Acceptable public conduct
适宜的公众社交礼仪与举止
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.
The backslap should be interpreted as a sign of friendship, camaraderie.
When sitting, U.S. citizens often look very relaxed. They may sometimes sit with the ankle of one leg on their knee or prop their feet up on chairs or desks. In formal business situations, however, you＇re advised to maintain good posture and a less casual pose.
When giving an item to another person, it＇s sometimes acceptable to toss it or hand it over with only one hand.
Part III Let’s Talk Business
Welcome Topics of Conversations
General Guidelines
Be aware that most Americans speak only English.
Americans often ask, "What do you do?" (that is, "Tell me about your job and employer") to start a conversation. This kind of question is not considered banal or presumptuous.
Compliments are exchanged frequently and are popular "conversation starters." If you wish to make conversation with someone, you can compliment an item such as his or her clothing or a work or sports related achievement.
Generally, Americans like to laugh and enjoy being with people who have a sense of humor. Jokes are usually welcome, but be careful. For example, in many situations, ethnic and religious humors are best avoided. Self-deprecating humor, however, usually goes over well.
Sports are very popular in the U.S., especially baseball, football (not to be confused with soccer), and basketball. Soccer (known as football in most other countries) has caught on in only a few parts of the country.
Golf is another popular sport, especially among businesspeople. Moreover, the golf course is often a venue for business discussions and deals.
Topics to Avoid
Until you know a person well, avoid discussing religion, politics or other controversial subjects (i.e., abortion, racism, sexism).
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