Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands, Sales and Marketing: The Essential Cultural Guide—From Presentations and Promotions to Communicating and Closing

DO I KISS, BOW, OR SHAKE HANDS?

SHAKE HANDS

The short, powerful handshake between men has become standard in South African business circles. Even South Africans with different ethnic traditions often shake hands with foreigners. Direct eye contact and a smile usually accompany the handshake.

Greetings with black South Africans tend to be very warm. Often, your right hand will be grasped and then covered in a friendly manner with the left hand. This handshake is a pleasant surprise to many international executives.

Black South African men may not offer to shake hands with females. But if the handshake is initiated by the woman, they will reciprocate. If a nonwhite South African elects not to shake your hand, do not take it as an insult; assume ...