Visiting Rome, Italy on business. Need to know about nonverbal/verbal communication styles?

Question

Need to know what the nonverbal and verbal communication styles are there so I don't do something wrong or insult anyone while there? How can nonverbal and verbal communication help enhance my communication while there?

Answer 1

lol just be polite - italians are broad minded...:-) don't get offended if you see a lot of gestures - they like to use their hands and arms a lot while explaining..:-)

P.S. What would you call it when an Italian has one arm shorter than the other? A speech impediment...:-)

Answer 2

Hi! I'm Italian from Rome, and I live in NY now so I could confront the two cultures pretty well. Like the other answerer said, the only thing that Italians add to their verbal communication is a lot of gestures, but it's always a kind of sterotype, so you won;t fin exactly everybody doing it. Said that, you can avoid doing that too! :-)
For the rest, as far as communication, Italians usually find a way to communicate even if they don't understand your language, if they have to use all their body language they do, as long as the message arrives. Maybe that's why here there's this conception that all italians move their hands a lot...maybe because not everybody speaks english in Italy! Lol
Anyway, you're not required any particular verbal/non verbal thing, but I may suggest you to say "buongiorno"(til noon)/buonasera(after noon) instead of a simple "ciao" to those people you want to show formal respect to.
If you have any other question on formalities you can email me [e-mail].
Arrivederci, and have fun in beautiful Rome!

Answer 3

Well if they run their hand under their chin in an outward direction and don't look too thrilled you've likely insulted them...or if they chop one hand in the elbow fold of the other while making fist or birdie with that hand, they aint so thrilled then too.

Italians are touchy feely so don't be surprised when they come with the double kiss on the cheek thingy, or want to link thier arm in yours whether they are male or female...it was always considered acceptable--don't worry they won't think you're gay and some might actually be happy you are.

Here's a PS from me too: How do you shut an Italian up?

Have them sit on their hands...LOL

Italians are very warm, loving and dramatic people who use their whole body to express themselves when they talk.

Shame that culture is wasted here in the west. You will LOVE it. You will never meet more welcoming and friendly people and don't be afraid you won't insult them. They are used to tourists.

And as my NYC Italian friend said, learn a few niceties and don't forget the MOLTO GRAZIE...thank you very much!

Be prepared for a little cheek pinching from the grandmas if you're a cutie too. LOL

Answer 4

I heard an interview with an Italian talking about the differences between Italians and Americans. He said if you put a talking Italian in the water he's swimming. I thought that was pretty funny.

Answer 5

be careful with hand gestures. in europe there are certain movements of the hand that can indicate certain things you may or may not know that you are indicating. so...hands at your side!