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Read the text and choose the best word for each space.

It is often considered impolite and sometimes very rude not to respect cultural and religious customs when doing business in the Middle East. Here is some advice on what to do and what not to do in Muslim countries.

One important point to remember is to dress despite the heat. A suit, shirt and tie are acceptable for men, and women should remember not to wear short skirts or low-cut, tight-fitting blouses and tops. As a sign of respect, it is better to as much of the body as possible. The arms with long-sleeved blouses, and the legs with trousers or long skirts.

Meetings could start a little late in this of the world. This is often acceptable and should not be commented on. Meetings tend to start with a lot of preliminary before moving onto the serious topics, so it is essential for visitors not to things. Business meetings often appear casual and informal, often in cafés or restaurants. But be careful! When talk turns to business things can move very quickly, and deals are made in much time than in Western Europe.

The Arabic handshake involves touching the heart with the of the right hand after each shake, although visitors should note that when Arab women they should not offer their hand unless the woman gives her hand first. It shows politeness to to a man as ‘Sayed’ (Mr) and to a woman as ‘Sayeda’ (Mrs), followed by the first name. It is also very important for visitors never to sit in such a way that their feet are pointing directly at someone .

It is considered extremely offensive if you cause a client or a colleague to lose , so if you want to correct or criticise someone, wait until you are with them later.

Friday is considered a day of prayer and rest, so meetings should not be for this day. Phone calls to Arab people should also be avoided on Fridays. Similarly, local people will not answer the telephone siestas, which are usually taken between 2 pm and 5 pm.

Business hours are Saturday to Wednesday 8 am –1 pm and 4 pm –7 pm. Businesses which are by Western staff might open Sunday to Thursday 8 am – 5 pm.

Business socialising in Dubai can be quite formal. Lunch meetings are more common than evening meetings and sometimes business meals will be in places that do not serve alcohol. So, if you ask for it you may embarrass or even insult your host.

Political tension is often high in the Middle East and visitors are strongly advised not to politics. If you are asked for your opinion, be careful. It is probably a good idea to stay neutral.

Listen Listen to check

Answers

Read the following text about business etiquette in Miami (Florida).

Miami’s close proximity to Latin America makes it a fascinating place to do business. Throughout the past decade, a large number of companies from the Caribbean, Central and South America have set up offices here and, as a result, Greater Miami’s workforce has grown younger, more multilingual and more culturally diverse. However, for business purposes, it is still essentially America. Therefore, dress code is smart and business is managed the American way – quickly, efficiently and frankly. Business cards should always be presented. Outside the boardroom, Americans are often informal and will use first names. Business socialising, drinking and dining is popular in Miami.

Office hours are generally 0900-1700, although these can vary slightly from one organisation to the next. When public holidays occur on a weekday or weekend, they are usually celebrated on the nearest Friday or Monday, thereby creating a three-day weekend. Meetings often take place in social situations and, because of the fast-paced business life of Americans, breakfast meetings are common. Lunch meetings are also popular, sometimes with alcohol. Meetings may also take place over the weekend.

Now complete the following definitions with words from the text. Follow the example.

Example: Ten years is called a

1. To a business or an office is to open or start it.
2. The total number of people who work for a company is its .
3. If something is it has variety. This word is similar in Spanish.
4. If your clothes are , you look good and you are probably fashionable and chic.
5. To speak is to be honest and direct.
6. The is the place where the directors of a company hold meetings.
7. is eating dinner usually in a formal way.
8. To means to change or be a little different. The Spanish word for this is similar.
9. is a formal adverb, and in Spanish it means por eso/ello, de ese modo or por esa razón
10. The phrasal verb to means to happen or occur (ocurrir)
11. If something is it goes or moves very quickly.

Answers

Listen Listen and repeat the sentences.

Now complete the following sentences with words from the previous exercise (you can write two words in one space).

1. You look very in that suit David. Are you going somewhere special?
2. When our flat became too small to run our business efficiently, we an office quite near to where we live.
3. There are seventeen employees in our , and four are on part-time contracts.
4. Tomorrows presentation will start at 11am in the .
5. speaking, I don’t think we can afford another advertising campaign this year.
6. New York City has a very lifestyle.
7. I enjoy in good restaurants when I travel and trying local specialities.
8. The next meeting between our two companies will on July 5th.

Answers

Listen Listen and repeat the sentences.

Before you read a text on business socialising, match the following words to make some common expressions. Follow the examples.

to cement
    Answers
to be lost
 
to be difficult
 
to come across
 
to make
 
to think
 
*an acquaintance = amistad, conocido

Listen Listen and repeat the sentences.

 
to establish
    Answers
to take
 
to hang out*
 
to make
 
to get
 
to be
 
*pasar el rato

Listen Listen and repeat the sentences.
 

to be
    Answers
to stay
 
to exchange
 
to make
 
to shake
 

Listen Listen and repeat the sentences.

Predict what you would do in the following social situations. Choose a), b) or c)

 

1. You have been invited to a business party where there will be people you do not know. Do you…

a) make a list of possible topics of discussion before you go.
b) wait until you get there and think of things to discuss at the party.
c) wait for other guests to introduce topics of conversation.

2. At the party do you…

a) wait for people to come to you and introduce themselves.
b) make sure you speak and introduce yourself to everyone in the room.
c) only speak to people who seem to be open and friendly.

3. Do you prefer to be…

a) standing in the corner or at the side of the room where you can see everybody.
b) sitting in a chair and watching people who are standing and talking.
c) standing in the middle of the room with people around you.

4. If you only know one or two people at a party, do you

a) stay with them all the time.
b) make sure you circulate as much as possible and meet as many new people as you can.
c) try to speak to one or two new people.

5. Which of the following is NOT a good way to begin a good conversation at a business party:

a) “What’s your opinion on……?”
b) “Is this your first visit to……?”
c) “Don’t speak to the guy with the blue tie, he’s German.”
 

Now read and compare your answers with text.
 


How often have you been lost for words at a business party? You speak about the weather, the picture on the wall, And then what? During cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, you can make new business contacts or cement relationships with existing customers. But most of us hate superficial small talk and don't know how to make polite chitchat at office parties.

It's really not as hard as you think, says Ewen Mee, a communication expert and author of ‘How to Move in Modern Business’. Here Mee highlights six important ‘DON’TS’ and gives some useful advice on how to communicate effectively in certain small talk situations.

1. Arriving empty-headed
"People walk into a room full of strangers, and they don't know what to talk about," Mee says. Few of us are good at thinking on the spot, and it shows when we're trying to make clever conversation at a moments notice. The usual result is boring business talk or repeating yourself because you've run out of topics to discuss. Instead, select some conversation subjects before you get to the party. "It's important to have a good variety of topics," Mee says. "If not, you'll end up talking about work, and your business may not be an appropriate topic of conversation." Mee suggests talking about the "big things" that are going on in your life: a home-improvement project, your favourite activity or pastime or a new addition to your family, whether it's a child or a dog. Letting people hear about your personal life can make you a more interesting conversation partner, and sharing personal details about yourself helps to relax the people around you and encourage them to open up more. Talking about business is not always a bad idea, as long as you think about what things a person who is not in your company would find interesting.

2. Assuming everyone's acquainted
Don’t automatically think that you’re the only person who doesn’t know anyone. People who think that way usually run away and hide behind a plant or stay close to the walls. Behaving this way will make you look shy, introverted and difficult to approach. Assume that nobody knows anyone. "Walk into the room with the attitude that people want to meet you. That's why people come to parties, to socialize," Mee says. If you keep your thoughts positive and outgoing, it will be easier to go up to someone and introduce yourself. You'll also come across as confident and as somebody that people want to get to know.

3. Waiting for introductions
Once you've acknowledged that there are acquaintances to be made, don't wait for others to make the first move. "It's a mistake to wait for others to introduce themselves," Mee says. "It's taking a passive approach and it's similar to sitting in a chair and being the 'potted plant.' It makes people feel that they have to do all the work." And if you don't start the introductions, it's quite possible that, either because of laziness or shyness, no one else will be the first to say "Hi." Mee suggests a simple five-step introductory process:

1. Establish eye contact
2. Smile
3. Put your hand out to invite a handshake
4. Say hello
5. Introduce yourself.

People will be relieved and grateful that you've taken the initiative. Most people will enjoy talking to you, but be careful not to interrupt private, intense conversations. Body language should help you decide if people are happy to be approached or not. Feel free to join a large group, but ask permission before you attach yourself to a group. Say something like, ‘Do you mind if I join you?’ or ‘I hope I’m not interrupting.’

4. Getting distracted
Even if you go to the business party with the appropriate outgoing attitude, you can lose it if you don't actively participate. "You walk into the room, sit down in the chair and grow roots like a potted plant," Mee says. That's a mistake because it gives other people the impression that they're supposed to come to you. "It makes it difficult to approach you and you appear closed and defensive," Mee notes.

”Keep circulating and move toward the area of the room where people are congregating," Mee advises. "It shows you are available for conversation and that you're confident and ready to interact." You don't have to be moving continually, but when you do stop, find a place conducive to communication. Hanging out by the buffet table can be a good location, as is the centre of the room. Try to avoid staying close to the walls.

5. Bad body Language
When people are tense or bored they tend to let their shoulders drop and cross their arms. They don't smile, and if they're nervous, they avoid making eye contact. These are the wrong messages to send at a party. It's like putting up a "don't talk to me" sign or worse, one that reads, "I don't want to talk to you." "You're telling your client that he or she is boring or that you don't care about them," Mee says. Try to make your body language open and welcoming . Uncross your arms and rest them by your sides or put a hand in your pocket. And always remember to smile and make eye contact. Even if you don't have anything brilliant to say, just having good body language will help make a good impression.

6. Never saying goodbye
People come to parties to mingle. If you hold onto the one person you know at a party, you won't seem open and won't meet many people. It's important to get to know others. But you've also got to know when it's time to say goodbye. There's a real art to successfully leaving party conversations. When you're ready to move on, use the person's name and make eye contact. Give a warm smile and say you enjoyed the discussion, but that you need to speak to some other people at the party. It’s a nice idea to repeat something the person told you and say how you found the comment interesting. If you sincerely want to speak to this person again, ask if you could stay in contact and exchange business cards.

"Here are five ways to start a good conversation and show genuine interest in another person:
- "I noticed..."
- "Tell me..."
- "I appreciate..."
- "What do you think..." , What’s your opinion on…” or, "I need some advice on.."
- "Why do you say that..."

"Listening is very important to proper communication. Listen first and then reply in the same business manner of the person you are communicating with. Watch your conversation partner for signs of understanding. Their English may not be as good as yours. Remember that body language, direct eye contact, open honesty and a healthy positive attitude go a long way.”




chitchatchismes, habladurías
at a moment’s noticeen el acto, inmediatamente, casi sin aviso
to run out of sth.quedarse sin algo
to end upterminar, acabar
to hideesconderse
to approachacercarse
to assumesuponer
to acknowledgereconocer
to relievealiviar, tranquilizar
to joinreunirse con, unirse a, juntarse con
to let sth. dropdejar caer
to minglemezclarse, charlar con gente (en una fiesta, reunión)
mannermanera, forma

Read the text again and answer the following questions.

1. Which of these is not one of Ewen Mee’s suggestions for conversation topics:

a) your dog
b) your house
c) your tax returns

2. According to Ewen Mee, why is it a good idea to talk about personal topics at business parties?

a) You may get some good advice.
b) Your conversation partner will probably feel more comfortable with you.
c) Your partner may have the same problems as you.

3. Which of these adjectives best describes the way you should appear when you are socialising?

a) positive, outgoing, confident
b) repetitive, brilliant, passive
c) shy, introverted, nervous

4.Mee says that you should start the introductions because

a) you can choose who you speak to.
b) maybe nobody else will do it.
c) people are naturally shy.

5.According to Mee, one way to meet people is to

a) take a potted plant
b) eat a lot
c) stand next to the buffet table.

6. Which of the following is good body language?

a) crossed arms
b) uncrossed arms
c) looking down
d) dropped shoulders

7. When Mee advises us not to ‘hold on to one person’ at a party, he means

a) do not physically touch anyone.
b) do not be too friendly with the opposite sex.
c) speak to a lot of different people.

8. When you say goodbye to someone you should not

e) smile and say you enjoyed speaking with the person.
f) ask for a business card.
g) say you want to move on and meet people who are more interesting.
h) repeat something that they said earlier.
 

Answers

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