Greeting

The handshake is a traditional form of greeting in a business environment. A light, sometimes even limp handshake is the usual way to start and end a meeting.

If you are a frequent visitor to a company, greet only those with whom you work directly, there is no need to shake hands with everyone in the office.

Intensive eye contact is discouraged as it may confuse.

Hugs and kisses are only allowed between close friends and relatives. Physical touching should generally be avoided.

When greeting a woman, wait for her to extend her hand.

Introduction

In formal situations the introduction procedure may still follow a certain protocol, for example,

    1. a younger person should be introduced to an older person;

    2. the holder of a lower rank or position should be introduced to the holder of a higher rank;

    3. if you need to introduce people who are close in age and position to each other, introduce                 the person you are more familiar with to the other person.

This protocol reflects some of the rules that have developed within a kind of code of behavior in the British upper class. Belonging to a higher social class is still important in this society.

During the first meeting, the British may seem somewhat reserved and even formal.

Academic degrees and some honorable titles are important when introducing partners. In the absence of these, use the polite forms Mr, Mrs, Ms, and Miss, accompanied by the surname when addressing interlocutors.

A growing trend towards a more informal style of communication is observed, especially in academic circles, but also in several business areas (e.g. information technology, marketing, etc.).

Wait for your partner to suggest that you call them by their first name rather than surname. Young British people aged 25-35 will do this quite quickly, perhaps already during the first meeting.

Exchange of Business Cards

Academic degrees as well as honorary titles are usually indicated on the business card.

British people exchange business cards during the first meeting without any ritual.

In British business practice, business cards are not usually given much attention during the introduction of partners, just a glance at the business card, after which it is put aside.

Small Talk: Overview

The British manner of communication can be generally characterized as polite and friendly. However, they always keep a certain distance in conversation.

The British appreciate humor and see it as the best way to "melt the ice" in a relationship. Their humor is somewhat sarcastic and self-deprecating and can sometimes be difficult for other cultures to understand.

Being restrained in showing emotions, the British prefer a neutral tone in conversation, so avoid superlatives, excessive displays of emotion, and too direct statements.

Avoid using too much body language, touching or standing too close to the person you are talking to, or maintaining prolonged eye contact.

Try to be neutral and polite in conversation. Such words as please, thank you, and sorry are often used.

Preferred Topics

Sports, interesting events in the world (festivals, championships, etc.), music - possible safe topics.

Weather is something the Brits often speak about.

You can complain about traffic jams, parking difficulties, public transport, and rising housing prices (in the last case, don't ask who pays how much for housing).

Taboo Topics

Religion and politics are the first among dangerous topics. In recent years, immigration and everything related to the situation of migrants in the country has become such a topic.

Personal income, its sources, salary - all this belongs to the sphere of private life and is therefore a taboo area.

Some social issues, such as homes for the elderly and why the British send their parents there.

It is not a good idea to praise your country and your culture when talking to a British person.

Personal Space

A British person will feel comfortable being more than an arm's length away from the interlocutor.

Physical contact should be kept to a minimum. Only handshakes are a familiar and acceptable form of physical contact.

Patting, hugging, etc. are not accepted in British society.

Expressive speech, abundant gesticulation, and excessive displays of emotion will be poorly received by your British colleague.

Communication Specifics

British society can now be characterized as multinational and multicultural. Immigrants from Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean introduce features of their native cultures into communication.

The British communication style can be generally characterized as polite and friendly, but at the same time somewhat reserved (without overt displays of emotion).

The British appreciate humor in communication, they easily tease themselves, while being ironic about the reality around them.

Unlike other cultures, the British are quite open about their opinions. If they are not satisfied with a proposal, they are likely to say so. At the same time, they will try to express their position as tactfully as possible.

Their speech is full of various kinds of ambiguities and understatements. The British often use such expressions as perhaps, possibly, it could be, which can carry both positive and negative connotations.