Presentation Styles and Challenges in the Hungarian Business Culture

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Presentation Styles and Challenges

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HUNGARIAN
BUSINESS CULTURE
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Habits & Customs | Values, Behavior & Thinking | Business Culture

Hungarian
Culture, Language & Relocation Resources

Hungarians enjoy humor, funny stories (especially if it is something that
happened to you), and jokes. Don't be afraid to use some of these elements in
your presentation, but do not lack substance: as you would in Germany, indicate
that you do have background information, facts and technical details.

There are less "show" elements and more "facts" elements in a typical Hungarian
presentation. However, Hungarians also stay awake longer at presentations that
are "presented" in an enjoyable, easy-to-digest, interesting way.

Your greatest challenge in a Hungarian presentation is to get yourself understood
and your message across. You need to be aware of non-verbal signals from the
audience.

Speak slowly, avoid idioms familiar only in your own culture, like ("ballpark figure,"
"run with it," etc.). Rephrase what might not have been understood. You need to
judge the level of understanding of your audience by its reactions, but don't put
people on the spot by asking direct questions like: "Do you understand?" Even if
people do not understand your point, they are not likely to admit their limitations
openly.

The substance and conclusion of a presentation (tartalom) are far more important
to the Hungarian than the materials and high-tech tools you would be using
(forma). While clear and legible power-point presentations or documents will
help, do not try to impress your audience with the latest state-of-the-art technology.
That will not be the reason for your success.

Hungarians tend to suspect that very slick or razzle-dazzle presentations are trying
to cover up a lack of substance. Presentation skills are not overly stressed in
Hungarian business schools, and Hungarian presentation techniques usually
reflect a lack of emphasis on style.

The typical American presentation starts out with a story or a joke. In Hungary,
such icebreakers are not expected (but might positively surprise your audience if
you are really good at it). Be aware that Hungarian people often look for logic and
coherence in arguments and presentations. Later on, the use of metaphors and
stories is recommended, but make sure they can be understood by all, especially
with a diverse audience. Personal real-life experiences are powerful.

The Use of Humor

Wit is very much part of the Hungarian daily scene. Even in a foreign language,
these skills are important and the use of English is always better than no
response at all. Hungarian people will appreciate it and will throw the ball at you
more often. Keep playing as you're marking good points.

As in any foreign culture, avoid word or language humor (even though Hungarians
are master players at this game – in their own language).

Hungarians like to tell jokes. The Hungarian sense of humor often sounds cynical
to visitors. Hungarian children are used to tease each other at a very young age
and a good sense of humor, even a sarcastic one, is almost a must for anyone
who wants to survive in the competitive Hungarian education system.

What you might often take as a bitter or offending remark is in fact a proof of good
friendship and high respect. The fact that a person can afford such a demeaning
sting tells a lot about the strength of the relationship. In other cases, its just pure
sarcasm, one of the many intellectual weapons Hungarian people love to use.

A good sense of humor is considered to be the lubricant of everyday interaction
On the other hand, humor can also be a minefield. To make an irrelevant and
unfunny joke at a meeting, even if it is meant to calm things down or soften a
criticism, may be viewed as trivial, or just plain stupid. And this is if the joke is
understood.