Four steps to a correct greeting
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First impressions do count. The image you project when meeting someone for the first time can be permanent. If you smile and convey confidence and composure, you’ll make a positive and long-lasting first impression.
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If there’s no room to stand—briefly lift yourself out of your chair, extend your hand, and say, “Please excuse me for not standing. It’s nice to meet you.”
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Your smile conveys warmth and openness; looking a person in the eye clearly shows that you’re focused on them.
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The direct “How do you do?” “Hello,” or “It’s a pleasure to meet you” are all good openers. Repeating the person’s name also helps you remember it.
Q & A about shaking hands
Q: When outdoors, does a person have to remove his gloves when shaking hands? By the way, where we live, the winter temperature is often below freezing.
A: When you meet someone on the street in the dead of winter, you can leave your gloves on. If you’re wearing heavy or soiled work gloves or padded sport gloves, like ski mittens, you may simply forgo handshaking.
Q: I noticed a client sneezing into his hand. A few minutes later, my boss introduced me to him. I didn’t want to shake his hand, but I did. Was there any other option?
A: No, not really. Know that you did the right thing (assuming that your next stop was the restroom for a thorough hand washing with soap and hot water). If you didn’t shake, the client would have wondered what was wrong with you, and your boss would have been embarrassed by your actions.
When You Are Making the Introduction . . .
Look at the person you are speaking to first; then turn to the other person as you complete the introduction.
• State your introductions courteously. The basic language is well established: “I’d like to introduce . . .,” “May I introduce . . .,” “I’d like you to meet . . .,” or, more formally, “May I present . . .”
When You Are Being Introduced . . .• Listen carefully and focus on names.
“It’s nice to meet you, Liz” is an excellent way to cement the name in your memory.
If you didn’t catch a name, simply ask: “I’m sorry, but I didn’t get your last name” or “Could you please tell me your name again?”
• It’s okay to correct a mistake right up front. If the person doing the introduction makes a mistake, you can graciously say, “Actually, I go by Patti.”
When Someone Forgets to Introduce You . . .
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A scenario:
You’re talking with someone when a third person approaches. The person with you greets the new arrival but doesn’t introduce you. They start talking, and you feel like a third wheel.
Chances are the person who fails to introduce you assumes that you know the third person. Or she may have blanked on your name and is desperately hoping you’ll speak up. When there’s a little break in the conversation, address the newcomer with a pleasant “Hi, I don’t think we’ve met; I’m Andrea Stein.” Problem solved for everyone.
Self-introductions
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It may take a little courage to approach someone you don’t know, but introducing yourself is really one of the easiest introductions. After all, you only have to remember your own name. At large social events, it’s often impossible for the hosts to introduce everyone, so be prepared to introduce yourself.
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“Hello, I’m Justin Vail” is usually enough to start. A simple reply, such as “Hi Justin, I’m Maria Fuentes. It’s nice to meet you,” and you can begin a conversation.
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When introducing yourself to a group of people, you may want to explain your interest in the group. “Hi, I’m Justin Vail. This is my first Community Trails meeting and I was wondering about tonight’s agenda.” Asking for assistance or information can be an effective way to join in the conversation.