Communication Styles

Email Etiquette

French business emails maintain more formality than Anglo-Saxon norms:

Opening Formulas: - "Monsieur/Madame" for first contact - "Bonjour [Prénom]" once relationship established - Never just launch into content

Closing Formulas: - "Cordialement" (standard professional) - "Bien cordialement" (warmer) - "Bien à vous" (professional but friendly) - Complex formal closings for official correspondence

Email Characteristics: - Longer than American equivalents - More context and explanation - Proper grammar essential - Avoid excessive exclamation points - Attachments titled properly

Phone Etiquette

Professional Calls: - Always identify yourself immediately - Ask if it's a good time to talk - Summarize call purpose upfront - Keep mobile calls brief - Follow up important calls with email

What's Changing: Digital Communication

Younger French professionals increasingly use WhatsApp, Slack, and informal communication tools. However, generational divides exist—senior executives may expect traditional formality even in digital channels.