"Le rendez-vous"(the appointment)

     
  • Un rendez-vous: An appointment
  • Un entretien: A business meeting or job interview.
  • J'ai rendez-vous avec... : I have an appointment with...
  • Voici ma carte: Here is my (business) card
  • Je vous présente ma collègue Madame X: allow me to introduce you to my colleague Mrs X.

NB. in French: someone is introduced to you. In English: you are introduced to someone

      

CULTURE TIPS

 

#Smiling:

French people in offices don't smile as readily as in the US.

Don't worry this does not mean that they are upset: they are reserved.

You: why not smile briefly to establish rapport and confidence, they will probably smile back.

#La Carte: the Business card

  • Note: these tend to be very sober in appearance. Do not expect all company executives to have an e-mail yet!

Check your knowledge of people's titles and functions in the "Organigramme" i.e. organizational chart. (In the section Entreprise française dans son environnement, 3.).

#Smoking, coffee drinking are eminently social activities: they are part of everyday life in offices and public places.

No guilt feelings of sinning against health !

 

#Handshakes: people shake hands all the time when they meet. Short gentle pressure of the hand only. No taping on shoulders unless you know the person very well! You will notice that men and women colleagues kiss on the cheek as an informal greeting at the work place.