Finland: Conversation

From ExecutivePlanet.com

Conversation

Finns are very minimalistic in giving compliments. After some time, a foreigner gets a feeling that compliments are almost non-existent. On getting compliments, Finns just thank and don’t dwell on it. But then in organizational surveys Finns always complain that they get so little feedback. Compliments are viewed with suspicion if they suspect that it is too sweet or flattering and has no basis in reality.

The Finns are generally quite tolerant of newcomers to their country.

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Finns are private people who tend to avoid public displays of emotion. Unlike neighbouring Russians, Finns are not very touchy, especially the men. Backslapping is rarely seen in Finland and is perceived as very patronising.

When talking to a Finn, remember not to group Finns together with citizens of other Nordic countries, particularly not Sweden.

Many foreigners find the Finns' tolerance of silence strange. Finns avoid small talk as they feel uncomfortable with small talk.

Finns never interrupt when someone is speaking and tend to distrust those who talk too much.