Local conventions.
WHAT TENDS TO BE EXPECTED LOCALLY
Formality in first contact Courtesy before substance Titles used where held Written confirmation of verbal agreements
WHY FORMALITY MATTERS
It signals respect, and its absence is noticed.
WHAT TO USE IN FIRST CONTACT
Full greeting, correct title, and clear purpose.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
How the other party prefers to communicate.
WHY
Preferences differ substantially between organisations.
WHAT CHANNELS ARE ACTUALLY USED
Messaging platforms, heavily Email, for formal matters Telephone, for anything urgent
WHAT THAT MEANS PRACTICALLY
Important messages sent only by email may not be seen quickly.
WHAT TO DO
Send formally, and notify through the channel they check.
WHAT TO ALWAYS CONFIRM IN WRITING
Anything agreed verbally: price, scope, dates.
WHY
Recollection differs, and written records resolve disputes.
WHAT TO SEND AFTER ANY MEETING
A short summary of what was agreed.
WHY THAT SIMPLE HABIT MATTERS
It prevents most commercial disagreements.
WHAT TO BE CAREFUL WITH
Assuming silence means agreement Assuming urgency is shared
WHAT TO DO ABOUT FOLLOW-UP
Expect to do it, politely and persistently.
WHAT TO AVOID
Reading delay as disrespect.
WHAT TO ADJUST WHEN WRITING INTERNATIONALLY
Formality downward, clarity upward.
