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The Silent Language
Nonverbal communication is a sort of "silent language" because it is
performed in a way where the communicators are not as aware that they are
actually communicating (Lustig and Koester 210). Nonverbal communication can
include body language, touch preferences, space orientations, and facial
expressions. Communicators usually subconsciously perform this type of
communication because it is learned by observing others in a culture as the
communicator is growing up.
Conversations
- Britons are very private and reserved (McCain)
- Do not ask questions that might be too personal such as "Where
are you from?" and "What do you do?" (Morrison, Conaway, and Douress 437)
- British like 24-36 inches between them and the person they are
talking with, much like US Americans (Pachter and Brody 310)
- Britons do not show emotions in public (Allen-Pellowe)
- Do not touch another in public, for example a black slap like
many people do to congratulate each other in the US is not appropriate
- Too much gesturing is inappropriate
- Speaking with hands in pockets is impolite (Morrison, Conaway,
and Borden 113)
  
These three pictures show a few of the differences between the British and US
American cultures regarding nonverbal communication. The first picture most
closely resembles the British culture because of the formal dress and the two
that are communicating are not touching. The second picture is an example of the
US American culture because they are touching. The third picture is also
representative of the US American culture because of the business casual
clothing.
Business Interactions
- Be prompt and on time to all meetings and social events; much
like the US, the British find it disrespectful to show up late (McCain)
- Dress for business interactions are very formal, such as suits;
dress is considered a type of nonverbal communication because it can set the
mood and seriousness of a meeting or gathering
- Presentations should include data and facts instead of opinions,
because they tend to respond better to more factual information
- British businessmen may invite their clients to a show, out to
dinner, or to dinner in their homes; but unlike the US gift giving to a
business person is not practiced
- If invited to dinner, it is appropriate to bring flowers,
chocolates, or alcohol (Morrison, Conaway, and Borden 113)
- When taking flowers to a business person's home, the amount of 12
or 13 flowers should be avoided because 12 suggests cheaper by the dozen and
13 implies bad luck
- Should also avoid taking white lilies because they signify death
(Pachter and Brody 359-60)
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