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Noting cultural differences is crucial. You should get to know your audience and their cultural differences as far in advance as possible. Non-verbal language gestures can mean one thing to one culture and something completely different to another. Some examples of cultural differences in gestures include:
- North American thumb and forefinger gesture for ‘OK’ may insult a Dane
- Pointing a finger is considered rude in China
- Shaking your head “no” can sometimes mean “yes” to Eastern Indians
- Hugging in public is unacceptable in Singapore