Ordering at a Fast Food Restaurant in the US
“I did not order inside a fast food restaurant until I was in the US for a few years!” “I did not even attempt to use a drive through for several years after living in the US!” These are a few answers my friends from India had to the questions, “How long did […]
Restaurant Etiquette and Business Dining in the USA
When you visit the USA for business or tourism, you may be invited out to eat with your friends or colleagues. This post will provide a high-level overview to restaurant etiquette and business dining in both casual and formal situations in the USA. What are the meal times? If you are planning to go […]
Eating With Hands in the US With Colleagues – Yes or No?
One of the most common questions Indians especially from Kerala and Tamil Nadu ask me about their business trip to the US is, “Is eating with hands in the US with colleagues acceptable?” Jennifer eats typical Onasadya (onam feast) with her hand. Food may be served like this on special holidays in south Indian offices. While many […]
English Customer Service Phrases
This post lists some phrases, sentences, questions or strategies you can use in various parts of customer service or support calls to make your interactions more conversational rather than transactional. General Communication Tips: Must show empathy Listen (don’t just hear, listen) Smile, SMILE and …. SMILE! – Yes, a listener CAN make out if you […]
How to Give “Negative Feedback” in a Positive Way
Are you struggling with how to give this “negative feedback” in a positive or sensitive way that is empathetic, yet encouraging? While there are many approaches one could take to tackling these kinds of difficult discussions, today I’d like to suggest an approach that works with most people with a bit of forethought. I suggest […]
Packing Your Suitcase to the US
It’s important to know what should and should not be packed in your bags, both your carry on bag and check in bags when traveling to the US. In addition to the Indian baggage handlers, the immigration officials and security check at the airport of entry in the US will be very strict in what […]
How to Dress for Onsite Visits to the US
Dress to impress. Before even opening one’s mouth, an impression is made through the clothing and body language one presents in front of the other person. The discussion and videos in this post will offer suggestions for males and females on how to dress for success in a professional environment in the US. Comparison for […]
5 No-Nos When Writing Professional Emails
The below five tips are suggested to avoid at work when interacting over email by the Business Insider. I will share their tips, along with how they apply to the majority of the companies I work with and the feedback from US clients and counterparts. 5 No-Nos When Writing Professional Emails 1. Waiting to respond […]
Different Ways to Say No – Video Tutorials
The videos in this post will showcase a wide variety of approaches to saying no, pushing back or declining requests in a polite way with Americans and while using English with native speakers. A 4 Step Process to Saying No 5 Ways to Deliver Bad News Sometimes we have to tell clients, customers or […]
How to Overcome Negativity
Question: If you had a friend, colleague or acquaintance you knew had potential but was always saying negative things, how would you respond? How can I overcome negativity? What if you have already tried techniques like changing the subject, trying to find the positive in the negative, or ignoring the negativity? (And, still after trying […]
Categories
- Build Your Career
- Business English for Non-Native Speakers
- Case Studies
- Coach Yourself
- Coaching For Coaches
- Global Careers
- How You Succeed with Us
- India: Culture & Lifestyle
- India: Work Culture
- Leadership Skills
- Personal and Career Confidence
- Uncategorized
- Understand American Psyche
- USA & India: Elevate Relationships
- USA: Business Culture
- USA: Expat Life
- Well-Wishers & Supporters
Related Posts
-
Strategic Questions for Stand-Ups: Engage Teams and US Clients
January 3, 2026 -
Rethinking Cross-Cultural Do’s and Don’ts
October 13, 2025 -
How to Rewrite Your Story
June 5, 2022 -
Challenge Every Thought, Free Your Time & Mind
May 19, 2022 - About Authentic Journeys
- Articles
- Business English Consulting
- Coaching Strategies
- Conflict Management
- Cultural Studies
- Email & Business Writing
- Expat Programs
- Get and Keep US Clients
- Goal Setting
- ICF Core Competencies
- Idioms and Phrases
- Indian Holidays
- Inspirational Stories
- Managing Global Teams
- Media
- Media Engagements
- Move to and Live in India
- Move to and Live in the USA
- Negotiation Skills
- News Articles
- Offshore Teams
- Presentation Skills
- Rapport Building With Americans
- Self-Help
- Small Talk
- Solution Focused
- StandUp Meetings
- Testimonials
- Training Programs
- US English
- US Holidays
- Working Across Cultures
- Working with Indians
