HOW TO GREET PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD: TIPS FOR A WORLD MEETING PLANNER

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Has this situation ever happened to you? You’re introduced to someone from a different culture. You extend your hand and shake their hand firmly. However you get the strong feeling that they’re not very comfortable with this type of greeting. Well then this blog post may help you the next time you find yourself in a similar situation.

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In North America we assume that our way of greeting and communicating is the norm around the world. Well that’s just not the case. Many meeting and event planners are required to travel frequently. And many event planning jobs involve travel outside of North America. After all, Europe, Asia, Australia and other parts of the world are very attractive for meetings and conferences. Knowing how to greet someone can make or break business deals.

Tips on How to Greet People around the World

Russia

shake hands
women kiss three times, beginning with the left cheek

France

shake hands with a greeting – Bonjour (good day) or Bonsoir (good evening) are common greetings

Austria

shake hands
it’s only acceptable to kiss females if you are Austrian

Egypt

shake hands (for a longer period than what is considered normal in the West)
make eye contact
smile
it is acceptable to kiss on the cheek if you meet someone of the same sex that you are familiar with

Kenya

shake hands
ask cordial questions (i.e. how’s your wife, husband, etc.)
close females may kiss and hug

India

fold hands and bow head

China

shake hands (light handshaking for women)
otherwise no physical contact

Japan

Bow with hands at your sides
if you meet someone that has a higher social status than you, you should bow forward more

As the saying goes: you only get one chance to make a first impression. If you’re a meeting or event planner that does a lot of traveling, knowing how to greet people can go a long way towards successful relationships.