Smoking is not as commonplace and is subject to restrictions in most public places. Before smoking, the best policy is to ask if anyone minds, or wait to see if others smoke. Restaurants often have a section where smoking is permitted; many hotels designate rooms as smoking and non-smoking.
A handshake is the customary greeting for both men and women, although you should wait to see if the woman offers her hand.
Apart from greeting close family members or friends, Americans tend to refrain from greetings that involve hugging and other close physical contact. For the most part, they are unreceptive to being touched during conversation and other social situations.
The standard space between you and your conversation partner should be about two feet. Most U.S. executives will be uncomfortable standing at a closer distance.
Direct eye contact conveys that you are sincere, although it should not be too intense. Certain ethnic groups will look away to show respect.
Friends or acquaintances of the same sex generally do not hold hands.
To point, you may use the index finger, although it's impolite to point at another person.
To beckon someone, wave either all the fingers or just the index finger in a scooping motion, with the palm facing up.
To show approval, there are two common gestures: the "O.K." sign, formed by making a circle of the thumb and index finger, and the "thumbs up" sign, formed by making a fist and pointing the thumb upward.
What You Should Know About a Contract
² Why Do I Need A Contract? 为什么需要合同?
You don’t have to be a lawyer to reap the benefits of writing your own contracts. A little common sense goes a long way and a good contract does more that just cover your rear should you end up in court. Written correctly, a contract can demonstrate business professionalism, weed out insincere clients, organize your duties, speed up your pay, help you get insurance, avoid disputes, make mutual obligations clear and keep you out of court.
² What is a Contract? 什么是合同?
A contract is a legally binding agreement. Contracts are either formal (written) or simple (verbal). It may be a bilateral contract, performed by both parties, or unilateral, a promise in exchange for an act or performance of a task or deed. Contracts may be voided, that is, the parties may agree to nullify the contract or it may be voided by a court of law. These are some of the characteristics of a contract.
² Elements of a Good Contract 合同的要素
责任编辑：sealion1986
