When Brazilians communicate, they are building and maintaining relationship first, exchanging information second. Every verbal interaction is an opportunity to strengthen connection. The social talk at the start of meetings is not preliminary to the ‘real’ business—it is essential relational work that makes the business possible. Brazilians expect communication to acknowledge the human relationship involved, not just convey content.
If you communicate in ways that ignore relationship—jumping straight to tasks, keeping things purely transactional, treating interaction as mere information exchange—something essential is missing. Brazilians will notice and feel that the communication is incomplete or cold. Effective communication with Brazilians invests in the relationship alongside whatever else you are trying to accomplish.
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