This is a presentation about non-verbal communication in Russia, Japan and China. It was made as an assignment about intercultural communication for a business English module at Hochschule Bremen, Germany

3. Punctuality Face to Face
meetings
Business deals
tend to be a
lengthy process
Patience
Non verbal
communication
in Russia

4.  A handshake is always appropriate when greeting or leaving
 The “ok” sign is considered a very rude gesture in Russia
 Public physical contact is common. Hugs, backslapping,
kisses on the cheeks are common among friends or
acquaintances and between members of the same sex
 Russians stand close when talking
 When a Russian touches another person during conversation,
it is usually a sign of confidence.
 Speaking or laughing loudly in public is discouraged

5.  Businessmen in Russia usually wear suits that are dark and
well tailored along with good dress shoes. A businessman’s
wardrobe demonstrates the individual’s image as a
professional
 Men often do not take off their jackets in negotiations
 Do not stand with your hands in your pockets (this is
considered rude)
 Women dress rather conservatively, avoiding overly flashy or
gaudy outfits

6.  Talking too loudly : Russians find this uncultured to speak so loud that
everyone car hear your conversation (as Americans do)
 Smiling too much : Russians do smile but they do so only when they
have a reason. They find constant smiling false and a bit silly
 Apologizing all the time : Don't say "I'm sorry," when someone gives you
bad news. Try the more clear "That's a shame." Save "I'm sorry" for when
you've actually done something to offend someone
 Being False : Russians value honesty, even brutal honesty, much more
than niceties. Be open and honest, and it will be much appreciated
 Making Snap Judgments : Russian national pride runs deep. Think twice
before making overly negative comments about Russia. Remember, you
are a guest here

8.  Conversational overlaps and interruptions :
◦ Pointing with the index finger is considered rude. You should point with the
entire hand.
◦ Avoid physical contact
◦ Frowning while someone is speaking is interpreted as a sign of disagreement.
Most Japanese maintain impassive expression when speaking
◦ Laughing. Women hide their mouth because of tradition
◦ Japanese find it hard to say 'no'. The best solution is to phrase questions so
that they can answer yes. For example, do you disagree with this?
 The use of silence:
◦ To ask someone to get closer
◦ Saying „I“ or „my“
◦ „I have no idea“
◦ The way to say goodbye
◦ Greeting with reference depending on the respect
◦ Ask for silence. Japanese people put their forefinger in front of their mouth

9.  Eye Contact :
◦ Eye contact shows that you are being aggressive, and rude. It
is normal in Japan to avoid eye contact as it shows respect
 Touching :
◦ Asking permission to pass by. Shaking the hand in vertical
position in front of the body
◦ When entering a private home or traditional restaurants, it is
usually customary to remove your shoes and place them with
the toes pointing toward the outdoors
 Other important information :
◦ Walking habits: The Japanese walk in short quick strides and
drooping shoulders this low posture is called teishisei.
◦ They don’t show any emotion while talking.

11.  Eye Contact :
◦ For the Chinese, a lack of steady eye contact is not an indication of lack of
attention or respect. Because of the authoritarian nature of the Chinese
society, steady eye contact is viewed as inappropriate, especially when
subordinates talk with their superiors
 Conversational overlaps and interruptions :
◦ Never use your index finger to beckon anyone. If you need to call a
Chinese person, face the palm of your hand downward and move your
fingers in a scratching motion.
◦ Chinese don‘t point with the index finger but with an open hand.
◦ During conversations, be especially careful about interrupting – Listening
is a sign of politeness and of contemplation.
 The use of silence :
◦ Chinese tend to smile easily when they feel difficulty or embarrassed.
Smile because of embarrassment by a Chinese might be interpreted as
being friendly by a westerner, but not for Chinese.

12.  Touching :
◦ The Chinese don‘t like being touched by strangers. Therefore
don‘t make any body contact
◦ Personal contact must be avoided at all cost. It is highly
inappropriate for a man to touch a woman in public
◦ Tipping is considered insulting, however the practice is becoming
more common
 Other important information :
◦ Do not use large hand movements. The Chinese do not speak with
their hands. Your movements may be distracting to your host.
◦ Jeans are not acceptable for business meetings.
◦ Revealing clothing for women is considered offensive to Chines
businessmen