Checking your phone while you are in a meeting or a video conference is acceptable as Americans aren’t very formal.

Look back at the history of the situation before going forward helps give Americans clarity.

Make an appointment. Calling or dropping in without warning is frowned upon

Using the word ‘black’ is derogatory when referring to a person of African origin.

Drinking is a social pass time and one or two glasses of wine/beer are acceptable during office lunches.

Most people think 13, 3 and Friday are ‘bad luck’ days or numbers

Do not be direct during business conversations – they perceive that as rude

Avoid disagreeing with an American – he will not think you very participative

Asking questions is frowned upon in the US culture. The famous poem ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ states it very clearly. ‘Yours is not to question why, but to do and die.’

Do not own up to a mistake as an American will find it difficult to trust you after that.

Talk the most in a meeting – it makes the average American feel you are confident and own the task or concept being discussed.

Use as many abbreviations as you can with Americans as they want information quickly, so use EOD, FYI, ASAP etc. as they feel it saves time.

Never say ‘point taken’, ‘I stand corrected’ or ‘I see what you mean’ it shows you weren’t very sure of yourself to begin with.

Asking questions is very disrespectful and is considered as though you are challenging the speaker