Eye Contact

Eye contact has different meanings among different cultures. In the United States, maintaining strong eye contact indicates that the listener is attentive and interested in the message. In some Asian cultures, looking directly into a speaker’s eyes indicates disrespect, while lowering the eyes is considered polite behavior.

Gestures

Gestures considered positive in one country may be seen as offensive in others. Examples include “thumbs up,” pointing, open-palm “stop” gesture, curling the index finger in a “come here” motion, a-OK (index finger and thumb forming a circle), finger snapping, and looking at one’s watch or wrist.

Touching

When, where, and how often we touch each other has cultural significance. Americans tend to touch each other less than members of many other cultures. We need to be especially sensitive to cultural differences regarding contact.

Timing

The timing of verbal exchanges—the pause between the conclusion of one person speaking and the other replying—is also culturally influenced. Some people interpret a long wait before a reply as lack of attention. However, in some cultures, a pause before replying indicates a polite and considered response.

Personal Space

Within each culture, there are expected personal distances for different types of relationships. For example, studies indicate that Americans prefer these proximities:

• Personal distance (between friends and intimates): 1.5 to 4 feet.
• Social distance (for social and business transactions): 4 to 12 feet.
• Public distance (among strangers in public): 12 feet or more.

In other cultures, these distances may be different. Nonverbal communication can be confusing when comfort zones are violated.