Here's one linguist's No. 1 tip for doing business with people in the UK

Here's one linguist's No. 1 tip for doing business with people in the UK

Here's one linguist's No. 1 tip for doing business with people in the UK

How to use understatements to make a proposal

After a comfortable rapport has been established, British business people will often make a "reasonable proposal" — something some Americans are not too familiar with and can mistake for a lack of enthusiasm, Lewis says.

Americans tend to overstate the proposal, he explains, with comments like: "This is worth a million dollars!" and "It's perfect for you!" — while the British tend to understate the proposal with a comment like, "It'll do the job."

"Just because they aren't oozing enthusiasm doesn't mean they aren't interested," Lewis says. "That's just the way they talk."

Here's one linguist's No. 1 tip for doing business with people in the UK

How to get them to make a final decision

Once the proposal is on the table, Americans like to get down to business and promptly make a decision, Lewis says — but the British are the opposite. They tend to skirt around their final answer with well-mannered jokes and anecdotes.

But don't mistake these understatements or diversions for a lack of interest. They usually know their final decision, but choose to be vague for as long as possible, Lewis says.

To get a final decision from them, Lewis suggests following their lead by being indirect and understated, just hinting at what you want, rather than being upfront about it. "With the British, it pays to understate yourself," he says.