Remember that first impressions are important. Dress conservatively and be well groomed.
Use proper titles when you address people.
Show respect for businesspeople who are older than you. Open doors and allow
them to be seated first.
Enunciate clearly and speak at a moderate speed. Define terms.
Realize that some foreigners think Americans talk too much and are overly
expressive with their body language. Show restraint.
Learn about cultural taboos before bestowing gifts. For example, in Asian
countries timepieces have morbid connotations.
Be aware of superstitions. For example, the number "4" symbolizes bad luck
in much of Asia.
Expect business to be done "the American way." Avoid "getting right down to business" in cultures that prefer to develop personal relationships first.
Assume that someone speaking English will always understand you.
Make cultural comparisons or brag about your superior culture and its customs.
Misinterpret the nuances of nonverbal communication. For example, in some
cultures you should avoid steady eye contact and standing too close to other
people.
React negatively to a custom of another country.
Use first names unless invited to do so.
Use idioms (example: "once in a blue moon"), slang (example: "my presentation
really bombed"), acronyms (example: "ASAP" for "as soon as possible"),
abbreviations (example: "DBA" for "doing business as"), jargon (examples:
"input," "bottom line"), and sports references (examples: "play ball," "slam
dunk," "ballpark figure").
