The French value stimulating and well-structured conversations. In Parisian cafés or at a family dinner in Lyon, conversations often revolve around politics, literature, and art. The ability to argue logically and defend opinions passionately is highly valued. Here, debates are not confrontations, but exchanges of ideas that enrich all participants.

Unwritten rules of conversation in France:

• Avoid superficial topics at first: The French enjoy deep conversations.

• Don’t be afraid to express your point of view: Well-founded personal opinions are valued.

• Use careful language: Precision in words reflects respect and culture.

• Don’t interrupt: Unlike other cultures where speaking simultaneously may be common, in France, people respect each other’s turn to speak.

In Italy, conversations are dynamic and energetic. Italians are known for their expressiveness, using gestures, tone of voice, and eye contact to emphasize their points. Unlike France, where conversation follows a more logical structure, in Italy passion and enthusiasm play a key role.

Key aspects of the Italian conversational style:

• Gesturing is normal: Hand movements accompany almost every sentence.

• Speak enthusiastically: Showing emotion when telling stories is essential to capturing attention.

• Interrupting is not frowned upon: In some cases, overlapping voices is a sign of interest and engagement.

• Eye contact is important: It shows attention and respect for the conversation.