UK - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette

British Etiquette and Customs

• The handshake is the common form of greeting.
• The British might seem a little stiff and formal at first.
• Avoid prolonged eye contact as it makes people feel uncomfortable.
• There is still some protocol to follow when introducing people in a business or more formal social situation. This is often a class distinction, with the 'upper class' holding on to the long-standing traditions:
• Introduce a younger person to an older person.
• Introduce a person of lower status to a person of higher status.
• When two people are of similar age and rank, introduce the one you know better to the other person.

• The British exchange gifts between family members and close friends for birthdays and Christmas.
• The gift need not be expensive, but it should usually demonstrate an attempt to find something that related to the recipient’s interests.
• If invited to someone's home, it is normal to take along a box of good chocolates, a good bottle of wine or flowers.
• Gifts are opened when received.

• Unlike many European cultures, the British enjoy entertaining in people their homes.
• Although the British value punctuality, you may arrive 10-15 minutes later than invited to dinner. However, if going to a restaurant be on time.
• Table manners are Continental, i.e. the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
• The fork is held tines down so food is scooped on to the back of the fork. This is a skill that takes time to master.
• Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat.
• Do not rest your elbows on the table.
• If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife.
• Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel across the right side of your plate.
• Toasts are given at formal meals.
• When in a pub, it is common practice to pay for a round of drinks for everyone in your group.
• If invited to a meal at a restaurant, the person extending the invitation usually pays. Do not argue about the check; simply reciprocate at a later time.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

• A firm handshake is the norm; there are no issues over gender in the UK.
• People shake upon meeting and leaving.
• Maintain eye contact during the greeting but avoid anything prolonged.
• Most people use the courtesy titles or Mr, Mrs or Miss and their surname.
• Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis. People under the age of 35 may make this move more rapidly than older British.
• Business cards are exchanged at the initial introduction without formal ritual.
• The business card may be put away with only a cursory glance so don’t be offended if not much attention is paid to it.

• If everyone is at the same level, there is generally a free flow of ideas and opinions.
• If there is a senior ranking person in the room, that person will do most of the speaking.

• Meetings always have a clearly defined purpose, which may include an agenda.
• There will be a brief amount of small talk before getting down to the business at hand.
• If you make a presentation, avoid making exaggerated claims.
• Make certain your presentation and any materials provided appear professional and well thought out.
• Be prepared to back up your claims with facts and figures. The British rely on facts, rather than emotions, to make decisions.
• Maintain eye contact and a few feet of personal space.
• After a meeting, send a letter summarizing what was decided and the next steps to be taken.

• 2010 Январь