Ten Ways To Make A Positive Impression When Greeting People

1. When you greet people in person for the first time: To make a positive first impression when meeting new people, include the following as part of your greeting: a warm smile, an introduction that includes your first and last name, a welcoming comment, direct eye contact and a firm handshake, if appropriate. In order to remember the name of the person you greet, it is a good idea to repeat it. For instance, “It’s very nice to meet you Jim”.


2. If you meet people who don’t tell you their name: If this happens, ask them for their name. You might say, “I didn’t catch your name.” Repeating their name is a good way of demonstrating your interest in them.


3. When someone introduces you and does not include your name: When you are introduced to someone and the person who is making the introduction doesn’t include your name, it is likely they have forgotten it or they don’t know how to make a proper introduction. In this case, offer a greeting as described in the first tip and be sure to include your first and last name.


4. When you greet someone who likely forgot your name: When greeting someone you have not seen in a while, always take the initiative and introduce yourself by name. You could say, “Hi Jim, Ginny Baldridge; how are you doing? If I don’t remember the person’s name, I will introduce myself by sharing my name and hope they will respond by sharing theirs. If they don’t offer their name, I will say something like, “I am so sorry; would you remind me of your name?


5. Introducing friends and colleagues: If you are with a colleague having coffee or lunch and some of your friends come by and speak to you, the proper etiquette in this circumstance would be to introduce your friends who stopped by to the one you are with having coffee or lunch.


6. When you meet with a group of people you have never met: Have you ever walked into a room and there was a small group of people you didn’t know and you felt awkward and weren’t sure what to do? Perhaps at a networking event? If this happens, be proactive and introduce yourself to each member of the group. People will remember you as someone with confidence. It will also help others feel at ease.


7. When you meet with a group of people you already know: When you get together with a group of friends or colleagues, immediately greet each person with a friendly greeting. As new people join the group, be first in greeting them and they will know you are someone who cares about others.


8. When meeting with a group of people,some you know and some you do not: When in this situation, always greet the people you know and then introduce yourself to the ones you have not met yet. Again, everyone in the group feels more comfortable.


9. When you greet a receptionist: Whether you are greeting the receptionist at your doctors’ office or at the office of one of your colleagues, always introduce yourself with a warm smile and friendly greeting. It is always nice to hand the receptionist your business card to go along with your verbal introduction.


10. Show interest: When you show an interest in others and the things that you know are important to them, they will show an interest in you.