Greeting

The customary form of greeting in Nicaraguan business practice is the handshake, which is exchanged by both men and women in formal situations. The handshake is also a form of greeting between the sexes.

It is important to say hello to each person if you are meeting with a group of people. Everyone sitting at the table where the meeting is taking place, or who is in the room, should be greeted personally. You shouldn't limit yourself to just greeting the group in general, addressing everyone at once.

The handshake that men exchange should be firm and accompanied by eye contact.

While the greeting in initial contact looks rather formal in general, subsequent meetings tend to be more emotional and warm: people hug each other when they meet, women often exchange kisses. Your partner's behavior will help you choose the right tone of greeting - follow their example.

In the first meeting with a potential partner from this country, after introducing yourself, add "Mucho gusto" (Very nice to meet you! Nice to meet you!)

Typical phrases that Nicaraguans use to greet each other are: "Buenos días" ("Good morning"), "Buenas tardes" (Good afternoon") and "Buenas noches" ("Good evening").

In a formal meeting, older people or those in the company introduce their younger colleagues to those present.

Introduction

In first contacts in formal, formal and even social situations, use formal forms of address - Señor/Seora/Señorita, followed by the last name of the person.

In official communication, use the professional qualifications or position of the partner, if available. The most common are Doctor (Doctor), Abogado (Lawyer), Ingeniero (Engineer), Profesor (Teacher).

In the beginning of the business relationship, Nicaraguans usually address the foreign partner using his last name rather than first and expect the same in return. Be sure to mention the person's relevant professional qualifications, position or academic title/degree, if they have them.

If you do not know your partner's professional qualifications or title (or simply do not have them), use polite forms of address, namely: 'Señor' (Mr) for men and 'Señora' (Ms) or Señorita (Miss) for women, followed by the last name of the person.

The Nicaraguan last names have a Spanish tradition. The surname itself consists of two parts: first the personal name is followed by the paternal surname and then the paternal surname on the maternal line. For example: Felix Sarmiento Carrera. In communication, it is sufficient to use the first of these surnames, in this case Señor Sarmiento.

In terms of using names and titles / titles, follow the example of your Nicaraguan colleagues. Adhere to a level of formality appropriate to the situation at the beginning of the business relationship. Wait for the initiative of your Nicaraguan colleague, who will suggest that you switch to the first name.

Wait for the initiative of your Nicaraguan colleague.

Exchange of Business Cards

In business practice in Nicaragua, it is customary to exchange business cards both during introductions in the first meeting and during meetings, such as an exhibition, fair, conference or some kind of forum. Therefore, it is important to have an ample supply of business cards.

The business card should generally include the name of the business card holder, his title, company name and address, telephone numbers and email.

The text of the business card, at least on one side, should be in Spanish. When passing it on, make sure the side with the text in Spanish is on the front.

There is no special ritual for passing on business cards in Nicaraguan business practice. However, when accepting another person's business card, pay attention to what is written on it. A positive comment or compliment about the company or person is helpful.

Small Talk: Overview

Don't be surprised if, during small talk, your partner in Nicaragua asks you personal questions, such as about your family, your salary, and your life in general. This is generally accepted in this society. It is worth keeping the conversation going even on such topics, as it is important for later business relationships.

Nicaraguans can be described as open and emotional interlocutors. They will gladly respond to anything except politics.

Humor is an important element of communication in Nicaragua. Your partner will certainly appreciate a funny story, anecdote or an anecdote from life. All of this will create a more relaxed atmosphere that will help build trust.

Please pay attention to your appearance before you meet your Nicaraguan colleague. Clothes should be clean and pressed, and not necessarily expensive. For formal occasions, it is important to maintain an austere style of dress, which implies restraint in everything from the choice of style to the color scheme.

In the context of official events, it is important to observe a strict style of dress, which implies restraint in everything, from the choice of style to the color scheme.

Preferred Topics

Family and everything somehow related to home and family relations.

History and culture of Nicaragua. Attractions of the country, nature, famous places.

Positive impressions of Nicaragua, particular areas or cities of the country.

Cuisine, food - an interesting and safe topic.

Taboo Topics

Politics and corruption are two topics that should be avoided even when talking to the Nicaraguan partner. Each of these topics is very important in this society, which has been shaken by armed conflicts, military coups, changes of government, etc., over the past 30-40 years.

You should not be too candid and straightforward about issues of current domestic politics in Nicaragua. They can be quite painful for your partner. Also, you may not know what political figures or forces your partner might be associated with.

Without mentioning names of both internal (e.g., Daniel Ortega, Anastasio Somoza) and external (e.g., George W. Bush) politicians.

Religion is also among the topics to avoid when talking to your Nicaraguan counterpart.

When talking about the United States of America, do not call that country America and its citizens Americans, since people in Central American states also consider and call themselves Americans. Better use "US Americans"or People from the United States.

Avoid (especially critical) comparisons between Nicaragua and other Central American states, such as neighboring Honduras and Costa Rica.

Personal Space

It should be kept in mind that the distance for comfortable communication in this society is shorter than in other cultures. It averages 50 cm (100-110 cm in central and northern Europe by comparison).

In conversations with friends or relatives, Nicaraguans can stand even closer together. This is part of Nicaragua's warm, personal style.

If you stand far away from your conversation partner (which is probably the norm in your culture), it can be perceived as aloof and uninterested in your conversation partner.

Body language and gestures are an important part of communication. People in this culture gesture actively, often touching each other, for instance by patting the other on the shoulder or arm, hugging or lightly squeezing the shoulders of companions to show they are friendly and approachable.

Having direct, constant eye contact during conversation, it should not be for very long periods. Eye contact with the woman should be even more moderate.

Do not copy the behavior of Nicaraguans in conversation. Body language, in general, is a rather complex area that only members of the culture they speak (or rather feel) well.

Communication Specifics

A significant characteristic of communication in this society is the creation of a relationship of trust and mutual understanding. This can take a long time.

In Nicaragua, it is not customary to be blunt and overly frank in the process of communication. They prefer to be careful and friendly so as not to cause conflict or cause the other person to "lose face".

It is common to not use a direct "No" in communication. Instead, it is better to say: "I need to think about it", or even just say nothing, which is socially sanctioned as an affirmation of rejection or disagreement.

It is important to be respectful and thorough, while still adhering to protocol, when dealing with people in different positions.

A certain amount of formality should be present in the initial stages of dealing with a Nicaraguan colleague. This manifests itself in the use of both polite forms of addressing the person and neutral language means.

In general, Nicaraguans are characterized by a warm and friendly manner of communication. You will impress your potential partner if you are genuine and engaged.

Your fellow Nicaraguans are active and dynamic. The conversation is often emotional and loud. They make extensive use of body language and gestures. Pauses of silence are usually rare.