Face  To  Face  Communica-ons  Gree-ngs,  Introduc-ons,  Casual  Business  Conversa-ons  

Donald  M.  Hun-ngton  Execu-ve  In  Residence  

Business Communications, Meetings & Presentations

Goals of Face To Face Communication

  Put  the  other  person  (people)  at  ease.   Make  a  posi-ve/effec-ve  impression.    Facilitate  effec-ve  exchange  of  informa-on.  

Stand up when you greet someone

  Show  respect.    Take  ini-a-ve.  

BASIC  RULES  

Smile

  Facial  expression  says  more  than  words.    Look  pleased  to  be  there.  

BASIC  RULES  

Make eye contact

  Look  ‘em  in  the  eye.    It  says  you’re  focused  and  interested.  

BASIC  RULES  

Introduce yourself immediately

  Don’t  stand  around  wai-ng  for  someone  else  to  go  first.    If  appropriate,  share  something  about  you  and  ask  something  about  the  other  person(s).  

BASIC  RULES  

Offer a firm handshake

  Be  confident,  at-­‐ease.    Grip  should  be  firm  but  not  bone-­‐crushing.    It’s  okay  for  women  to  ini-ate  the  handshake.  

BASIC  RULES  

Learn how to make smooth introductions

  Introduce  less  dis-nguished  people  to  more  dis-nguished.  

  Say  the  more  dis-nguished  person’s  name  first.  

  “Professor  Schu-e,  I’d  like  to  introduce  my  student,  Claire  Smith.”  

BASIC  RULES  

Pay attention to names

  Concentrate  when  you  meet  someone  new.    Repeat  their  name  to  help  you  remember  –  “It’s  nice  to  meet  you,  Miss  Smith.”  

  ForgeUng  names  is  really  embarrassing!  

BASIC  RULES  

Use first names only with permission

  BeWer  to  err  on  side  of  formality  (Mr.,  Ms.,  Dr.,  etc.).   Most  people  will  quickly  give  you  permission  to  use  first  name.  

BASIC  RULES  

How to have a Business Conversation

Step 1

 Get  to  know  your  conversa-on  partner.      Learn  about  your  colleague  by  asking…  

   How  he  is     Where  he  comes  from     Other  benign  but  revealing  ques-ons.  

How  to  have  a  Business  Conversa:on  

Step 2

  Locate  some  common  ground.      Find  out  what  similari-es  you  have.    Then  slowly  move  toward  business  oriented  conversa-on:   What  your  companies  or  departments  have  in  common  

  Trends  in  your  industry    Specific  topic  if  that’s  the  purpose.  

How  to  have  a  Business  Conversa:on  

Step 3

  Listen  aWen-vely.    Respond  with  quick  comments  throughout  the  business  conversa-on.    

  Let  the  other  person  talk.  

How  to  have  a  Business  Conversa:on  

Step 4

  Compliment  your  conversa-on  partner  throughout  the  exchange.    

  People  like  to  receive  praise  from  -me  to  -me.  

How  to  have  a  Business  Conversa:on  

Step 5

 Make  your  points  in  a  firm  but  concise  way.    Everyone  is  short  on  -me,  and  you  don't  want  to  cause  any  -me  management  issues.  

How  to  have  a  Business  Conversa:on  

Step 6

  Close  with  a  handshake  and  a  smile.      Leave  your  partner  with  a  posi-ve  and  professional  impression.  

How  to  have  a  Business  Conversa:on  

Tips and Warnings

  Leave  unprofessional  words  such  as  such  as  “hey”,  "cool,"  "awesome"  and  "like"    out  of  your  business  conversa-ons.  Do  not  begin  sentences  with,  “So…”.  

  Avoid  controversial  topics  such  as  poli-cs  and  religion.  

 When  highligh-ng  your  professional  accomplishments,  don't  brag.  

How  to  have  a  Business  Conversa:on