WHAT AND HOW TO PRESENT IN THE USA
Presenting a gift is a thoughtful gesture, but it is not expected. Business gifts are often presented after the deal is closed. In most situations, gifts are usually unwrapped immediately and shown to all assembled. In many cases, the best gifts are those that come from your country. You may not receive a gift in return right away. During the Holiday season (late November through the first week of January), gifts are exchanged. For your business associates, you can give gifts such as useful items for the office, liquor or wine. Choose gifts with no religious connotations (i.e. don't buy Christmas ornaments) unless you are certain of the religious background of your associates. While Christmas is the dominant celebration, and is widely commercialized during this period, people may be celebrating many other holidays during this period. Many stores and malls offer gift-wrapping services during the winter holidays. When you visit a home, it is not necessary to take a gift, although it is always appreciated. Flowers, a potted plant, or a bottle of wine are good gift choices. If you wish to give flowers, you can have them sent in advance to relieve your host or hostess of taking care of them when you arrive. If you stay in a U.S. home for a few days, a gift is appropriate. You may also write a thank-you note. Taking someone out for a meal or other form of entertainment is another popular gift. Gifts for women such as perfume or clothing are usually inappropriate. They are considered too personal. Gifts for children are often a thoughtful and appreciated gesture, but take into account the values of the parents. Many parents would object to your giving a toy gun or a violent video game to their child. For a first meeting, you cannot go wrong if you dress conservatively. Afterwards, you may want to follow the example of your American counterparts. In U.S. business culture, dress tends to vary. In some parts of the country - the East in particular - most people wear business suits. In other areas, such as the West coast, a more relaxed approach to dressing is the norm in many workplaces. Executives in most regions of the country, however, usually dress quite formally. Business suits or dresses are often the standard attire for women. Pantsuits, in classic styles, are also acceptable. Accessorizing, which adds flair to even very simple outfits, is also practiced here. When not working, feel free to dress casually. In their leisure hours, you will notice that Americans wear a wide range of casual items, such as running shoes, T-shirts, jeans, shorts, baseball caps, etc. Слова и выражения к тексту
Упражнение 1. Ответьте на следующие вопросы к текстам 4-5. 1) What does the concept “time is money” mean? 2) What are the traits of American businesspeople? 3) What is the communication style of businesspeople? 4) What is the work ethic? 5) What kind of society is the United States? 6) What is practised in meetings to ease tensions before entering into business matters? 7) At what pace is business conducted? 8) What are the rituals involved in exchanging business cards? 9) What are the characteristics of American business culture? 10) When are gifts presented? 11) What gifts are presented? 12) How do businessmen dress? 13) What is the standard attire for women?
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