At school, with friends, or at work, greeting people is a frequent occurrence and a skill that is important to master. Here are some easy steps to greet the people you meet in a sincere, open and appropriate way.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Informal, with Someone You Don't Know
Step 1. Approach the person
It is important to walk safely and with a smile. Coming by surprise is reserved for stalkers.
Step 2. Make eye contact before saying goodbye
When you've done that, say "Hi, how are you?" or something equally friendly.
Use the appropriate jargon for the circumstance. If everyone in your area says "Hello" or "Welcome" use those greetings
Step 3. Wait until it recognizes you
When he says hello, smile and introduce yourself.
You could add information about how you know them, or why they know you. For example, "Hi, I'm Carlo. We took the same course last semester." This will help avoid awkward situations or silences if they don't recognize you
Step 4. Start a conversation
You will probably want to meet this person you just introduced yourself to. If you have something in common, talk about that. For example, you could say, "You still like Pink Floyd," or "I'd like to talk to you for a few minutes, because we don't shelter from the rain!"
Step 5. Accept the reaction of your interlocutor
If he looks at you oddly and runs away, don't chase him. Not only could you scare him, but you could get in trouble. If he smiles and starts talking to you, congratulations, you've successfully greeted someone and you've probably found a new friend!
Method 2 of 3: Formal, to Introduce Yourself
Step 1. Pay attention to your manners
The polite way to greet someone who has just been introduced to you is "Good evening, Laura, nice to meet you."
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Offer a handshake, and if accepted, use a firm but not too strong grip.
Properly Greet Someone Step 6Bullet1 -
You ask, "How are you doing?" This will help break the ice, and give the other person a chance to greet you in turn. Remember that whatever happens in their life, people will always answer "Good" when someone asks them how it's going. Be ready to move on to the next topic. Notice anything about them, what they are wearing, or if the landlord told you what job your new acquaintance does, talk about that.
Properly Greet Someone Step 6Bullet2
Step 2. Find some light topics to get started
To continue the conversation, you can talk about the climate, the family, your travels, the restaurants in the area, or other topics of general interest. Don't try to impress. Try to be personable, approachable, and polite.
Step 3. Stay alert
If your interlocutor is constantly looking around, or is always checking his watch, it is a clear sign that he is not interested in talking to you. Apologize politely, and go for a drink.
Method 3 of 3: Formal, to Present Yourself in the Work Environment
Step 1. Be confident, and greet the other person in a friendly but professional way
Step 2. Consider the hierarchy
If you are greeting a colleague or peer you can be informal. "Hi, Davide, nice to meet you. I've heard great things about you, and I'm looking forward to working with you."
- If you've met someone far above you or an honored and respected member of your community, don't use their name but their title. "Good morning Dr. Rossi, it's a pleasure to meet you." it's much more professional and will make a better impression than saying "Hi Mario, what's up?"
- You may want to greet your subordinate in the same way. "Good morning, Mr. Bianchi, nice to meet you." it will give the idea that you expect to be greeted with the same professionalism.
Step 3. Talk briefly about work, and then move on
Nobody likes being forced into a conversation they can't get out of, especially in the workplace. Don't get a reputation for someone who can't shut up!
Advice
- Always smile and speak clearly. Above all, look your interlocutor in the eye. This will let the other person know that they have your full attention.
- If you don't know the person's name, you can say "nice to meet" or "nice to see them again".
- Or, you can ask politely, saying "It's good to see her again; sadly, I've forgotten her name." It might sound rude, but it's much better than using the wrong name.
Warnings
- Don't be too sure of yourself, people might find it annoying.
- Don't approach someone who doesn't want to talk to you (watch their body language to understand it).
- Remember that greetings vary from culture to culture. Even though the Western convention of the handshake has become so common that it is no longer misunderstood anywhere in the world, pay attention to the finer details. In Asia, for example, people are much less open to eye contact.
- If the other person asks you how you are first, it is polite to answer and reciprocate the question.
