They way you dress, move, sit, speak, and react all make a positive or negative impression. You could say that we are our own business card.

Hence, here are the most important dos & don'ts:

1. If you are impolite, if you shout or insult others, you are showing weakness.
   
   
2. In Germany, grand VIP appearances, such as turning up too late, are completely out of fashion. When you turn up at the right place at the right time, you are indicating to the others: "I am making time for you because you are important to me." If you are going to be late, phone and apologize. Often, notorious latecomers have problems with time management.
   
   
3. When standing and sitting, men should pay particular attention to the position of their legs: keeping them especially wide open, makes you look shorter and is an unnecessary provocation.Take you hands out of your (pant) pockets – especially when you are greeting someone.
   
   
4. Make frequent eye contact when you are talking with someone.
   
   
5. Check your distance to the other person. Are you closer than about one and a half feet to a person you have never met before? That's much too close.
   
   
6. Is your voice friendly? Smile if you have something to smile about.
   
   
7. Make sure that your handshake is not too firm, too moist, or too soft.
   
   
8. Never chew gum. That looks vulgar in most people.
   
   
9. Dress suitably for the occasion. For conservative meetings it is better to go for the more classical look. Take a really good look at yourself in the mirror before you leave the house, also from behind. You absolutely do not want worn down heels, dirty shoes, white socks or socks with cartoon characters; make sure that you do not show your calves—with the associated gooseberry effect—when you sit down (knee-length socks are best). An open collar and loose necktie always give the impression that you are stressed or have been drinking. Male and females should not wear more than two patterns; more than this and you could end up looking ridiculous.
   
   
10. Even if buzzwords and clichés are trendy, if you rely on them too much, it shows a lack of personality. Buzzwords to be avoided: "When push comes to shove", "Pushing the envelope", "Feel the pinch", "Think outside the box", "Strategic fit", "Bend over backwards", "Core competency", etc.
    
    
11. If you sneeze, cough or similar: use your left hand. You shake hands, hold glasses, and use a pen with your right hand.
    

Author
Susanne Helbach-Grosser
Takt & Stil
Oderstrasse 11
73529 Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany
Phone: +49 (0)7171/86251