In different cultures around the world, eye contact, handshakes, and greetings carry different meanings and social norms. In the U.S. and Canada, intermittent eye contact conveys interest, while in Middle Eastern cultures intense eye contact between genders indicates trust but is inappropriate between opposite genders. Handshakes also vary significantly across cultures in duration, hand placement, and appropriateness between genders. Greetings like bowing, kissing cheeks, or simple introductions are common depending on the specific culture. Touching and gestures that are acceptable in one culture may be offensive in others, so it is best to observe local customs.

2. Eye Contact:
 In the United States and
Canada, INTERMITTENT eye contact is
extremely important in conveying interest
and attention. In many Middle Eastern
cultures, INTENSE eye contact between the
same genders is often a symbol of trust and
sincerity however, between opposite
genders, especially in Muslim
cultures, anything more than BRIEF eye
contact is considered inappropriate.
Additionally, in Asian, African, and Latin
American cultures, extended eye contact is
considered a “challenge.” The Japanese
tend to consider even brief eye contact
uncomfortable. And, in some cultures, a
woman should look down when talking to a
man (thanks to thank Denise Gerdes, a
former Peace Corps volunteer from
Minnesota for that information).

3. Handshakes:
 In my handshake article Networking 101: You
Better Get A Grip and Read This, I talked
about the handshake in Western cultures.
Between cultures, however, there are
differences that could throw you off! For
example, in parts of Northern Europe a quick
firm “one-pump” handshake is the norm. In
parts of Southern Europe, Central and South
America, a handshake is longer and warmer
– meaning the left hand usually touches the
clasped hands, the elbow, or even the lapel
of the shakee.Beware that in Turkey, a firm
handshake is considered rude and
aggressive. In certain African countries, a
limp handshake is the standard. Men in
Islamic countries never shake the hands of
women outside the family.

4. Greetings:
 In America, we have the standard
greeting: “Hello, my name is..” with a
handshake. At a networking event,
chances are persons from a different
culture will probably assimilate into
everyone else’s style, however, there
are other greetings out there of
which you should be aware. In
Japan, people bow. In Italy, people
kiss cheeks. There is a very
interesting list over at Bruce Van
Patter’s website.

5. Touching:
 This is a big no-no. It may look okay, but
you could be fooled. For example, did you
know that in some sects of Judaism, the
only woman that a man will touch in his
lifetime is the woman he is married to? In
Japan, Scandinavia, and
England, touching is less frequent. In
Latino cultures, touching is
encouraged.This may not have a place in
this article, but still interesting: NEVER
touch a person’s head. This can be
religiously offensive. Really, when you are
out networking, just DON’T touch – except
to shake hands. If you are comfortable, let
the other person guide what is appropriate
to them.

6. Gestures:
 They mean different things
everywhere. Seriously, keep your
gestures to yourself. If you want to flip
off the business card warrior, it might
not have any effect at all if he/she is
from a different culture. In fact, in
some cultures, it’s used as a pointer.
The thumbs-up has all different
meanings too. At the peril of
destroying my reputation, I am not
even going to write about them. Also
be careful with the American “A-Ok”
sign and putting your hands on your
hips.