Introductions, Greetings, and Titles in Business ❶ When greeting others in a business context, a handshake is acceptable around the world. However , the strength, length, and duration of a handshake will vary by culture. Of course, Japanese will still bow to each other and it is advisable for foreign visitors to bend slightly when shaking hands. Mexicans who know each other will hug and East Europeans may kiss. In many European countries it is common to shake hands with everyone in the room before and after each business meeting. ❷ Business card exchanges are an important part of any international business meeting. Variations include where to keep your cards, which languages the card should be in, and what to do with the business card once you have received it. One rule to follow: always bring five times more cards than you think you will need. To explore the nuances of a business card exchange, we will examine the exchange as carried out by an American in Japan . ❸ First , the cards should be in English on one side and Japanese on the other side. It is important that the company and the title be prominently positioned. The cards should be kept in a card holder . Never keep the cards in a wallet or a pocket-book. The presentation of the card is done at the beginning of the meeting. Cards are presented with the giver’s name (Japanese side) facing the recipient . The card can be delivered by one or preferably two hands accompanied by a slight bow. On receipt of a card, it should be studied carefully to determine the status of the person you are meeting. The recipient should avoid placing them in one’s wallet or writing on them in the presence of the giver. The business card is the embodiment of the organization; therefore , it should be treated with the utmost respect. ❹ As a general rule, use people’s titles in international business . Learn the appropriate titles for each country . People with Ph.D.s1 should always be referred to as “Doctor ”. In many countries, people will be referred to by their titles only. For example,“ Chief Engineer2, can you tell us how this operation works ?” The use of first names in business will also vary by country and age. Be alert to these differences. Read the text again and choose the most probable meaning for the following words and explain what the clues are. 1. vary (Para. 1, Line 2): ______ A . be different B . be similar C . be acceptable A.B.C.D. D