Title: Finnish body language
Course: Study PrepProg Multicultural Workplace > Section: 10 Dress code and body language

Finnish body language

Personal space is the invisible bubble we all have around us. Our personal space protects us. We use the physical distance between us and others to control our stress levels, to manage our surroundings. Finns together with other Northern Europeans kept a significantly larger distance to strangers than for example Italians, Indians, and Cameroonians. (Minna Franck/Finnwards)

Finnish body language tends to be very limited and therefore difficult to read. Over expressiveness in word or gesture is viewed with suspicion and it is better to temper one’s own body language. Do not mistake lack of visible or verbal reaction to a presentation as showing disinterest. (Keith Warburton)

The Finns are known for their cool-headed and quiet nature. Compared to many others, the Finnish culture is not a very expressive one, verbally or non-verbally. Facial expressions are a rich source of nonverbal communication. They can show many different emotions and pieces of information. Finnish culture values things like self-control, restraint, sisu and generally not bothering people with unnecessary information. Showing their emotions is not easy for many Finns. If you’re unsure, what a Finnish person mean and how are they feeling you can just ask. It’s perfectly fine to do so in the Finnish culture . (Varpu Rusila)

In Finland, shaking hands is a very common way to greet anyone from friends to colleagues in both formal and informal situations. A handshake is also commonly used when making an agreement with someone or when making up after a disagreement. A typical Finnish handshake is firm and brief. It’s customary to look the other person in the eye and say your preferred greeting—or your name, if you’re meeting someone for the first time—when you shake hands. (FinnishPod101)

Sources:

FINNISH BUSINESS COMMUNICATION STYLES (written by Keith Warburton)

Finnish Gestures to Aid Your Finnish Communication (FinnishPod101)

How to Spot an Angry Finn and Read Finnish Facial Expressions (Written by Varpu Rusila - Her Finland)

Personal space in Finland: Is everything you’ve heard true? (Minna Franck/Finnwards)