Easy as PIE: Presenting in English. Presentation article-3D
Norwegian Communication Styles
Not many people outside Norway speak Norwegian and, as a result, Norwegians have become extremely proficient foreign language speakers. It is not at all uncommon for your Norwegian counterpart to speak three or four foreign languages and English language levels are almost universally good.
Plain speaking is prized and the more diplomatic approach to communication which can be found in many of the Asian countries,(as well as the UK),can be viewed as evasiveness or even as dishonesty. If you want to convince a Norwegian, tell him the facts in a straightforward and direct manner. Norwegians will tell you they disagree when they do – and they expect the same courtesy from you.
Try not to ‘oversell’ a product or an idea. Be objective in your discussions and do not be afraid to point out any weakness in your argument – this level of honesty will bring you respect and is much more likely to reap rewards than a more self-promotional approach.
Silence is golden throughout most of Scandinavia. More is less, so if you don't have anything to say, don’t speak! Do not feel the need to fill any silence with conversation. Silence is often used as thinking time and the prelude to what will be said next.
Body language is quite minimal but do not take the lack of any overt signs of interest as disinterest. Reserve is a highly prized characteristic and it would be foolish to interpret lack of emotion as a sign of boredom or as lack of attention.
Norwegian Meetings
As is to be expected in a consensus-oriented culture, meetings can be lengthy and involve lots of open debate. As everybody has an opinion and, as each person’s opinion is worthy of consideration, meetings can sometimes appear lacking in drive and urgency. In addition to this, all opinions are expected to be backed-up with lots of empirical evidence and this level of detail can add even more to the length of a meeting.
Be aware that punctuality is of central importance in Norway. Lateness is generally not acceptable and it implies a lack of courtesy and respect for the other members present. If you are going to be late for an appointment with a Norwegian, make sure you inform them. It is difficult to over-emphasize the importance on this matter throughout Scandinavia.
Agendas are usually produced and when produced would, on the whole, be adhered to. Agendas bring the necessary structure to a wide ranging, consensus-seeking debate. Without an agenda, the meeting would run the risk of disintegrating into an aimless discussion. On the whole, Norwegians will come well prepared for meetings and expect others to do the same. It will be difficult to get people to ‘buy-in’ to an idea unless you come to the meeting armed with all the relevant facts and figures.
Meeting participants are expected to speak one at a time and interruptions are viewed as rude and unhelpful. If you wish to make a comment, raise your hand slightly and wait until the current speaker has finished. The chair will indicate when it is your turn to join in.
It is not a good idea to arrive unannounced and expect to be able to get a meeting on the spot. Book in meetings well in advance – how else can people come fully prepared?
Successful Entertaining in Norway
A tradition of business dining has slowly developed in Norway over the past ten to fifteen years, although it is nowhere near as central to the whole business relationship process as in many Asian and southern European countries.
The person who invites will usually pay the bill and meals can seem strangely formal affairs in a country which is renowned for an informal and egalitarian approach. Both knife and fork are used throughout the meal and visitors may be surprised to see that even open sandwiches will be eaten using these utensils.
Toasting is common at dinner events and it is important to reciprocate when any toasts are made. Look the person in the eye, make the toast and drink.
Although tipping is not compulsory, it is the usual custom. Ten percent should be sufficient and the money can either be left on the table or added to a credit card payment.