How To Stop The French From Being Rude

Do you speak English?

Approach a French person with these words and one of two things may happen:

• You get an answer—only it’s in rapid French and you’re left none the wiser.

• You find yourself completely ignored (and just want to pack your bags for home).

Here’s what’s really going on…

Even if they speak little to no English, most French people will understand exactly what you’ve just asked.

But they will only come to your aid as long as you play by their rules.

As Jean Taquet explained to our audience gathered in Paris last week, you’ve got to make the person before you feel that his help is needed—that he has some inner knowledge you don’t possess. Only then will he be willing to help you.

So, to initiate a conversation in English with a French person, the magic words are: Continue reading →