These are tips that could help you better understand and use body language in France, especially in a business environment.
The French, as a rule, are 'classically' minded. That is, they are quite more strict and direct compared, for example, to the more relaxed Americans. This takes us back in time to the manners and etiquette of French aristocracy and the bourgeoisie. In France, written communication is something formal, but it can be quite complicated, because very specific ways of expression are used depending on each situation. The important thing is not to rush and not to pressure when making decisions. Use secretaries to schedule a meeting or if you want to convey a message to one of your French business partners. Try to respect a 2-week notice when scheduling a business meeting or commitment.
Here are some more specific situations related to etiquette and conduct…
* Handshake: in France, a handshake is quick and light, with one or two movements up and down. Excessive force and movements can be perceived as an attempt to dominate. But a too-short handshake could be interpreted as mistrust.
* Kisses: there is a long tradition in France related to greeting with a kiss (une bise). This is a tradition that some even compare to an art form. There is a kiss for hello, a kiss for goodbye, a kiss on both cheeks, a kiss more than twice, a kiss for greeting, for thanks, a kiss just for kissing's sake, a simple kiss, and so on. The greeting kiss is even much more common in France than a handshake. So if you're going to do serious business in France, prepare yourself to give and receive many kisses!
La bise consists of placing one cheek against the other while making a light kissing sound, and then repeating the same from the other side. You may encounter French people who will leave wet traces on your cheeks, but usually imitating the kissing sound and touching cheek to cheek is sufficient.
Two kisses is the standard norm for most of France. But there are also regions, such as Provence, for example, where people kiss 3 times. And in Nantes the norm is even 4 kisses.
As a foreigner, it's best to expect a kiss, but wait to understand which side you start from and how many times to kiss.
* Hugs: in France, hugging is an unusual practice. No one hugs unless it's a truly emotional situation.
* Gestures: joining your thumb and index finger in an 'O' shape, which in the USA and many other parts of the world usually means 'OK' – in France means 'zero,' 'nothing,' or 'useless' (except in scuba diving, where it means 'OK'). On the other hand, the thumbs-up sign means 'OK'.
The 'victory' and 'peace' sign with your index and middle fingers spread apart like 'ears' is not used in France, except as a joke about hippies.
Eye contact is direct and straightforward, and shows interest and trust. But excessive staring is inappropriate, especially at a first meeting.
In general, smiling when meeting strangers is not as highly valued in France. Overly wide smiles are even perceived by French people as overly familiar, something disturbing, arrogant, and even foolish.
When sitting, sit directly across from the person, with your knees together (don't spread your legs). Or cross your legs at the knee. Keep your hands out of your pockets. Your feet should rest on the ground (or close to it) – never put them on tables, chairs, etc.
During a business lunch in France, which is more formal and lengthy, it is important to keep your hands on the table, never in your lap. People begin eating when the host asks, begins, or invites you to do so.
Avoid tapping with an open palm on the fist of your other hand, because in France this is considered a vulgar gesture.
If you don't speak French well, an apology can go a long way in developing relationships. But it is always a sign of respect when you learn and use at least a few key phrases. The French love lengthy debate, thereby demonstrating how intelligent and well-read they are.
In business environments in France, trust is earned through the right attitude. That's why it's important to learn the etiquette and nuances of communication.
And to learn French really well, sign up for a course at Kabinata.com!