If you need to discuss marine biology in France without dissolving into laughter, mastering the phonology of phoque and pousser is straightforward.
First, pronounce the vowel in phoque correctly. The French /ɔ/ is produced with the lips rounded, the tongue pulled slightly back, and the jaw dropped lower than for the English "uh" sound. It sounds closer to the vowel in the British pronunciation of "lock" or "fork" (without the r-coloring) than the English short "u." Ensure the final /k/ is crisp and un-aspirated.
Second, emphasize syllable boundaries in the verb phrase. Pronounce m'a as a rapid leading sound, then place a distinct, deliberate accent on the second syllable of poussé: poo-SAY. The French "ou" is a tight /u/ sound, formed with tightly pursed lips, completely distinct from the lax vowel in the English word "puss."
Finally, pronounce hier cleanly. In standard French, the initial "h" is completely silent. The word begins with a palatal glide /j/ (like the "y" in "yes") and finishes with an open vowel and a soft uvular fricative: /jɛʁ/.
