Rude Moves

There's an interesting article that i have read in Toastmaster magazine for the month of August. The title 'Rude Moves' is about some gestures (non-verbal communication) that is best to be avoided when giving presentation; in another countries.

1. "A-OK"
When your tip of the thumb connected with the index finger forming a 'O' shapes.
In the US, making this gesture means ' no problem @ everything's alright! '. However, in Franceit means 'zero'; in Japan it can mean 'money' (in Japanese, Okane means money!) and in Brazil, Guatemala and Paraguay, it is obscene.
Mmm...try doing that when a Brazilian offering help to you and see what happens the next second after.

2. "Get the Point?"
a movement when you clenched your fist; but with your index finger pointing out.
It's pretty universal; when you point at someone with your index finger, it is a very rude thing. Different cultures point with their chins, or they extend their entire open hand toward the object.

3. "Thumbs up"
No problem if your thumb is up in the US, but never try this in the Middle West and some parts of Africa unless you want to get a nice whack up or one panda eye on your right. However, if you demand for 5 items in Japan, you may use this gestures =)

4. "Wink!"
Guard your gaze please. Winks may mean "this is our little secret" in North America or a romantic invitation in Latin America, but you may found yourself in a hot boiled curry pot in India or steamboat in China.

5. "A Smile"
Oh no no no, a smile is still not considered the universal language for the genuine pleasure around the world. Nope, at least not in many parts on Asia, a smile can be used to cover up embarrassment, shock or fury. And the French only smile when they have a reason (no wonder they look so serious all the time) and they assume that anyone wearing a constant grin in public is either condescending or feeble-minded.
Oh, no wonder when i smiled at spastic-girl in my school when i was in standard smile; i got a big tight slap. I can't recall whether she was French or not; but the slap was really hurt. Ouch! (lol)

6. " Showing the soles of your feet, or using your left hand to eat "
These are inappropriate behaviours in the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, parts or Africa and many other locales. If in doubt, follow the lead of your hosts and you'll make the correct gestures.

So folks, these 6 main gestures you may want to bear it in your mind or your travel note when you are planning to any part of the country. The best way is that you may try to read up some of the cultures normally practiced in the country before you fly!

Cheers!
Jaime.