Greetings Presentation Slides Bonjour, Docteur
Formal Greetings & Professional Titles
Lesson 1: Professional Introductions Sequence
The First Five Seconds
"In French culture, the greeting is not just a formality—it is a social contract."
Observe the subtle shifts in distance and gaze between different status levels.
How does the choice of title change the power dynamic immediately?
Key Discussion Questions
When do you use a first name?
Is "Bonjour" always enough?
Why does 'Vous' persist in academia?
Navigating the Hierarchy
The "Golden" Standard
Monsieur / Madame Use with the last name in formal settings. NEVER with the first name.
Monsieur le Professeur Highly formal, used when addressing senior faculty or in public settings.
Academic Nuance
Cher(e) Collègue Common in written correspondence between equals (e.g., Post-doc to Post-doc).
Maître Specific title for lawyers and some senior academic/legal positions.
Pro-tip: When in doubt, scale up the formality. It is easier to be invited to use "tu" later than to recover from a "tu" faux pas.
The Three-Step Opening
1
L'Adresse (The Title)
"Bonjour, Madame Durand." (Not just "Bonjour")
2
L'Introduction (Self)
"Je m'appelle [Nom], je suis doctorant(e) à [Université]."
3
Le Plaisir (The Politeness)
"Enchanté(e) de faire votre connaissance."
Formal Protocol Worksheet Protocole de Salutation
Formal Greetings & Professional Protocol Workshop
NOM:
DATE:
1
Analyse de Registre
For each scenario below, identify the appropriate greeting and the title you would use. Explain your choice based on social hierarchy.
A. You are attending a keynote at a conference in Paris. You want to introduce yourself to the speaker, a senior researcher (Dr. Martin), during the coffee break.
Greeting + Title
Rationale
B. You meet a fellow PhD student from the University of Geneva during a workshop. You are both the same age and career stage.
Greeting + Title
Rationale
2
Le Script en Trois Étapes
Using the 3-step protocol (Adresse, Introduction, Plaisir), draft a formal introduction for yourself as if meeting a Department Head at a Francophone university.
Étape 1: L'Adresse (Greeting + Official Title)
Étape 2: L'Introduction (Name + Academic Affiliation + Role)
Étape 3: Le Plaisir (Formal Closing/Politeness)
3
Réflexion Culturelle
Why is omitting the title (e.g., just saying "Bonjour" instead of "Bonjour, Monsieur") often perceived as a sign of disrespect in French professional culture?
Elevator Pitch Slides Le Pitch Académique
The 30-Second Research Identity
Lesson 2
Skill-Building
The "Three-Word" Challenge
L'Exercice
Summarize your entire thesis or professional role in exactly three French nouns.
Mot 1
Objet?
Mot 2
Méthode?
Mot 3
Impact?
Example: Cerveau. Imagerie. Diagnostic.
Anatomy of an Intro
1
L'Affiliation
"Je suis [Doctorant / Chercheur] à [Université/Labo]."
2
Le Domaine
"Je travaille sur [Sujet] dans le domaine de [Discipline]."
3
L'Objectif
"Mon but est de [Verbe à l'infinitif] pour comprendre..."
Vocabulary Bank
Analyser Analyze
Concevoir Design
Évaluer Evaluate
Améliorer Improve
Développer Develop
Votre Domaine d'Expertise
Sciences Humaines
L'histoire, la sociologie, la philosophie, les lettres.
Sciences Dures
La physique, la chimie, la biologie, les mathématiques.
Droit & Économie
Le droit public/privé, la gestion, les sciences économiques.
Ingénierie
L'informatique, le génie civil, l'intelligence artificielle.
Arts & Design
Les arts plastiques, l'architecture, la musicologie.
Santé
La médecine, la pharmacie, les neurosciences.
Elevator Pitch Worksheet Le Pitch Académique
Research Identity & Professional Intro Builder
Nom: ________________________
Date: ________________________
1
Le Défi des Trois Mots (The 3-Word Challenge)
Distill your current research or professional focus into three precise French nouns.
Objet (Subject)
Méthode (Method)
Impact (Impact)
2
Construction du Pitch
A. L'Identité
State your role and institution.
Je suis doctorant(e) en [Discipline] à [Université]...
B. Le Sujet
What are you working on right now?
Mes recherches portent sur / Je travaille sur...
C. L'Objectif
Why does it matter?
L'objectif est de [analyser/créer/comprendre]...
3
Rédaction Finale (Draft)
Aim for: ~50 words Estimated speaking time: 30 seconds
Conseil: Avoid overly technical jargon. If a first-year undergraduate can't understand it, it's too complex for a networking mixer.
Tu vs Vous Slides Tu vs Vous
Sociolinguistic Norms
Navigating the cultural logic of professional address
The Distance Spectrum
Le "Vous" de Courtoisie
It is not just about "formal" vs "informal." It is about social distance and respect for space.
"Vous" protects both parties by maintaining a professional boundary.
The transition to "Tu" is almost always initiated by the person of higher status.
Always Start with "Vous"
Professors, Supervisors, Strangers, Elders.
Maybe "Tu"?
Fellow students, close colleagues (after time), in "start-up" cultures.
The Case of the Professional Faux Pas
Analysis: The Premature "Tu"
"Bonjour Jean, merci pour ton email. Peux-tu m'envoyer le rapport?"
If Jean is a senior director and you are an intern, this is seen as familiarité excessive.
It implies you view yourselves as social equals before that equality has been established.
The Consequence:
Perception of lack of professional maturity or cultural awareness.
Crossing the Bridge
"On peut se tutoyer?"
How and when to switch pronouns.
Wait for it
Wait for the senior party to suggest it explicitly.
Mirroring
If they use "Tu" with you, check if it's general or specific to you.
Safety First
If you are unsure, stay with "Vous." Nobody is offended by too much respect.
Tu vs Vous Case Studies Études de Cas: Le Registre
Sociolinguistic Norms & Pragmatic Competence
CONFIDENTIEL / ACADÉMIQUE
SESSION 3: PROTOCOLE SOCIAL
STUDENT:
DATE:
Analyze the following scenarios based on French professional norms. Determine which pronoun (Tu or Vous) is appropriate and justify your choice based on the relationship dynamics.
CASE 01: The Lab Email
From: Lucas (Master's Student)
To: Dr. Vernier (Lab Director)
"Bonjour, je voulais te demander si le labo est ouvert demain. Merci!"
Is this appropriate? Why or why not?
Suggested Correction:
CASE 02: The Coffee Break
You are a first-year PhD student. You are having coffee with a third-year PhD student in your department. They have been very helpful and friendly. They address you as "Tu."
How should you respond? (Tu or Vous?)
Rationale:
CASE 03: The Professional Invitation
During a faculty dinner, a senior professor says to you: "Oh, vous savez, on peut se tutoyer ici, c'est plus simple."
What does this signify about your status in the group?
Scheduling Success Slides Prendre RDV
Scheduling & Logistics
Lesson 4: Managing the Academic Calendar
The Clock & The Calendar
L'Heure (Time)
À quelle heure ? At what time?
Vers 14h00 Around 2 PM
Le matin / L'après-midi Morning/Afternoon
Le Jour (The Day)
Lundi, Mardi, Mercredi... Mon, Tue, Wed...
La semaine prochaine Next week
Le [Date] On the [Date]
Cultural Note: The 24h Clock
In French professional settings, always use the 24-hour clock for writing and speaking.
15h30
3:30 PM
09h00
9:00 AM
Proposer un Créneau
The Polite Inquiry
"Seriez-vous disponible le [Jour] à [Heure] ?"
Would you be available on [Day] at [Time]?
The Casual Suggestion
"Est-ce que ça vous convient ?"
Does that work for you?
The Direct Option
"Je suis libre toute la matinée."
I am free all morning.
Confirming the Plan
Accepter
"C'est parfait pour moi."
"D'accord, entendu."
"C'est noté, à lundi !"
Refuser (Poliment)
"Je suis désolé(e), je ne suis pas libre."
"Malheureusement, j'ai déjà un cours."
"Est-ce qu'on peut décaler ?"
Calendar Clash Worksheet JANVIER 17
Calendrier Académique
Scheduling & Logistics Workshop
NOM: _________________________
ID: #SC-2026
1
Le Format 24 Heures
Convert the following times to the standard French professional format (24h).
8:30 AM
4:15 PM
12:00 PM (Noon)
9:45 PM
2
Négociation de Créneau
You are a student trying to schedule a brief meeting with your advisor, Professor Moreau. Fill in the blanks with appropriate polite formulas.
VOUS:
Bonjour Monsieur le Professeur. (1) __________________________________ pour discuter de mon projet ?
[Ask if he is free this week]
PROFRE:
"Je suis très occupé cette semaine. Je suis libre seulement jeudi à 16h00."
VOUS:
(2) __________________________________ . Malheureusement, j'ai déjà un séminaire à cette heure-là.
[Politely decline the Thursday slot]
(3) __________________________________ vendredi matin à 10h00 ?
[Propose a different time]
3
Le Casse-tête du Calendrier
TASK: Find a single 30-minute block where ALL three participants are free.
MARC:
Libre : 09h00 - 11h00
Occupé : 11h00 - 14h00
Libre : 14h00 - 17h00
JULIE:
Occupée : 09h00 - 13h30
Libre : 13h30 - 15h00
Occupée : 15h00 - 17h00
VOUS:
Libre : 08h00 - 10h30
Occupé(e) : 10h30 - 14h30
Libre : 14h30 - 18h00
THE MEETING SLOT:
Networking Mixer Instructions Cocktail de Networking
Final Simulation Phase
Pass Événement
PARIS 2026
Objectif Global
Navigate a professional reception. You must establish your credibility, learn about others' research, and manage your social energy effectively while respecting French sociolinguistic norms.
Checklist de Mission
Introduce yourself to at least 3 people.
Exchange one contact method (email/LinkedIn).
Politely exit at least two conversations.
Critères d'Évaluation
Protocol
Greeting + Title Usage
Pitch
Clarity of research identity
Pragmatics
Appropriate use of Tu/Vous
"La courtoisie est la clé de la porte académique."
The Art of the Exit (Lexique de sortie)
To move to someone else:
"Je vous prie de m'excuser, je vois un collègue que je dois saluer."
"C'était un plaisir, je vais continuer mon tour."
To close and connect:
"Ravi(e) de vous avoir rencontré(e). On reste en contact ?"
"Voici ma carte, n'hésitez pas à m'envoyer un email."
Networking Mixer Slides Bienvenue au Cocktail
The Networking Simulation
Culminating Performance Task
The Scenario
Lieu: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
You are at the closing reception of the "Conférence Internationale sur l'Innovation Académique."
L'Ambiance
The room is crowded. You have a glass of water/juice. Your goal is to meet potential collaborators or future colleagues.
The "Beverage" Menu
Vin Blanc / Rouge White / Red Wine
Eau Pétillante Sparkling Water
Jus d'Orange Orange Juice
Petit Four Appetizer
Règles du Jeu
To-Do List
Circulate the room constantly.
Use your 30-second pitch.
End conversations politely.
Forbidden Zone
No English allowed. (Strict!)
No "Salut" or "Tu" with Professors.
Don't stay with the same person for >5 min.
Bonne Chance!
"You have the tools. You have the pitch. You have the protocol. Now, go build your French network."
Commencez!
Sequence Answer Key Guide Guide du Professeur
Answer Keys & Implementation Guide
Sequence: Professional Introductions
FOR INSTRUCTOR USE ONLY
Lesson 1: Formal Protocol
Scenario A (Senior Researcher):
"Bonjour, Monsieur le Docteur Martin" or "Bonjour, Monsieur Martin." Use "Vous." Rationale: Professional hierarchy and formal public setting.
Scenario B (Peer Student):
"Salut" (if casual) or "Bonjour [Prénom]." Use "Tu" (after initial introduction). Rationale: Social and professional equals in a workshop setting.
Lesson 3: Tu vs Vous Cases
Case 01 (The Lab Email):
INAPPROPRIATE. The student used "te" (Tu) with a Lab Director. This is too familiar.
Correction:
"Bonjour Monsieur le Docteur Vernier, je voulais vous demander si le labo est ouvert..."
Case 02 (The Coffee Break):
Generally, use "Tu" back. In French student culture, PhD students usually tutoyent each other, even with seniority differences. Using "Vous" back might seem cold or distant.
Lesson 4: Calendar Clash
The 24h Clock Conversion:
08h30 | 16h15 | 12h00 | 21h45
The Solution to the Calendar Challenge:
14h30 - 15h00
Logic: Marc (14:00-17:00), Julie (13:30-15:00), You (14:30-18:00). The overlap is 14:30-15:00.
Implementation Tips
Scaffolding:
Encourage students to keep their Pitch Worksheet visible during the Lesson 5 simulation as a "security blanket."
Assessment:
Use a tally system during the mixer to track how many times you hear "tu" misused with "professors" (role-played by the teacher).
