Script For Switzerland

Script for Switzerland:
Look beyond the chocolate, cuckoo clocks and yodelling – The land of milk and honey and four
languages- Switzerland, is all about once-in-a-lifetime journeys, heart-racing Alpine pursuits and urban
culture!
Switzerland is a multilingual country with four official languages – Swiss German (which encompasses
nearly 70% of the indigenous population), French, Italian and Romansh. When talking about the
business culture, it mainly reflects German values of punctuality, orderliness and formality in the word
and regional cultural differences reflect those of the countries that border Switzerland. Protection of the
country, its political views, and the environment remains a priority for most citizen regardless of regional
culture.
In other words, you could say that Switzerland is a nation of demurity and pure decency. So if you’ve
been wanting to live in a place that suits your modest preferences, Switzerland is the perfect country for
you!
But before booking a flight to Switzerland, here are some of the most important things you need to
know that may help you adapt easily and communicate effectively with the Swiss people:
1. Practice the habit of doing handshakes. German, French, and Italian cultures have
influenced Switzerland. That is why when you are meeting someone for the first time in Switzerland, a
handshake will do. Handshakes are the common greeting, even with children, and it is considered
impolite to speak while one has their hands in their pockets. Also, deliver the handshake while
maintaining eye contact with that person. Breaking eye contact is considered to be very rude.
2. The Swiss are very private people: So avoid asking personal questions about family, age, marital
status, religion etc. unless they bring it up first. They respect discretion and privacy, and strangers are
not usually expected to talk to each other. There is also a formal recognition of space and the Swiss
prefer boundaries. They favor the expression, “fences make good neighbors”. It is important to respect
the Swiss sense of privacy.
3. The way you sit, stand, and project yourself are very important: You can expect the Swiss to pay close
attention to your posture. They pay close attention to what you say to them and are very good listeners
as they rarely interrupt conversation.
4. Business is regarded as serious: Humor has little place in discussions. Cracking jokes during a meeting
will probably not be well received. Swiss Germans will usually get right down to business; however the
Swiss French and Swiss Italians will expect some preliminary “small talk” and may even offer you a drink.
Although the use of first names in business is becoming more common, initially address your Swiss
contact by “Mr.”, “Ms.”, or “Mrs.” until you are invited the use their first name.
5. Punctuality is necessary on all occasions: Arriving even five minutes late for a business or social
engagement can be considered offensive in Switzerland especially in German speaking areas. The French
and Italian speaking areas tend to be slightly more relaxed about time, but punctuality is still the best
policy.
Those are the some of the very important things to keep in mind when you might want to consider
migrating to Switzerland.
I’ll also give you a hint on what the Swiss people prefer to talk about in a conversation:
 They are interested in world affairs.
 The natural beauty of Switzerland and where to visit is an excellent topic.
 The distinct varieties of foods from the different subcultures are also a conversation starter.
 Sports of all kinds, especially all winter sports!
 And the excellent quality of Swiss products, for example watches and chocolate.
On the other hand, these are the things you definitely would want to avoid having as Conversation
Topics:
 Avoid asking personal questions, or discussing family, unless they bring it up at some point in
your relationship.
 It’s considered impolite to stand and talk with your hands in your pockets.
 Avoid any form of back patting.
 Point using your full hand, because pointing with your index finger is considered impolite, or
even obscene by some.
 Don’t be overly demonstrative with body language or tonality or you won’t be taken seriously.
Thank you for listening and I hope you learned a lot about the distinct communication mode that
Switzerland has.
Bon Voyage!

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