Hungarian Business Culture - Verbal and Non-verbal Communication

Hungarians are almost always less direct than Americans and depend on
nuances of meaning in many cases. Humor, often sarcastic, may be used to
convey a message.

Whereas most Finns, Japanese and Thais for example tend to be reserved, most
Italians, Greeks and Latin Americans are more outgoing and expressive.

Visitors will find us, Hungarians closer to the expressive end of the scale, even
though at the first meeting you can expect a relatively reserved manner. But: once
the ice is broken, we become more demonstrative.

Germans and Austrians for example used to describe us as fiery, explosive and
unpredictable.

Your Hungarian colleagues may speak for effect, some of them might even
indulge in exaggeration.

Unlike our Central European neighbors, the verbal behavior of the more extreme
Hungarians is sometimes reminiscent of the Middle East and Latin America.

More on Verbal a nd Non-Verbal Interaction , Language & Communication in Hungary >>>

verbal behavior, direct communication, sarcastic humor, expressive behavior, manners, reservedness, relationships with
Hungarians, touching, sharing, non-verbal communication, personal space, body language, interpersonal distance, volume of voice,
body posture, eye contact, inter-personal behavior, cross cultural communication, silent language, language of silence

Differences in the way people communicate often cause misunderstandings.
Which is why business visitors should know the basics of Hungarian nonverbal
communication. Of course, as with any culture, you will find plenty of individual
variation.

Voice volume in a business context should be moderate. Avoid raising your voice
and pounding the table during negotiations.

Interpersonal distance: Medium -15 to 25 inches (25 to 40 cm).

Hungarian is a moderately high-contact culture socially, in closer personal
relationships (family and friends).

When it comes to business, touching it is more restrained. Expect little or no
touching except for the handshake - closer to the German style than the French.

Eye contact: direct gaze across the negotiating table, less intense than in the
Middle East and southern Europe but much more direct than in East and
Southeast Asia.

Body posture: Hungarian posture and body attitudes may appear restrained to
Americans, while Americans' casual posture and movements appear sloppy and
uncultured to some Hungarians. Don't speak to someone respectful with your
hands in your pocket and gum in your mouth, and never put your feet on coffee
tables, desks or chairs.