OFF THE PRESS

The American Bar Association has released a new book by entrepreneur and author Terri Morrison in her “Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands” intercultural series — specifically tailored for lawyers. 

From navigating entirely different legal systems to comprehending subjective perceptions of the truth, “Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: Courtrooms to Corporate Counsels” provides a timely and useful guide for diversity, culture and international business and legal communications. This is the 10th book in Morrison’s widely acclaimed series of books that provide a roadmap to better understanding of international business etiquette, practices and cultural cues.

The latest “Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands” starts with 12 chapters on intercultural issues like diverse perceptions of crimes, trust and juries — and includes tips on negotiating strategies, decision-making and verbal and nonverbal behaviors. It also provides engaging personal anecdotes and more than 50 cross-cultural profiles.

As the book illustrates, sometimes even the most brilliant legal content gets lost in translation. Imagine the following scenarios:

• An Asian client inadvertently blurts out a grotesque insult on the witness stand.
• Hispanics on a jury start laughing at an attorney’s body language.
• A Russian negotiator seems to be lying in front of a U.S. lawyer’s face.
• A Japanese executive prefers jail time rather than tell a U.S. judge the truth.
• A legal client will not shake his own lawyer’s hand.

The book emphasizes that these incidents happen because people are not alike and that diverse languages, belief systems, business practices and traditions often make intercultural communications exceptionally complex.

Morrison, who lives near Philadelphia, has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Bloomberg, NPR and the BBC, and she has been quoted widely in publications, including in the Wall Street Journal, Asia Times, Investor’s Weekly and Fortune. The original “Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands” has sold more than 450,000 copies and is one of Inc. magazine’s top seven books on negotiating.

“Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: Courtrooms to Corporate Counsels” costs $69.95 and can be ordered by calling 800-285-2221 or online at shopaba.org.