Most Britons are reserved by nature and often find it difficult to indulge in small talk with a complete stranger. Indeed, there are situations where idle conversation is actually frowned upon, for example when traveling on the London underground; in these circumstances, a newspaper will act as a defensive tool in public whilst also providing potential material for subsequent social intercourse in private.

For the most part, the British speak in low, moderate, measured tones without raising the voice or gesticulating wildly for emphasis. They also like to maintain their own personal space and will shy away from those they find invasive.

Britons prefer to avoid animated discussions; if an argument does become heated, it is quite likely to have been fuelled by alcohol and it may be time for you to make your excuses and withdraw.

It is always advisable to try to initiate conversation with open questions rather than an assertion of a personal point of view. The British are largely tolerant and open-minded but every nation has its bigots and many Britons derive their opinions from the tabloid press, which typically expresses itself in black-and-white terms.

A major difficulty in effective communication can be the British predilection for self-deprecation, which manifests itself frequently in the form of irony and litotes. Usage reflects the level of educational attainment but everyone tends to understate everything, whether good or bad. A pensive ‘hum’ may convey enthusiasm or hostility - or indifference. This may be disconcerting for foreigners, especially Americans, who are more accustomed to a forthright directness that Britons find embarrassing

Learn more about British conversation guidelines.

Welcome topics of conversation

• the weather (always a safe starting point)
• sport (particularly football/soccer)
• British history, culture, literature, art, and popular music
• your immediate surroundings and positive experiences in the UK

Topics to avoid

• Northern Ireland
• religion (especially if you are in Northern Ireland, Glasgow or Liverpool)
• the European Union, ‘Brussels’ and the euro
• the Middle East
• personal questions about a person’s background, religion, occupation, etc.

Read more about welcome topics of conversation or topics to avoid.

Get more information about how to schedule a business meeting, dress appropriately for a business meeting, topics to avoid or to discuss, prosperous business entertaining or the British business etiquette.

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