If you have traveled a lot before, you might know that there are huge differences in communication between people from one country to another. In some cultures, people are loud, direct and even stop others speaking during a conversation. In others, people are usually soft-spoken, use flowery or indirect language and wait patiently for others to finish their talk.
During a business meeting, these differences are likely to come out. Try to get used to the way your business partners communicate, e. g. When calling and greeting your business partners and your boss, always use their last names and titles unless you are invited to do otherwise.
Hierarchies（等级制度）may have a great influence on the communication style in your new environment, so it is important to keep an eye on this. In some cultures, the elder business partner may be the one who is making the decisions at a meeting. Failing to know their identities within the company or to greet them with respect can leave a bad impression.
Generally speaking, well-dressed and arriving at a business meeting well-prepared are two very useful parts for your success in international business. Whether you are in France or in China, your business partners will appreciate your efforts to make a good impression.
Cultural differences also become obvious in different understanding of time. A popular example: Everyone would agree that Germans are well-known for their being on time. In many African and South American countries, however, agreed time is often treated like a general guideline rather than something one has to be strictly observed. Therefore, it is necessary to ask yourself; Is the time for a meeting unchangeable, or does it allow for some flexibility（灵活性）?Will you ruin a business deal by arriving late, or is it perfectly acceptable to let family matters over business meetings? Seeing how some cultures care about time more than others, it is always best to be on time at first.
【小题1】What kind of difference is mentioned in paragraph l as an example?| A．Ways of talking. | B．Language. | C．Travel. | D．Decoration. |
| A．Speak loudly and listen carefully. | B．Call the businessmen's last names. |
| C．Show respect for the elder partner. | D．Pay attention to the first impression. |
| A．Gentle whispering. | B．The most popular dressing up. |
| C．Casual communication skills. | D．Necessary preparations for meetings. |
| A．Germans don't take fixed time seriously. |
| B．Most Africans are always on time in general. |
| C．It is wise to be on time wherever at the beginning. |
| D．Being late cannot be accepted in South American countries. |
