Nonverbal Communication in France

However, there can be ignorance when trying to interpret this gesture between cultures. Shaking Hands is used is used frequently in the business world when meeting someone for the first time. The French also shake hands when leavin a room of people. If you leave the room without shaking hands, it is disrespectful. Americans typically use a firm handshake whereas the French handshake is quick and light with no pumping motions. Counting on the hand in America usually starts with the index finger. In France, the thumb is the first counter, the index is the second counter, and the middle finger is the third counter etc. If an American would hold up thier index and middle fingers (two), they would recieve three of whatever was ordered. The thumb is counted even if it is not help up. The "Okay" sign in America is made with the thumb and the index finger. In France, this means "zero." Eye Contact is used in everyday conversation amongst Americans, even if we are talking to a stranger. In France, eye contact is only used amongst close friends and family. If you keep eye contact with a stranger it is considered too personal and can be interpreted as a requst for a relationship.

Important knowledge about France:

1)France also has a number of social advances such as an excellent social security system, minimum wages, guaranteed retirement, seven weeks vacation per year as well as a 35-hour work week 2) France spend a good part of their vacation abroad

The normal greeting among strangers and acquaintances is a brief handshake between men and women with obvious eye contact. Miss Pueze stated, If you dont look a person in the eye when shaking their hand, it signifies that you look down upon that person, even when you dont. This is an example where social interaction depends on the amount of respect you demonstrate nonverbally. Once you get that far, you realize social interaction is more important that punctuality. The French let you slide if you are late to an interview/job two or three times; if it continues then you have a problem. You are still able to obtain a job if you are late to an interview, without any degrading remarks about your time management. Miss Pueze was offered a job after she arrived to a job interview 35 minutes late. Her employer did not mind as long as he got the chance to talk to her, emphasizing the importance of social interaction. Miss Pueze does run her schedule according to the clock, but time is flexible, and inferring from her experience, the French run on P Time rather than M Time (inflexible), like the United States. Most women in France do kiss each other on the cheeks, but only if they personally know you. A common mistake among the United States is that we generally believe the women actually kiss the cheeks. Its not kissing the cheeks, but touching the cheeks. Kissing the cheeks is more a romantic. We sort of kiss the air. The distance when women greet each other in this manner is at a close distance, with men and women. They personally dont mind as long as they know you. Men on the other hand, when friends greet their friends, have little contact with each other. They do stand about 18 inches-four feet (personal distance) but greet each other with the motion of the head, a verbal greeting, a wave, or a simple fist pound. Men in France demonstrate their manliness by acting in this manner. Acting in another way represents homosexuality. Miss Pueze even asked me if two guys were homosexual based on her observation between two guys hugging each other and stating that they loved each other.

Have you ever realized how we wave our hands in odd directions when we are explaining something? How we scrunch up our faces when we taste something of a different palette?

What about how our mothers place their hands on each side of their waist whenever they instruct us to do something? Little do we realize, but all of us practice all these little habit which plays a really important role in daily conversations. Be it informal or formal. It is more effective than a speech, just like how the saying goes, "Action Speaks Louder Than Words."

All these absent-minded movements and gestures are wordless communication, and in fancy terms it would be Non-Verbal Communication.

So, what is the significance of non-verbal communication in France? ]

TYPES :

of non-verbal communication.

There are various types of non-verbal communication that are commonly practiced in France. The following cues the many different types of non-verbal communication that both you & I engage in absent-mindedly.

BODY GESTURES :

Kissing :

In France, it is widely practiced for one to greet another with a kiss on the cheek. The French trade our regular hello and goodbyes handshakes to kisses on both cheeks. It is a norm to start off with the right cheek, and often there isn't a lip-to-cheek contact.

Hand Movements :

In France, there are several hand movements that are oftenly used. Let the pictures do the talking. The commonly used "OK" sign in America means the number ZERO in France.

For counting purposes, the thumb is the first counter and the index finger is two, followed by the middle finger which is three et cetera.

By holding up a fist and holding up in front of the nose indicates that someone is drunk.

Using your index finger to pull the skin under your eye signifies, "I don't believe you."

And this, means "Okay."

PERSONAL APPEARANCE :

In France, it is very important to sit up & stand up straight.

Non verbal communication in Italy

Physical Gestures and Behaviour
Good manners, courtesy and being considerate are keys to success in Italy. Whether your business partner is a woman or a man, shaking hands upon arrival and departure is the common way to greet each other. As the level of a relationship grows, this gesture may be accompanied by grasping the arm with the other hand or by a short embrace. Compared to other countries, personal space is generally narrower Italians are used to being in close contact with people. Keeping ones distance or moving away may be perceived as unfriendly.

Non-verbal communication is rather important in Italy. Italians are masters of communicating with gestures, an important yet cryptic code to many foreigners who might comprehend this language after years of patient observation and explanations from natives, but will never fully master it. Therefore, refrain from trying to mimic it. The gestures are accompanied by specific body movements and facial expressions and are rarely learned correctly by foreigners. While Italians will readily make fun of themselves and are self-critical, they get annoyed when foreigners make fun of their gestures and it can be highly counterproductive. Keep in mind that emotions play an important role in Italy. Successful business negotiations are often the result of an established business relationship based on trust.

Appearance
In the country of anche locchio vuole la sua parte (also the eyes want to be pleased), appearance often counts more than anything else due to its visual symbolism. Good clothes are a signature of social standing and success, almost at the same level of competence as a business person. In fact, the primary effect as psychologists refer to it is a widely known phenomenon that plays a big role in peoples subconscious in evaluating a person just met. Its power should not be underestimated in a country where having a good image is a cornerstone of the society, and where first impressions are the long-lasting ones. Therefore, be stylish.

The 10 Commandments on How to Dress

In business meetings, dress is rather formal for both men and women, whereas an invitation stating formal dress means black tie for men and evening gowns for women. Social gatherings are more informal meaning casual chic. Informal stands for tastefully coordinated clothes, including a jacket and a tie for men. Even though it is difficult to out style Italians, here some tips to make your best outfit choice: 1. Men should wear high quality, well-cut suits. In winter, it is preferable to choose dark-coloured light-weight wools. In summer, linen-silk suits in light colours such as cream or beige are wellaccepted provided that they are accessorized with leather shoes and brown belt. 2. Shirts may be coloured or pinstriped, but never combine a pinstriped suit with a pinstriped shirt. 3. A sophisticated regimental or plain-coloured tie should be paired to the shirt. A plain-coloured tie is preferable if wearing a pinstriped shirt.

4. Accessorize your outfit with cufflinks, tie clips and stylish watches (better if expensive). 5. Qualitative accessories, such as shoes and leather goods, are fundamental to impressing Italians. Italy is the leader in the craftsmanship of design accessories something to do with its boot shape, perhaps? Therefore, make sure that you wear the best pair of shoes that go well with your outfit. 6. Women should dress with elegant and sophisticated simplicity and with trendy accessories. 7. It is normal for businesswomen to wear jewellery and make-up to add flair to the look. 8. Women usually do not wear stockings under skirts in summer, but then legs should be suntanned. Otherwise it is better to opt for trousers. 9. Perfumes and colognes are frequently used by both men and women. 10. Jeans and sneakers are usually not accepted in a business context. Casual chic outfits a rather sophisticated leisure wear is more common in fashion and IT environments or for social gatherings.

Lets Talk Business: Meeting Etiquette

Networking can be a full-time job in Italy. Italians prefer familiarity and face-to-face negotiations. It is wise to be introduced to a business partner by a third party a good reference, of sorts. Its also smart to share personal experiences with your associate and to devote time to develop a relationship with him. People of the Bel Paese prefer to make business with the higher ranks in a company hierarchy and show great respect for seniors. Therefore, a prudent selection of the negotiating team matters. As a foreigner, punctuality at meetings is expected even though Italian executives might not show on time. Arriving on time is considered a sign of respect. For the same reason, the use of a personal or professional title is highly recommended both in verbal and written communication.

The Italian business protocol suggests to address all university graduates with the title of Dottore (male Dr) or Dottoressa (female Dr), unless invited to use first names. When in doubt it is always good to use those titles, and check what is indicated on the business cards that are exchanged at business meetings, not at social gatherings. As a basic form of politeness it is common to address a person with Signore (Mr) or Signora (Mrs) in other daily-life contexts. Making a business decision can take months let Italians set the pace. Since to exert pressure is a sign of weakness, no sense of urgency should show through in a meeting. It is better to start with small talk to create a good atmosphere. A business partner may evaluate you on the basis of the impression you make and verbal agreements or commitments have the same strength as written ones. Italians might be able to communicate in English, but many do not have businesslevel English, so hire an interpreter if needed, keep presentations simple, and provide printed copies of a summary in Italian dont forget that the business material should also aesthetically please your Italian associates. Last minute changes or digressions on the agenda represent a usual pattern. A meeting is rarely supposed to end up in a final decision they are rather a flow of ideas, a way to collect more information to study and analyse later. During the meeting, Italians might inject unexpected questions to unsettle the counterpart, but this strategy doesnt imply that the negotiations will not go ahead. Keep in mind that, even though they are receptive to constructive criticism, Italians do not like too-direct or coercive manners; the right dose of diplomacy can be the key to success. Several people speaking at once, speaking loudly and interrupting is a normal way of interacting in professional and social contexts and not a sign of rudeness. Haggling over prices and delivery dates is also common practice in business, so be ready for tough negotiations. It is worthwhile saying a few words on business meals etiquette. The host usually takes care of the bill when he invites you out for a business lunch or dinner. You may offer to pay and eventually insist on it only if you did the inviting. Payment arrangements should be agreed upon before, especially if you are female a male guest might refuse to let you pay