Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

In my previous post, I discussed corporate etiquette which goes hand and hand with verbal and non-verbal communication. In this post I want to elaborate on communication in regards to body language.
 
Verbal communication is conveyed through speech or writing; while non-verbal communication consists of gestures, noises, and/or body language. When communicating, both verbal and non-verbal communication are occurring simultaneously. Since some gestures can have different meanings, non-Canadians should educate themselves before engaging in business relations.
 
For example:

• "Thumbs down" is considered offensive in Quebec, as is slapping an open palm over a closed fist. Like the rest of their countrymen and women, French-Canadians use the "thumbs up" sign to mean "okay. "The "okay" sign made with the index finger and thumb means "zero" in Quebec.
• One-eyed wink has a several meanings in Canada depending on the conversation. It can suggest that what is being said is a secret and you should not tell other people if the conversation is about something important, especially if being said in private or quietly. A one-eyed wink can also be a sign of confidence when someone is making a bold claim. It can also be used to flirt with someone of the opposite sex in social settings. Just be sure that you are using it in the right context.
• Rubbing your chin in Canada usually means that you are thinking about something but if you flick your chin outwards it is a sign that you are insulting the person you are looking at.

In Canadian culture, the handshake is the most that people will touch. Physical contact in the workplace does not happen very often and putting your hand on someones arm may be misunderstood and lead to trouble. Canadians maintain a certain amount of personal space. However, French Canadians stand closer together, frequently touch, and gestures are more expressive. 

Most Canadians chose to use a handshake when saying hello in the business world.
Some French Canadians use the European style of kissing both cheeks as a formal greeting. A proper handshake should not be too loose or too strong. It should be just strong enough to hold a person‟s hand firmly. It is also important to look eye to eye when shaking hands. This shows your confidence.

Eye contact is a very important piece of business etiquette in Canada. Not making eye contact with a person can make the other person assume that you are shy, insecure or even worse, insincere. It is also recommended to take off your hat or sunglasses when entering into a Canadian business. This way people can see your eye and become more comfortable with you.

Handshakes are also important in the business world for making agreements. Sometimes deals can be made with a handshake and the handshake is considered a promise. Although this is considered as an honorable way to do business in Canada, it is always recommended that after a business agreement is made with a handshake, a written contract is drafted and signed.

If a person is overly expressive they may come across as aggressive, but if they are not expressive enough they may come off as uninterested. Newcomers must be aware of this when integrating into Canadian business practices. Smiles and nods during a conversation can show that you are paying attention and following the conversation.

I have only touched the surface. If you plan on building a business relationship with Canada, be sure and do further research on their customs and behaviors. Because you may want to know it's considered rude by many in Quebec to talk with your hands in your pockets or that eating while walking in public is not acceptable. Things Americans do automatically.


Work Cited:
"Canada" ediplomat.com. ediplomat.com. Web. 1 March 2013.<http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_ca.htm.>

“Business Etiquette in Canada Tips for Conducting Business in the Canadian Workplace” ccck.ca. ccck.ca. Web. 2 March 2013
<www.ccck.ca/files/Business Etiquette Reformat.pdf>
 

"Canada Business Etiquette & Culture" cyborlink.com. cyborlink.com. Web. 1 March 2013. <http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/canada.htm>

 

Corporate Etiquette

I previously posted the necessity to know the people you plan to do business with. In this post, I am presenting specific things to be aware of to make your meeting a success. Because of Canada's various regions, this is extremely important. 

Canadians:

• Take matters of etiquette seriously.
• Are formal, reserved, and polite.
• Demand punctuality for business meetings and social occasions.
• Get down to business quickly.
• Communicate directly, but reserved.
• Dispense with pleasantries very quickly.
• Shake hands firmly with good eye contact when meeting or departing.
• Wait for a woman to extend her hand for a handshake.
• Use a person's title if he or she has one; otherwise, use Mr., Mrs., Miss and the surname.
• Dress conservatively.

 

French Canadians:

• Use their first name when talking to you on the telephone, but generally use their full name when meeting you in person.
• Use first names in private, but always last names in public.
• Stand closer and are more demonstrative when talking. 
• Shake hands more frequently, even with a subsequent encounters the same day.
• Kiss on the cheeks in traditional French manner.
• Kiss woman on the hand.
• Prefer French but use English; therefore, print your business cards in English or French, including your academic titles and degrees.
• Recognize academic titles and degrees with great importance; you should know and use them properly.
• Dress in a more relaxed European style than their fellow Canadians.

As you read these characteristics, you can see how Americans might find themselves a little outside of their comfort zone. Generally, we are more relaxed, social, and on occasion, a little boastful. So, brush up on your French, put on your suit, and respect the customs of the people you want to build a working relation.

　
Work Cited:
"Canada Business Etiquette & Culture" cyborlink.com. cyborlink.com. Web. 1 March 2013. <http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/canada.htm>

"Canada" ediplomat.com. ediplomat.com.Web. 1 March 2013. <http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_ca.htm>

The People

This blog is to inform you on proper business etiquette when working with people from Canada. My blog will consist of three entries:

• The People
• Corporate Etiquette
• Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication



Map of Canada filled with Flags of the World

Cultural and Regional Differences

Canada has just less than 30 million people; with so many people there are bound to be differences to consider. Canada's culture is made up of French, English, and other European groups including, Italian, German, and Ukraine.

Regionally, Canadians are labeled by their personalty and sense of living. In the Atlantic region, Canadians are predominantly of British decent, and are considered to be more reserved, stolid, provincial and old-fashioned. In Ontario, the people are generally thought of as more business-like and conservative than other Canadians. While in western Canada, the people are generally more open, relaxed, friendly and direct than other Canadians. The people in Quebec are considered to have a very strong sense of cultural identity and are very nationalistic. Unlike the Canadians in the British Columbia area where they are said to have more in common with Seattle than Toronto.

All these cultural and regional influences have to be considered when doing business with Canada. Take the time to learn about Canada's history, culture, and geography. Americans occassionally forget that Canada is its own country. Just because our northern neighbors are so close and generally speak English, it does not mean they have the same etiquette as the United States. As you will read in future entries, I will discuss specific differences.

 

　

Work Cited:
"Canada Business Etiquette & Culture" cyborlink.com. cyborlink.com. Web. 28 February 2013. <http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/canada.htm>

"Canada" ediplomat.com. ediplomat.com.Web. 28 February 2013. <http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_ca.htm>