法国礼仪(下)

　　 法国人的浪漫众所周知，但是在商业谈判时，并不是什么都可以随意支配的，必要的谈判礼仪也是不可或缺的。同法国人进餐，该怎么表现得当呢？且看我们分解。

　　

　　Business Negotiation 商业谈判

　　 ◆French business emphasizes courtesy and a fair degree of formality.

　　 ◆Business is conducted slowly. You will have to be patient and not appear ruffled by the strict adherence to protocol. Avoid confrontational behaviour or high-pressure tactics. It can be counterproductive. The French will carefully analyze every detail of a proposal, regardless of how minute. Business is hierarchical. Decisions are generally made at the top of the company.

　　 ◆The French are often impressed with good debating skills that demonstrate an intellectual grasp of the situation and all the ramifications. Never attempt to be overly friendly. The French generally compartmentalize their business and personal lives. High-pressure sales tactics should be avoided. The French are more receptive to a low-key, logical presentation that explains the advantages of a proposal in full. When an agreement is reached, the French may insist it be formalized in an extremely comprehensive, precisely worded contract.

　　

　　Dinner Manner's True or False! 餐桌礼仪对与错

　　1. You should place your napkin in your lap immediately after being seated.

　　False. Once the lady of the house places her napkin in her lap, other guests should follow suit.

　　2. Your bread should go in the upper left edge of your plate.

　　False. Bread is placed directly on the tablecloth, unless it is a formal meal in which bread plates are used.

　　3. When the aperitif is served, you wait for the host to give the toast before drinking.

　　True. You should wait for the host to lead the way, whether an aperitif or dinner course. Once everyone has been served a drink, the host will generally make a short toast after which the glass-clinking begins. It is polite to make eye contact as you say, “Santé.”

　　4. You should tear your bread into a bite-sized piece before eating it.

　　True. It is very impolite to take a bite from the whole piece of bread.

　　5. If someone asks you to pass the salt, you pass both the salt and pepper.

　　False. In the U.S., the salt and pepper are “married,” meaning they should always stay together on the table. In France if you are asked for the salt, you simply pass the salt.

　　6. After each course, you should wipe your plate with a piece of bread.

　　True. However, this should be done gently as a means of cleaning the plate for the next course, not slopping up the leftover sauce. It is more polite to use a piece of bread on your fork, rather than in your hand. In a more formal setting, each course is served on a new plate, so cleaning the plate is not necessary.

　　7. Wine glasses should be filled up to five millimeters from the brim.

　　False. When pouring wine, stop when the glass is three-fourths full.

　　8. When invited for apéros, you should bring a gift for the hostess.

　　False. For apéros, no gift is necessary. If you are invited for dinner, you should bring a gift for the hostess. Good ideas are flowers, a good bottle of wine, or a pre-agreed dessert or cheese dish.（责编：张雯）