Non-Verbal Communication
Body Language
French body language tends toward expressiveness within boundaries:
Common Gestures: - Puffing air through lips: Skepticism or "I don't know" - Pulling down lower eyelid: "I don't believe you" - Fingertips together: Precision or "perfect" - Hand rotation at wrist: "So-so" or uncertainty - Nose tap: "It's a secret" or cleverness
Personal Space and Touch
Professional Contexts: - Handshakes firm but brief - Minimal touching beyond greeting - Closer standing distance than Anglo-Saxon - Eye contact maintained - Gestures while speaking common
Social Contexts: - Light arm touches during conversation - Cheek kisses for greeting (la bise) - Animated hand movements - Expressive facial reactions - Closer physical proximity
Facial Expressions
French facial expressions tend toward subtlety:
Key Expressions: - Slight lip purse: Contemplation or disagreement - Raised eyebrow: Skepticism or interest - Subtle smile: Appreciation or irony - Direct gaze: Engagement and respect - Looking away: Processing or disinterest