How Do You Do?
Posted by kim on August 27th, 2009
I had a strange, eye opening experience last week. At a class we were all invited to stand up, walk around, and introduce ourselves/ Say HI! to each other. This suggestion was met with the sound of nervous laughter, uncomfortable shuffling in seats and reddening faces.
What?
Is it really such an outlandish, absurd and embarassing situation to say hello to your peers? Really? No one was invited to tell their deepest darkest secrets, or remove any items of clothing, or even stand up in front of everyone, it was a simple How Do You Do hand-wave and smile.
When people eventually did get out of their seats and start to wander around the room, several skulked towards the back after saying hello to a couple of others, one person looked as though this was the worst thing that could have ever happened – eyes down, cold sweat. What have we come to when we are so utterly shocked at the prospect of saying hi?! Oof.
Take Inigo Montoya’s advice and practice how you’ll say Hello when you meet someone! First impressions count for so much, and if someone’s first impression of you is with your eyes hitting the floor, your face red and voice stuttering…. well… that’s pretty hard to come back from! I know people can be shy, I’m shy, but saying Hi is easy peasy, muster your confidence and say it with conviction :)
