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TALK, TALK, TALK

To people from other countries, Americans may seem loud and
embarrassing to be with, and too willing to share their entire life
stories with strangers. To Americans, however, that is considered
normal, friendly behavior. What does confuse newcomers to the
United States is that although an American may have shared some
very private information with them, it does not necessarily lead to a
long and lasting friendship. Openness and honesty are just part of
the American character, and any reserve or shyness on the part of
strangers may be taken as snobbishness, or a sign that they may
have something to hide.

BUSINESS RELATIONS

When it comes to doing business, Americans are generally
quite informal and relaxed in their relations with people, but they
are very, very serious about business itself. Most people who work
together call each other by their first names, including the CEO.
When meeting someone for the first time, it is best to wait for
them to ask to be called by their first name. Until then, it is
probably best to call them by their title and their surname.
Americans tend to be friendly and polite in their business deal-
ings, but the bottom line is that it is still business, no matter how
friendly. They are also very honest and up-front, and will not
hesitate to say what needs to be said. To some people it may seem
very direct and even rude, but if something is not happening the
way it should, Americans will speak up and expect the person they
are dealing with to do something about it. In the opposite situation,
if someone has done a job particularly well, an American business
associate will be eager to praise that person.

BUSINESS LETTERS

Unless you know the person you are writing to very well,
use a title and the person's last name when you begin a letter: