Greeting

The usual form of greeting is a handshake. It should be the "right" handshake, i.e., it should match the expectations of the partner. In the U.S., a firm, approx. 3-second handshake in which the other person's hand can be shaken 2-3 times is the "right" way.

When shaking hands, it is common to lean slightly forward and smile while maintaining eye contact with the other person.

A woman as well as a man can initiate a handshake.

You shouldn't squeeze the other person's hand hard and painfully, especially if the person in front of you is a woman.

The person sitting (be it a woman or a man) should rise and stand to greet the newcomers.

Hugging and kissing are not acceptable in a business environment, and that goes for both men and (especially) women.

Personal touching is considered impolite.

Introduction

Gender does not play a major role in business etiquette and does not affect the order in which parties are presented. The person in a lower position (position, rank, title) should be introduced to the person whose status is higher, not the other way around.

The customer and/or important customer of the company is the more important party in the presentation process. Even the most senior person in the company is presented to them.

When presenting, first go to the person you are presenting to, and then say the last name of the person you want to introduce.

When giving the name of the person you are introducing, also give their title or professional title/qualifications and say a few words about them (if it is appropriate and might be of interest to the other party).

Americans are pretty quick to suggest that you call them by their first name, while omitting the last name.

Exchange of Business Cards

 The business card should contain only the essential information about its owner. In addition to the title, the person's academic degrees and professional titles or qualifications are appropriate.

 Academic degrees appear on the business card after the last name.

 In the US it is not necessary to give your business card when you introduce yourself, but it can be later when the US partner feels there is a need to connect with you in the future.

 Americans have no specific ritual for sharing business cards.

 It is not a good idea to push your card into a potential partner, especially if you are talking to the head of the company. Wait until they ask for your card.

 When an American manager receives your business card, he can put it in his pocket with barely a glance. There is nothing offensive about this gesture to the other side.

Small Talk: Overview

In American society, small talk is an important element of communication in both business and secular contexts.

Americans feel uncomfortable when there are pauses in conversation that they seek to fill immediately.

Social conversation is considered an easy genre. There is a certain standard small talk format, in which people ask short questions to which they get equally short answers. Long statements are inappropriate in these situations.

In small talk, Americans avoid discussion or argument, and may change the topic of conversation or simply excuse themselves if someone starts a debate.

In general, Americans come across as very opinionated. They speak loudly and emotionally, use body language and body gestures extensively, and often smile and laugh.

Humor is seen as a way to melt the ice in communication in both formal and informal situations. It is thought that a good joke helps to make people feel at ease, and then it is easier to move on to discuss business.

Be sure to maintain light eye contact with your U.S. partner and avoid standing too close to them. Avoid physical touching, too, although there are people in this community who like to pat each other on the shoulder.

Preferred Topics

Americans are happy to support a conversation about a professional topic related to their work.

Sports, especially baseball, American soccer and basketball, are frequently discussed in American society.

Other safe topics are American television, movies, weather, and travel.

Taboo Topics

Religion and politics are taboo topics within small talk in American society.

Politically incorrect jokes and remarks are not acceptable at all.

It is not appropriate to suggest such tense and hot topics as hunger in various parts of the world and terrorism for discussion.

Do not ask your U.S. partner personal questions about age, marital status, health, salary, etc.

Do not ask your U.S. partner personal questions.

Personal Space

It should be borne in mind that in American society it is not customary to stand too close to one another. In social situations, social gatherings, events, and parties, standing at least two feet (60 centimeters) away from each other for comfort.

If this rule is broken, Americans may see it as an invasion of privacy.

With the exception of a handshake, avoid all physical contact with others as part of your business contacts. In most cases, this is considered unprofessional behavior and can even be construed as sexual harassment.

Communication Specifics

Во время прощания американцы могут пригласить вас прийти к ним в гости (Y’all come to see us). Привычным ответом в американской среде является взаимное приглашение в гости (We will; y’all come to see us, too). Обе эти фразы носят ритуальный характер, стороны понимают, что ни о каком реальном приглашении речь в данном случае не идет.

Важной характеристикой общения в американском обществе является его политическая корректность. Это значит, что в речи должны отсутствовать высказывания, прямо или косвенно оскорбляющие другого человека по признаку пола, расы, возраста, вероисповедования, сексуальной ориентации и др.