Search Content

English Bites!

engbites1English Bites! are practical, bite-sized tips to help you improve your English for work. Published twice a week, the articles include useful advice covering different aspects of business English including grammar, vocabulary, writing, speaking as well as fun topics. It'll take just a few minutes to read each tip. You can subscribe to English Bites! from the Newsletters link above. After that, you'll receive notifications of all new tips by email.

American Business Etiquette Guidelines (Part 1)

19 May 2023

etiquetteGuidelines for Behaviour

  • Business conversation may take place during meals. However, many times you will find more social conversation taking place during the actual meal. The business discussions are usually concluded before you start eating.
  • Business meetings may be arranged as breakfast meetings, lunch meetings, or dinner meetings depending on time schedules and necessity. Generally a dinner, even though for business purposes, is treated as a social meal and a time to build rapport.
  • Gift giving is discouraged or limited by many US companies. A gracious written note is always appropriate and acceptable.
  • If you do give a gift, it should not appear to be a bribe.
  • An invitation for a meal or a modest gift is usually acceptable.
  • If you are someplace with a line or queue, go to the end and wait your turn.
  • Do not use or chew on a toothpick in public.
  • Many public places and private homes do not allow smoking. In some areas laws have been passed to prevent smoking in public places.
 

Using the Present Tense to Talk about Routine

Report Writing: Prepositional Phrases to Describe Change

Being Tactful with Customers

子分類

Analysis of Business Writing (4)

Business Etiquette, Culture and Education (8)

Menu