How to initiate small talk in French business meetings
To initiate small talk in French business meetings, it is important to begin with a formal and polite greeting such as “Bonjour, Monsieur/Madame,” accompanied by a light handshake. After greetings, engaging in intellectual and polite small talk is appreciated, typically on topics like art, culture, recent travels, sports, or food. This type of conversation helps build rapport and sets a comfortable tone before moving on to business discussions. Avoid personal or controversial topics. Some example questions to start the conversation include asking about recent exhibitions at museums, movies by French directors, or general cultural events. Politeness, respect for formality, and showing genuine interest are key elements of successful small talk in French business settings.