Italian Nonverbal Comunication

   Learning nonverbal communication before traveling overseas is an important and wise decision. I learned nonverbal communication one month before I traveled to the Philippians in 2004. My father wanted me to learn nonverbal communication before hand (experience learned while traveling the world with the Navy) was to help minimize any miss communication to prevent any misunderstanding if I accidentally insulted a person. Recently, I asked my father what type of nonverbal communication was used in Italy, body language, gestures, and eye contact.

Nonverbal Communication

United States vs. Italy

                   United States                                                                           

1. Stand three feet from each other while talking                 
2. Shake hands
3. Slap on the back (Good Job!)
4. Eye Contact while speaking
5. Speak with confidence
Italy
1. Fantastic! Dig a finger into your cheek and give it a half twist
6.      2. No Way! - Wiggle your finger in front of your face from side to side inward and forefinger and thumb pinched together
7.      3. Who are you kidding? - Lower your hands with your fingertips intertwined, than move hands up and down
8. 4. No Such luck! - Loosely shape forefinger and thumb like a handgun and swing from your wrist.

In business, the Italians believe in image. During a business meeting, they dress accordingly like any other businessman, however greet and have a way of nonverbal communication.
Gestures are important, shake hands in the beginning and the end of the meeting. Hand movement and close contact are appropriate in Italy, close contact is a sign of affection and is considered unfriendly if a person keeps his distance during a meeting.
Personal Contact, during the introduction a kiss is given in each cheek, and interaction with one another a light touch on the arm is given.
Eye Contact is given from the beginning and the end of the meeting.


Important facts about Italian Nonverbal Communication




http://prezi.com/culkm1y2ues7/nonverbal-communication-in-italy/?auth_key=008b52f2b9677d5cad12abe36eada32db8f00075

                                                          Bibliography
1. Italy (Nonverbal Communication. Depauw University 2010. Web. academic.depauw.edu.
2. Italian Communication Styles. World Business Culture 2011. Web. worldbussinessculture.com.