Here are some useful phrases in French to start you off:

J'ai (un) rendez-vous avec Mr. Trichet du département marketing / personnel / vente.	I’m here to see Mr Trichet from the marketing/personnel/sales department.
Je voudrais parler avec/à Mr. Bardeaux.	I would like to speak to Mr. Fillon.
Puis-je parler avec/à Mr. Fillon? Or: Pourriez-vous me transférer au poste de Mr. Henschke?	Can you put me through to Mr Bardeaux?
Il est en réunion en ce moment.	He is in a meeting at the moment.
Est-ce que je pourrais laisser un message?	Can I leave a message?
Etes-vous libre mardi matin?	Can you do Tuesday morning?
Malheureusement je ne peux pas jeudi.	I can’t make Thursday unfortunately.
Il s’agit de quoi?	What is this in regard to/is this about?
Il s’agit de notre nouveau projet.	It is about/in regard to our new project.
Pourriez-vous m’envoyer votre nouveau prospectus?	Can you send me your new brochure?
Je vous envois volontier notre nouveau catalogue.	I’m happy to send you our new catalogue.
Puis-je vous présenter ma collègue Mme Neuve?	May I introduce my colleague Mrs Neuve.
Vous connaissez déjà notre chef de production Mr. Kruse.	You already know the production manager, Mr Kruse.
Quand est-ce que commence la réunion?	When does the meeting start?
Venez, je vous montre l’entreprise.	Come with me, I will show you the company.
Pardon? Comment?	Pardon?
Pourriez-vous épeler?	How do you spell that?
Quel est votre numéro de téléphone/email?	What is your telephone number/email address?

French Business Culture

Don’t be mislead into thinking that the French are all laid-back Mediterraneans who shy away from work – in fact, the opposite is true: the French work very hard, and very long hours, often for no paid overtime. Equally, punctuality is paramount! Just like in Germany, being on time for your meeting is an absolute must.

· However, the French do love to eat and thus they take their lunch very seriously. Lunchtime starts at 12 noon and can take up to 2 hours. Don’t try to call anyone during this time, as you won’t find them in their office and it is rude to interrupt meals with cell phone calls. If you are lucky enough to be invited to a business lunch prepare to last the distance.

The French are more expressively passionate than the English, and this can be both good and bad: they feel more positive, get more excited and offer vehement support for projects and ideas they believe in. But they also get more easily impatient and annoyed when things don’t go according to plan or if they are kept waiting. Either way, you will know about a Frenchman’s feelings. However, the French never keep a grudge for long – once they have vented their emotions they are ready to forget about the incident.

The French love philosophising. They are very cultural people and love a good lively debate. During meetings expect to be interrupted but think nothing of it. Retrieve your turn by interrupting back, no one will take offence.The French take strong pride in their country as well as in their language. Don’t expect them to speak English – often they either don’t (very well) or they won’t. At least not until you have been seen to make an effort with French. Anglicisms are frowned upon.