1.1.4. Read the text ‘Introductions: a Business Necessity’ again more slowly. Then decide whether the following statements are true (t) or false (f). If the statement is false give the right variant.

• You should always show deference to clients, senior executives, distinguished and high-ranking guests by stating their names first.

• If the two people are approximately the same age, rank and prominence, the man's name should be mentioned first

• If someone has forgotten to introduce you, you shouldn’t introduce yourself.

• You should call a person by his or her first name only after he or she has given you permission to do so.

• If someone forgets your name, be quick to supply it in order to lessen their embarrassment.

• When possible, always avoid any information to go with a name.

• You should command people in the introduction.

• Standing when being introduced shows consideration and respect.

• The handshake has become the usual greeting for both men and women.

• To help you remember someone's name, write it on your name tag.

• The name tag should be placed on the upper right portion of your garment.

1.1.5. Read the text below and answer the questions on the text. Business Etiquette: Greetings

Standard business etiquette establishes generally agreed-upon principles for greetings.

Business etiquette for greetings dictates that people stand up when being introduced. If there is some reason that you can’t stand up to greet a business associate, apologize and explain why. Smile, make eye contact and introduce yourself. Don’t assume that someone else will take charge of the introductions. Most business greetings include a simple, firm handshake. Pay attention to names, and always introduce the “less important” person to the “more important person.” Business etiquette dictates that clients should be considered the “more important person,” even more so than the boss. Avoid using people’s first names unless you’re invited to do so.

It’s still appropriate to research the cultural expectations for business when working with clients from other countries. For example, French business greetings are formal, and you are expected to remain standing until told where to sit. In Japan, bowing is considered an appropriate greeting form, although foreigners may be permitted to substitute a nod of the head.

Hugs and kisses are not considered proper business etiquette for greetings. (http://smallbusiness.chron.com/business-etiquette-greetings-2897.html)

Questions:

1. What does business etiquette for greetings dictate?

2. Do most business greetings include a simple, firm handshake?

3. Should we always introduce the “less important” person to the “more important person or it does not matter?

4. Is it still appropriate to research the cultural expectations for business when working with clients from other countries?

5. Can you explain why hugs and kisses are not considered proper business etiquette for greetings?

1.1.6. Summarize the text ‘Business Etiquette: Greetings’ and present your summary to the class.

ACQUIRING BUSINESS COMMUNICATION SKILLS

INTRODUCTIONS

LANGUAGE FOCUS: INTRODUCTION

The usual response to an introduction is How do you do?, which is in fact a sort of greeting. And in reply the other person says: How do you do? In most English-speaking countries, when introductions are made in a formal or professional setting, titles are generally used. It is not polite to use any of the titles alone without the surname. So you say: Mr. Smith or Mrs. Jones. The title ‘Dr.’ (Doctor) is used in academic or medical settings as title for those who received this highest degree from a university (Ph.D.=Doctor of Philosophy or M.D.= Doctor of Medicine, respectively).