Business Etiquette In Europe

Europe ranges from the cold northern countries of Norway and Sweden to the warm
Mediterranian countries of Italy and Greece. Some customs and mores such as the way to
shake hands, ________(1)names and titles, _________(2) a conversation, ________(3) a
gestures and like vary as much as the typography, while others are shared across all of
Europe.
However, as the standard business greeting gestures ________(4) Europe handshake is
usually exchanged before and ______(5) every meeting, no matter how many meetings you
_______(5) had. An exception is in Great Britain, where, as in the United States, an initial
handshake is often the only one you will receve.
European Handshakes are more ________(6) and less casual than those in the United States.
A quick grasp and release is the norm. In most European countries, handshakes
are_________(7). An exception is France, _______(8) a lighter grasp is customary. Finally, it
is customary to let women and those in a ______ (9) rank to extend their hands first in
Europe.
In addition, it is unusual for _______ (10) in Europe touse first names immediately. Wait until
he asks you to call him by his first name or uses a familiar ________(11) of address with you.
Titles, especially academic titles, are always used in Europe. In the United States, it
is_______(11) for a Professor to be called Doctor or Professor outside the classroom. But in
european countries, professors, _______ (12) with lawyers, medical doctors, and others are
introduced with their title(s).
In many European countries, asking people what they do or asking ______(13) a personal
question as an opening in a conversation is a _______ (14) mistake. Europeans are, for the
most part, more formal and reserved about such matters than Americans are.
It s important to watch______(15) for these gesture-related mistakes. The American gesture
for OK using a circle formed by forefinger and thumb is offensive in Germany. Showing
______ (16) palm to someone is offensive in Greece. _______(17) your hands in your
pockets is rude. Back-slapping is out of place in northern Europe, and at last, having your
hands below the table while dining in France, ______ (18), and Austria is rude.
At last, we can see that each place has its _______(19) customs and mores. Then realizes that
it is ________(20) important to know customs and mores of their countries in order to avoid
misunderstanding in culture and _______(21) a good overseas business reationship since a
good understanding _______(22) ones cultures might smoothen the business flow and
objective.

Vocabulary words list:

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