1. Business Communication
Week eight

2. Question of the day First name, last name, group number
Is cultural awareness important for business people? Why or why not?

3. Cultural Awareness
How important are these things when doing business in your country? (1 – very important, 2- not important, or 3- best avoided)
Exchanging business cards
Shaking hands
Bowing
Kissing
Being formal or informal
Punctuality
Humour
Eye contact

4. Cultural Awareness Activity
Group 1
It is polite to:
- Talk loudly to show enthusiasm
- Get close to the people you are speaking to
- Talk quickly through your ideas and not have silences
- Smile
Group 2
It is polite to:
- Talk quietly to gain respect
- Be at least an arm’s distance away from the people you’re talking to
- Pause between ideas
- Look serious

5. Idioms What is an idiom? When are idioms used?
What are some idioms you know?

8. Business Culture Briefing
Meetings
How important is punctuality in your culture? Is it okay to be late?
Is a person’s status important in the meeting?
Is decision-making slow or fast in business?
Entertainment
Do business people prefer to entertain guests at home or in a restaurant
What are good/bad topics of conversation?
Appearance
How do mean and women dress in business?
Is casual dress permitted in business meetings?

9. Business Culture Briefing
Behavior
Do people like a lot of personal space?
Do they usually stand close or far away from another person when talking to colleagues?
Business Practice
Do you have to make appointments well in advance?
What are the usual business hours?
What is the usual time for a business lunch? How long does it last?