United States

Greetings

Man greeting Man - Men shake hands when greeting one another and maintain direct eye contact. A relatively firm handshake is the way to go. Light hugs are common between good friends and family.

Woman greeting Woman- At a first meeting, a light handshake will suffice. Light hugs are common between good friends and family.

Man greeting Woman- At a first meeting a regular handshake will do. Light hugs are common between good friends and family.

Note: When Americans say "Hi, how are you?", they are only expecting a "Fine," or a "Fine, thank you" or a "Good" in response. It is not usually an invitation to a lengthy conversation.

Communication Style

• Americans tend to speak in a direct informal manner. They are usually polite and friendly.
• Conversation topics to avoid include politics, religion, homosexuality, racism, abortion, and criticism of the government. It's best to have a strong relationship in place before speaking about sensitive topics.
• Americans do not usually divulge how much money they make or how much they paid for certain things like a houses, car, etc.). It tends to be considered rude to ask and is even more uncomfortable to discuss.
• Americans tend to offer more generous compliments than Europeans. Use of the words "great" and "awesome" sound exaggerated in foreign languages, but are entirely natural in the US.

Personal Space & Touch

• Americans value their personal space and tend to be comfortable with 2-3 feet of personal space during conversations.
• For most Americans there is little to no touching during conversations. This may be different between good friends and family.
• Hugging is reserved for close family members and friends.

Eye Contact

• Americans value direct eye contact during conversations. It is viewed as a sign of respect and interest in what the person speaking is saying.
• Staring is considered rude and to be avoided. Especially in the larger cities.

Gestures

• The OK sign and "thumbs up" sign mean good or acceptable and are commonly used throughout the country.
• Whistling at performance events is a sign of appreciation.
• Waving can indicate both greeting and saying goodbye and is usually done by moving the entire hand from left to right with the palm facing outward.
• Raising the middle finger is seen as highly offensive. Avoid using it, even when pointing to objects or scratching your face.

Views of Time

• Americans value punctuality and expect things to be on time. This includes appointments, services, and deliveries.
• It is best to show up exactly on time for appointments and social functions.
• Time is money. This tends to be followed more in urban vs. rural environments.

Gender Roles

• Americans value equality and work opportunities for women are varied and available yet earnings may still be lower.
• Many American families are dual income with both the man and woman working.

Taboos

• Race is a sensitive subject throughout the country. To avoid offending anyone refer to Americans of different ethnicities as such: African American, Italian American, Asian American, etc.
• Spitting is usually unacceptable in public settings. If you have to spit, it's best to use a tissue and then throw it away.

Law & Order

• The drinking age is 21 and heavily enforced.
• The smoking age is 18 in most states, 19 in others. It is readily enforced. Most public spaces are designated non-smoking.
• Drug laws are strict throughout the country with penalties ranging from heavy fines to length prison sentences.

Dress

• Appropriate business attire usually depends on region and industry. Dress in the major cities is more formal than in rural areas. People in upper management tend to dress formally at all times.
• For Men: For a first meeting, a a relatively conservative business suit is a good idea. Blue, gray, or black with a white or blue shirt and matching tie. Many companies allow business casual dress, which is usually nice pants and a collared shirt with or without a jacket.
• For Women: Dresses, pantsuits, or business suits are a good idea for a first meeting. Limited accessories are fine and it is best to avoid overly revealing clothing.
• Jeans and more casual attire are common in some industries.

Titles & Business Cards

• Most Americans will want to interact on a first name basis as quickly as possible. It's best to begin addressing people using, Mr. Mrs,. or Miss, and wait for them to invite you to call them by their first name.
• There is no specific protocol surrounding the giving and receiving of business cards.
• Many Americans may fold or write on a card they are given. This should not be taken as a sign of disrespect.

Meetings

• Punctuality is highly valued so it is best to arrive on time for meetings or even a few minutes early.
• There is usually very little time for small talk as Americans like to get down to business quickly.
• Meeting agendas are common and usually followed quite carefully.
• Meetings do not tend to last that long as the focus is on accomplishing the task at hand and moving on to the next one.

Negotiations

• Final decisions are usually made from the top down although group consensus is valued.
• Hard selling tactics are used from time to time.
• For most Americans, the business deal or contract is more important than the personal relationship.

Gift Giving

• It is not common to bring gifts to an initial business meeting, although they will be welcome. Avoid anything to expensive as it may be be seen as a potential bribe.
• If you are invited to an American home, good gifts to bring include, a bottle of wine, flowers, or chocolates.
• Gifts are usually opened when received.

In the Classroom

• Most university/college calendars begin in late August or earl September and run to mid-May or early June. There is usually a lengthy winter break (3/5 weeks) between December and January.
• Dress at most school is quite casual. Jeans, t-shirts, flip flops, are very common.
• Plagiarizing is a serious offense and can result in expulsion from the institution.
• Lecture is a common form of teaching, especially with the large classes. Many professors use group work and experiential learning activities as well.
• Although subject to the instructor in most classroom setting asking questions is not only allowed, but expected and is often times a main mode of instruction. At the University level most professors encourage and sometimes fuel debate.
• In some American classes, it is considered rude to blow your nose while the teacher or instructor is talking.
• In spite of the mass amounts of gum you find stuck to the bottom of desks, it is never an appropriate place to discard your chewed gum.
• Grading is A-F, F- being the lowest grade and A+ being the highest. Behavior or participation in class can also be graded as "outstanding", "satisfactory" or "unsatisfactory."

Other Observations

• Restaurant and bar menus usually indicate prices without sales taxes and tips. Waiter salaries are extremely small so they depend on tips, typically 15-20%. Tipping is also common in the service and hospitality industry, from valet to housekeepers at your hotel. $5 tips for valet and $5 a day or more for the housekeeper at your hotel at the end of your stay is common.