GETTING ALONG WITH AMERICANS Return to American page Return
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First Names
Even more casually, a large percentage of Americans use
names other than their given first names.
If someone gives you her business card and the first name is
There are exceptions to the above. Until you get on a first name basis, or whenever you are in formal situations, use these forms of address:
The person's title Form of address
President of the
Vice President
of the
Supreme Court Chief Justice Mr. (or Madam) Chief Justice
Supreme Court Justice Mr. (or Madam) Justice
Senator Senator Smith
Member of U.S. House of
Representatives Congressman or Congresswoman Smith or Representative Smith or Mr. (or Ms.) Smith
Ambassador Mr. (or Madam) Ambassador
Governor or a state Governor Smith
Clergy Reverend Smith, Father Smith, Rabbi Smith or another
appropriate form of address specific to the person's religion
Physician, dentist or veterinarian Doctor Smith
Distinguished scholar with Ph.D. degree Doctor Smith
Judge (in court) Your Honor
Judge (not in court) Judge Smith
Military Corporal (or other rank) Smith
Police Corporal (or other rank) Smith or Officer Smith
Firefighter Corporal (or other rank) Smith, Officer Smith or, if not an officer, Firefighter Smith
In informal meetings, many of the above will introduce themselves to you using their first names and no title. Usually that is a signal to converse with them on a first-name basis when not in formal situations.
Courtesies
Everyday courtesies commonly practiced by Americans:
· Offer your seat to a small child, an elderly person, an infirm person or a pregnant woman.
· If you are in a group and arrive first to a door, hold the door open for the others.
· When walking through a door and someone is behind you, hold the door open for the person.
· Unless it will hold up other people, a gentleman allows a lady to enter and exit an elevator first.
· Don't stand around a walkway if it will get in the way of others passing through.
· At receptions, many ladies appreciate if a gentleman offers to get her a drink or accompanies her to the bar.
Men & Women
In business situations, treat women and men equally. Shake hands with men and women with equal manner. Keep business situations involving men and women as gender neutral as possible. A man shouldn't kiss a lady on her cheek in greeting until he is extremely familiar with her and he is certain that the situation is appropriate for it. Nor should a woman invite a kiss on the cheek as a greeting unless she is extremely familiar with him and he is certain that the situation is appropriate for it.
Romantic relationships do not belong in the business place, nor do talk or actions that suggest in any way a desire for a romantic relationship.
Hugging
Hugging as a greeting for anyone other than a close family member is not common in America.
Greetings
Common greetings on casual encounters with friends, colleagues and acquaintances in America are:
"How's it going?" and "How are you doing?" Good responses are "Great, how about you?" and "Real good, and you?"
Speaking with Americans
The United States is a large country and Americans like to use the space. When conversing with Americans, it is best to stand about an arm's length away, nod occasionally to acknowledge that you know what they are speaking about and look them in the eyes.
Visiting
Americans at their Homes
It is best to arrive no more than five minutes earlier than the time you are invited and no more than 20 minutes later. If you suspect that you will be more than 20 minutes late, phone and let the host know.
A small but inexpensive gift, such as something to remind the host of your country, is always appreciated. A bottle of wine is frequently given as a gift if the gathering is for a social event.
It is best not to remove your shoes when entering the host’s home unless others have done so.
Gifts
Like everyone, Americans enjoy receiving gifts. However, much thought should be put into the gift. If it is too expensive, the recipient is likely to feel obligated to reciprocate. Something inexpensive from another country and not readily available in America is appreciated. Americans also like unusual items that show thought by the giver. Unusual things to eat are also liked. Generally, the thought behind the gift is much more important than the value of the gift.
It is also important when considering gifts not to make anyone feel left out.
Accepting Thanks
When an American thanks you for something, the best replies are "You're welcome" or "My pleasure." To say "No problem" tends to trivialize the offer of thanks.
Politics
It is best to avoid conversations or offering opinions about politics. Even if you praise the president of the U.S., those you are speaking with might happen to be bitter opponents of the president and think less of you for praising the president.
Sports
It is best to avoid conversations or offering opinions about sports. When Americans talk about football, they almost certainly mean the American version. Many have a chauvinistic attitude about American football and baseball and do not think highly of soccer.
Discrimination
Treat everyone as an equal in America, regardless of appearance, age, dress, gender, accent, or anything else. A young, dark-skinned, casually dress young lady with an unusual name might be a clerical worker or she might be the fabulously wealthy owner of a technology company. So it is best not to make judgments about anyone.
Bribes and Price Fixing
Bribes and collaboration to fix prices are not part of American business or government practices. Do not offer bribes to business people or government officials at any level. If you think someone is attempting to bribe you, they should be put off and then you should consult a lawyer about what to do. Any attempts to collude with other firms in order to gain business advantage or to fix prices may result in serious legal problems and much negative mention in the U.S. media.
Hiring, Promoting & Firing
The United States has strict laws about hiring and firing workers. It is best to consult a lawyer or a human resources specialist before implementing decisions about employment, including hiring, terminations, promotions or relocations. Even a small mistake in this area could turn out to be extremely expensive and generate ill will and negative publicity.
Weights and Measures
The United States has largely adhered to the old English system of weights and measures. Below are some guidelines for converting metric measures to those commonly used in America.
American Metric
1 inch 2.54 centimeters
1 foot 30.48 centimeters (about the size of a large foot)
1 yard 0.914 meters (just short of 1 meter)
1 mile 1.61 kilometers
1 ounce (oz.) 28 grams
1 pound (lb.) 0.45 kg.
1 ton 0.9 tonnes
1 fluid ounce (oz.) 0.296 deciliters
1 pint (pt.) 0.473 liters
1 quart (qt.) 0.946 liters
1 gallon (gal.) 3.785 liters
1 cubic inch 16.4 cubic centimeters
Fahrenheit Celsius
0 degrees -17.8 degrees
32 degrees 0 degrees
50 degrees 10 degrees
70 degrees 21 degrees
100 degrees 38 degrees