Page 155 - Perfect Phrases ESL Everyday Business

The American Business Culture in a Nutshell

Silence
Americans are not comfortable with silence. A very long pause may
make an American uncomfortable. Conversations should have a con-
stant flow, from one person to the next. When people speak to you,
they expect you to respond or react in some way. Reacting lets them
know that you are listening. As people speak, let them know you
understand with words such as okay, yes, I see, all right, go on, good,
or sure. If you do not understand, respond by saying, “I don’t under-
stand” or ask for clarification. “Please [repeat that, say that again, say
that in another way, tell me if this is correct].”

Business Cards

Giving out your business cards helps people remember who you are
and what you do. In the United States, we do not give out our busi-
ness cards right when we walk into a meeting. We give our business
cards while we are talking to people about what we do, when people
ask for cards, when other people give us their cards, or at the end of a
meeting when we are saying good-bye.

Appearance
“Clothes make the man” is an American expression. This means that
people judge you by how you dress. Dress appropriately for the busi-
ness in which you work. Standard business dress for men is a suit and
tie. In more casual businesses, neat casual clothes are fine. Women
wear suits, dresses, or slacks. While slacks have become acceptable
for women, some corporate cultures do not accept them. Business
advisors say to dress for the job you want rather than the one you
have. A neat, clean appearance shows that you care about yourself
and your job. Styles change and different companies have differ-
ent dress codes. The American business climate is always changing.
Bright colors are now standard business dress. Many companies have

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