Communications
• Use a firm handshake with good eye contact when meeting and leaving. Both French and English areas use and expect a firm handshake.
• International Business Communication, handshaking, introductions Men will wait for a woman to extend her hand for a handshake.
• International Business Communication, handshaking, introductions French Canadians will shake hands more frequently, even with a subsequent encounter the same day. Others may just nod or smile at a subsequent encounter on the same day.
• International Business Communication, handshaking, introductions Use a person's title if he or she has one. Otherwise, use Mr., Mrs., Miss and the surname.
• International Business Communication, handshaking, introductions English is spoken in most of Canada. French is spoken in Quebec, and some area of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
• International Business Communication, handshaking, introductions French Canadians may use their first name when talking to you on the telephone, but will generally use their full name when meeting you in person.
• International Business Communication, handshaking, introductions Be open and friendly in your conversation. If you are naturally reserved in your behavior, you will appear confident and credible. If your natural tendency is large sweeping arm gestures, restrain yourself when meeting and talking with Canadians - other than with French Canadians.
• International Business Communication, handshaking, introductions French Canadians stand closer and are more demonstrative when talking.
• International Business Communication, handshaking, introductions For French Canadians, print all material in French and English.
• International Business Communication, handshaking, introductions Don't be boastful, and don't overstate your product or service's capabilities. You could implicate your company in a legal situation.
• International Business Communication, handshaking, introductions If you are from the U. S., don't say, "We Americans", inferring you are including your Canadian hosts or guests in your reference. Canada is a distinct country with its own wonderful history and culture.