Even when talking about the achievements of others, Australians resort to a bit of self-deprecating humor.

Nature, and the very different aspects that go with it (spending time in nature, protecting nature) has a special meaning in Australian society.

Preferred Topics

Local sport, find out in advance what sports are popular in the area.

In almost all locations the following sports are likely to be topics of conversation: rugby and the Wallabies, Australian soccer (locally known as footy), and cricket.

Patterns of Australia and a particular region.

The Melbourne Horse Trials, Australian Open Tennis Championships, Formula 1 Grand Prix are popular topics anywhere in Australia.

Positive impressions of Australia, its nature, cities, etc.

Possible weekend plans (not with initial contact).

Weather.

Taboo Topics

Political and religious topics are taboo topics.

Australians avoid discussing personal and family life in formal and/or business settings.

Without mentioning your personal achievements, titles, ranks, awards, etc.

The topic of Aboriginal Australians, their living conditions and other related issues can be sensitive.

Do not ask about salary, career development, professional status.

Personal Space

Aussies tend to stand at arm's length to each other during conversations. This distance can be slightly longer if the people involved are male and female. It depends on how close they know each other.

Avoid physical touching, except for handshakes. Only people who know each other or are friends for a long time should hug each other or pat each other on the shoulder, back or arm.

In conversations, it's important to maintain direct eye contact, which emphasizes how genuine and trustworthy you are. But it shouldn't be for too long, otherwise your Australian partner will feel uncomfortable.

When talking to a group, try to make eye contact with everyone.

It must be noted that Australians are more likely to avoid direct eye contact when talking, because their culture views this as disrespectful, particularly to an older person.

Communication Specifics

Australians have a fairly direct and frank style of communication. This means they will choose the most appropriate and relevant words and phrases to communicate their thoughts, without using body language, gestures, facial expressions, or less direct language.

In a business meeting, your Australian partner will want to get straight to the point rather than beat around the bush. You, too, are expected to do the same.

Australians generally are open to discussion, are comfortable with criticism, and respect people who can defend their position with clarity and dignity.

In Australian business life, you are not required to be brutally formal with partners. They should never extol themselves or their company by pointing out successes or accomplishments. This would be perceived as self-aggrandizement, exalting oneself above others.