Isabella: Matthew, do you know much about body language in countries around the world?
Matthew: sure, I’ve picked up a few things from travelling around for work. Why?
I: well, I had a meeting today with a woman from Japan and she wouldn’t stop bowing! I didn’t know what to do!
M: did you bow back?
I: no, I tried to shake her hand, but her hand was so limp I was a bit offended.
M: well, Japanese businessmen and women typically bow to greet each other in Japan. She might have been offended by your strong handshake.
I: but she was in America! Shouldn’t she have known that strong handshakes in America signify confidence and respect?
M: things are different in Japan. You know, in some countries, making eye contact with others is considered rude.
I: is that why she wouldn’t look at me in the meeting?
M: I think it’s highly possible, yes.
I: the meeting really didn’t go down well at all. I think I need to read up about intercultural communication before I have another meeting with someone from another country.
M: that’s a good idea. When you don’t know much about other cultures, the simplest thing can offend someone.
I: that’s so true. It’s great that we see eye to eye on this.