Small talk in Russia
Russian are searchers of their Slavic souls. That is why other people sometimes find their Russian partners sentimental and gloomy. Conversation is rarely trivial. Within minutes, the subject is the meaning of life.
Mind your manners:
- Introductions are informal and direct. A smile is only used for greeting personal friends. Smiling is not respectful on formal occasions and smiling for no reason is a sign of idiocy.
- Shake hands when first meeting people and leaving, but never across a threshold. It is a sign of bad luck.
- Russians are still very title-concious: use titles and show respect.
- Russians think of themselves as being absolutely honest and trustworthy. So don't show distrust.
- Like most nations they are proud of their country. Don't tell them that in your country everything is bigger, cleaner and better organised.
- If you are invited to a Russian home, it is customary to bring flowers, vodka or wine.
- Dinner is eaten early, about six o'clock or whenever they feel hungry.
- Toasts are common, and the guest must be prepared to return toasts.
- Among younger businessmen you will find more and more non-smokers, teetotallers and even vegetarians. Invitations could include a ballet, circus or concert and dinner in a restaurant
- Russians are puzzled that westerners can spend the equivalent of an annual salary in Moscow hotels and restaurants, but are unwilling to give them a fax machine so that they can communicate more easily.
Reference: Small Talk for big business, Rene Bosewitz
