Dos and Don'ts: Introductions

A good introduction can create a good impression. Greeting styles in the Czech Republic are quite familiar if somewhat more reserved than what we expect in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Australia.

From my own observations, among my in-laws and their social circle, a handshake isn’t so common. However, a Czech colleague in his thirties said that he expected a hand shake whenever meeting someone, and would consider it strange if one were not offered. It goes without saying that whether formal or casual a good handshake means that you look the other person in the eye.

However, some women I spoke to said that they kissed only if their friend initiated it. One colleague said that she perceived the social kiss as something “not Czech” and mostly associated with people who have traveled or mix in international groups.

A slightly older colleague said, for her generation (i.e. people between fifty and sixty), the kiss was associated with Brezhnev (the former Soviet leader). For her and her peers, it was something a little ridiculous. However, she went on to say that views are softening because of the behavior of the young.

In short, you can kiss your Czech friend. It just doesn’t mean that he or she will enjoy it.

When people in the Czech Republic introduce themselves to each other, it is the norm. My colleagues also answer the phone at work with their surname. I quizzed them on this, and they said this was pretty much the standard. It’s also the case if the caller is unknown.

Of course, using your colleague’s title is hardly going to cause offense. And even if they demur and insist on you using first names, they’ll glow a little with inner pride.

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