Embarrassing Experiences

Embarrassing Experiences

Interviewer: Rob, you went to Brazil, didn't you?

Rob: Yes, I did.

Interviewer: So, what happened?

Rob: Well, I went into this meeting and there were about, er ...seven or eight people in there and I just said \"Hello\" to everybody and sat down. Apparently, what I should have done is to go round the room shaking hands with everyone individually. Well, you know, it's silly of me because I found out later it upset everyone. I think they felt I was taking them for granted.

Kate: Well, I know that because when I was in France the first time, I finished a meeting with \"Goodbye, everyone!\" to all the people in the room. Well, I later found out that the polite thing to do is shake hands with everyone in the group before leaving.

Interviewer: Well, people shake hands in different ways, don't they?

Rob: Oh, yes, they do. See, normally I shake hands quite gently when I meet someone. So when I went to the US for the first time, I think people there thought my weak handshake was a sign of weakness. Apparently, people there tend to shake hands quite firmly.

Kate: Oh, gosh, that reminds me of my first trip to Germany many years ago. I was in troduced to the boss in the company when he passed us in the corridor. Well, I wasn't prepared, and I had my left hand in my pocket. And when we shook hands I realized my left hand was still in my pocket. Well, that was, you know, very bad manners and I was quite embarrassed.

Interviewer: And how about using first names?Have you made any mistakes there?

Rob: Oh, yes, I have! When I first went to Italy I thought it was OK to use everyone's first name so as to seem friendly. And I later discovered that in business you shouldn't use someone's first name unless you are invited to. Oh, and you should always use their titles as well.

Kate: Hm, yeah, well, when I met people in Russia, you know, they seemed to be puzzled when I shook hands with them and said \"How do you do?\" Well, what they do when they greet a stranger is say their own names, so I had that all wrong!

Rob: Oh, yes, I agree with that. Remembering names is very important.

Interviewer: Shall we take a break? When we come back we'll move on to our next topic.

Kate & Rob: OK.