To begin teaching etiquette we will start with simple introductions. Introducing yourself or saying “hello” is often the first impression you make about yourself and how you see other people. It is only fitting that training in etiquette begin here. When you stop to greet someone you are taking time out of your day to show that person you care enough to greet them. It shows you have respect for them and that you know they are there and they know you are not ignoring them.
The Proper Hello
A proper hello begins with looking at the person in the eyes, smiling, and kindly saying “hello”. Simple yet it says so much about you and what you think of those around you.
When someone enters a room you stop what you are doing and say “hello”. You can say, “Hello, so nice to see you today” or “Hi, how are you today?”.
If you pass someone in a hallway or in close quarters is it proper to give a kind hello to acknowledge their presence.
When you are being introduced to someone look them in the eye and with a smile say hello.
If someone walks into a room and you are seated it is polite to stand up and say hello. For instance, if you are on your computer and someone comes into the room or over for a visit it is proper to stop what you are doing, stand up and greet him or her kindly.
The Proper Introduction
If you introducing yourself then look the person in the eye give a warm smile and say, “Hello, I’m Kara. It is nice to meet you.”
If you are being introduced to someone you response should be, “Hello, Aaron. It is nice to meet you. I am Quinn.”
If you did not catch someone’s name right away it is okay to say, “Did you say, Kara? Nice to meet you.”
Try to use the other person’s name right away to remember it.
Practice these skills by role playing with your child.