NAM SKAR

COLLAGE OF GREETINGS
EACH TO HIS OWN
THE FORMAL/NORMAL HUMAN WAY
 It’s fascinating to observe the
differences in how people greet each
other in different countries. What can
be a show of affection among friends
in one country, can signal an
amorous advance in another
In France, when people first see
each other they “faire la bise”,
which means “do the kiss”. The
most common way to faire la bise
is one kiss on each cheek

The custom at a formal business

meeting is shaking hands. ( would
you kiss your boss?)
When first meeting someone in
the US, most people will shake
hands. Some women don’t follow
this custom, but most younger
women do. Most people in the
business world shake hands when
meeting a business associate –
whether for the first time, or even
if they’ve met before. But if two
people work in the same office,
they may not shake hands every
day.
 BEWARE
• There is some “grey” area about customs in
general. They can be interpreted differently
depending on the region and also the
individual.

• One thing is sure, be mindful when greeting

an individual from another culture. That one
friendly kiss we’d give to friend in New York,
would signal something more romantic in Paris
FROM AROUND THE WORLD
• Hawaii…They always greet people
with a hug and kiss on the cheek…
same for leaving
• In the Dominican Republic women
greet friends with a kiss in the
cheeks (regardless of sex). Man
usually greet other men with a hand
shake and an upper body hug
• In Poland shake hands when it’s
business meeting and when meeting on
a personal note.

• Today in China just shake hands in

formal situations, and say ‘hi’ in
informal ones, but traditionally men
usually make a bow with hands folded
in front, and women bend the knees a
little with their hands leveled at one
side of their waists
• In Arab countries greetings differs from
Country to country. In Egypt : women the most
common thing is to kiss once on every cheek
and between men :they shake hands but may
kiss also

• According to Spanish etiquette, people also

kiss (one on each cheek) when meeting.

• In Filipino culture, you’re supposed to take the

hand of someone older than you and press it
to your forehead.
Ukrainians greet each other with an
embrace and
three kisses. Kiss the right cheek, then
the left cheek, and then the right cheek
again. This signifies the Holy Trinity -
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. You’ll
find that many Ukrainian customs are
done in threes for this particular reason.
Kissing on the cheeks is for both men and
women.
It is not uncommon to witness two men
embrace and kiss each other three times
- this is an acceptable form even for the
old timers.
 THE SHAKING HANDS NATIONS

• Portuguese : Kiss twice, beginning with the right cheek

(this between women!) Men often shake hands or hug if
friends. Men only kiss each other when they are father and
son

• Indonesia: Shake hands when it’s a formal situation even

otherwise.

• Argentina : Shake hands and say “hello”.

• Germany : Usually give a handshake or hold the right

hand with the other male person and with the other arm
they hug with a more or less hard pound on the back of the
other person. While introducing you also shake hands
regardless which sex it is.
 THE RECOMMENDED TEN THAT
WILL HOLD YOU IN GOOD STEAD
• 1. Stand up when you meet someone.
This allows you to engage the person on an equal
level -eye to eye.? By remaining seated, you send
a message that you don't think the other person
is important enough to warrant the effort it takes
to stand.? If you find yourself in a position where
you can't stand up (such as being trapped behind
a potted plant) offer an apology and an
explanation.? You might say something like,
"Please excuse me for not getting up.? I can't
seem to get around the foliage."
 2. Smile.
• Your facial expression says more than your words.?
Look as if you are pleased to meet the other person
regardless of what is on your mind. Put a smile on
your face for the person standing before you

3. Make eye contact.

• Looking at the people you meet says you are focused
and interested in them.? If you are staring off
somewhere else, you may appear to be looking for
someone more to your liking to come along.
• 4. Introduce yourself immediately.
• As soon as you approach people you don't know or are
approached by them, say who you are. Don't stand around as if
someone else is in charge of introductions.

• 5. Include a statement about who you are when necessary.

• It is not always enough to say, "Hello, I'm Mary Jones." Give more
information. "Hello, I'm Mary Jones.? I work for XYZ Corporation."

• 6. Learn how to make smooth introductions.

• In business you always introduce less important people to more
important people. The way to do this is to say the name of the
more important person first, followed by the words "I'd like to
introduce..." and then give the other person's name. Be sure to
add something about each person so they will know why they are
being introduced and will have some information with which to
start a conversation
• 8. Know who the more important person is.?
• The client or the business prospect is more important than your boss.? Just hope
your boss agrees.

• 9. Pay attention to names when you meet people.?

• It is all too common to be thinking about what you are going to say next and not
focus on the other person. If you concentrate and repeat the name as soon as
you hear it, you stand a better chance of remembering it later

• 10. Use first names of people whom you have just met only after they
give you permission.?
• Not everyone wants to be addressed informally on the initial encounter. It is
better to err on the side of formality than to offend the other person right off the
bat.
 TAIL PIECE
In India we too shake hands-both
ladies and gents or ……. Just a piece
of advice- let the
lady proffer her hand out first before
you make a grab for it.
You will always be right if stand up to
greet-especially while meeting
someone for the first time.
 DISCLAIMER
I, hereby declare that if I in any way
have got any country’s custom
wrong please do not hold me liable
for my ignorance. Please do not
curse me or any of my descendants
if you get slapped or hugged or
approached in a more amorous way-
if greeted some one the incorrect
way.
Just being a good CiteHrian.