Greeting Mechanics Slides GREETING MECHANICS
The Anatomy of a Professional First Impression
Office Handshake
What Just Happened?
We're about to watch some "Awkward Handshake" moments. Look for:
The Timing
Was it too early or late?
The Distance
Were they too close or far?
Why do these moments feel so uncomfortable?
#1: The Eyes
01
Look & Lock
Aim for the "Friendly Triangle" (eye to eye to mouth). Avoid staring or looking at the floor.
The Smile
A small, natural smile shows you are friendly and open to talking.
#2: The Handshake
02
1
Web-to-Web
Slide your hand in so the 'web' between your thumb and index finger meets theirs.
2
Firm, Not Fierce
Grip like you're holding a door handle. Avoid the "Dead Fish" or the "Bone Crusher."
3
Two Pumps
Two quick up-and-down motions from the elbow. Then, release.
#3: The Voice
03
"Hello, [Name]. It's nice to meet you."
Volume
Loud enough for someone 5 feet away to hear clearly.
Speed
Slow down. Pronounce every syllable of your own name.
The Comfort Zone
In a professional setting, we use Social Distance.
3 to 4 feet away (Arm's length)
No hugging or "Bro-hugs"
No leaning in too close
3-4 FT
The "Respectful Radius"
TIME TO PRACTICE!
Workshop Activity
1 Find a partner. Stand 3 feet apart.
2 Eye contact & Smile.
3 Firm handshake (2 pumps).
4 Say: "Hello, I'm [Your Name]."
Handshake Hero Worksheet HANDSHAKE HERO
Professional Greeting Checklist
STUDENT NAME
DATE
01
Greeting Anatomy Breakdown
Rate your current comfort level with each component of a greeting (1 = Need Practice, 5 = Mastered).
Eye Contact
Looking at the person's "friendly triangle."
1
2
3
4
5
Firm Handshake
Web-to-web contact, medium pressure.
1
2
3
4
5
Clear Voice
Volume and speed that is easy to understand.
1
2
3
4
5
02
Workshop Practice Log
Partner Name Eyes & Smile Handshake Greeting Phrase
03
Personal Space Reflection
When I am greeting a supervisor, I should stand about ________ feet away.
Draw a simple stick figure diagram of two people at a "Professional Distance" below:
Why is a "Bro-Hug" not professional?
Greeting Workshop Teacher Guide GREETING WORKSHOP
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson Duration
60 Minutes
Instructional Goal
The goal of this lesson is to deconstruct the greeting into discrete, repeatable physical and verbal steps. For students with social communication challenges, providing a "recipe" for greetings reduces anxiety and increases professional fluency.
Pacing Guide
10m
The Hook: Awkward Handshakes
Search YouTube for "Awkward handshake news compilation." Pause and discuss what made each interaction feel wrong.
15m
Skill Breakdown (Slides 3-6)
Model the "Dead Fish" vs "Firm Handshake." Demonstrate arm's length distance using a hula hoop or floor markers.
35m
Handshake Hero Workshop
Students use the Handshake Hero Worksheet to practice with at least 3 different peers. Move around to offer corrective feedback.
Key Vocabulary
Web-to-Web
Social Distance
Vocal Projection
Friendly Triangle
Pro-Tip
Some students may have sensory sensitivities to touch. If a student is highly averse to handshakes, teach the "Professional Nod & Smile" as an alternative, explaining that it is better to offer a polite nod than to look uncomfortable during a handshake.
Discussion Prompts
If you forget someone's name right after they say it, what should you do?
Guidance: It's okay to say, "I'm so sorry, could you repeat your name one more time? I want to make sure I have it right."
How can you tell if your handshake is too firm or too soft?
Guidance: Practice on a door handle! You want enough pressure to turn a knob, but not enough to crush a grape.
Hierarchy Heights Slides Hierarchy Heights
Navigating Titles & Power Levels
The Power Ladder
CEO
MANAGER
INTERN
CUSTOMER
How would you rank these in order of "Power"?
What is Hierarchy?
It's the Professional Ranking within a company.
Knowing the hierarchy helps you decide HOW to greet someone and WHAT to call them.
Boss
Super 1
Super 2
YOU (Intern)
Using Titles
Formal (The Default)
Always start here until they tell you otherwise.
Mr. / Ms. [Last Name]
Dr. [Last Name]
Professor [Last Name]
Casual (Permission Only)
Only use first names when you are told:
"Please, call me [First Name]."
Rule: When in doubt, stay formal.
THE GOLDEN RULE
"The Higher the person is on the chart, the More Formal your greeting should be."
Rank
Formality
Who's Who?
Scenario 1: You're meeting the CEO of the hospital.
His name is John Smith.
Mr. Smith
Scenario 2: You're meeting a new fellow intern.
Her name is Sarah Jenkins.
Sarah
Scenario 3: You're meeting your direct supervisor.
Her name is Dr. Elena Vance.
Dr. Vance
Who's the Boss Activity WHO'S THE BOSS?
Organizational Map Activity
STUDENT ID
DATE
MAP IT OUT
Below is a "Power Map" for Spark Tech Solutions . Use the chart to answer the questions.
CEO
Jonathan Sterling
VP OF DESIGN
Elena Vance, PhD
MANAGER
Marcus Thorne
JUNIOR DESIGNER
Sarah Jenkins
JUNIOR DESIGNER
Timmy Woods
YOUR ROLE
[YOU]
1. You meet Jonathan Sterling in the hallway. How do you greet him?
2. You are working on a project with Timmy Woods. How do you greet him?
3. Elena Vance has a doctorate. What is the most professional title to use?
WHY IT MATTERS
Why is it safer to use "Mr. Sterling" than just "Jonathan" when you first meet the CEO?
Formal or Casual Sorting Cards FORMAL
THE SUPERVISOR
Meeting your boss's boss for the first time.
Greeting Choice:
CASUAL
THE LUNCH MATE
Saying hi to a fellow intern in the breakroom.
Greeting Choice:
FORMAL
THE CLIENT
A big customer visiting the office for a meeting.
Greeting Choice:
FORMAL
THE INTERVIEWER
The person who will decide if you get the job.
Greeting Choice:
CASUAL
THE CO-WORKER
A person at your level you've worked with for 3 months.
Greeting Choice:
MYSTERY
THE RECEPTIONIST
The first person you see at the front desk.
Greeting Choice:
Desk to Office Slides DESK TO OFFICE
Navigating the First Five Minutes
The Secret Clock
"The interview begins the moment you walk through the door."
The receptionist is often asked:
The "Front Desk" Script
Your Goal: Be Polite & Clear.
"Hello, I am [Your Name]. I am here for an interview with [Interviewer's Name] at 2:00."
No handshake (usually)
Standing posture
Remove headphones first!
RECEPTIONIST VIEW
"They were organized, had their name ready, and smiled. A+."
The "Hiring Manager" Script
Step up the formality
"Hello Mr./Ms. [Last Name], it's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for seeing me."
Handshake: Firm (2 pumps)
Eye Contact: Direct & Lock
Why the difference?
The receptionist is your Peer/Helper. The interviewer is your Potential Boss.
Both get respect, but the interviewer gets the Full Professional Routine.
DON'T BE THAT INTERVIEWEE
Phone Focus
Looking at your phone while waiting. Look ready, not distracted.
The "Yo"
Being too casual ("Hey" or "Yo") with anyone in the building.
The Mumble
Not saying your own name clearly. If they can't hear you, they can't hire you.
First Impressions Script THE FIRST FIVE MINUTES
Greeting Script Templates
PRACTICE PARTNER: ________________________
A
The Front Desk (Arrival)
SAY THIS:
"Hello, good morning. I'm Your Name. I have a 2:00 meeting with Interviewer Name."
NON-VERBAL CHECKLIST
Stand 3 feet from desk
Hands visible (not in pockets)
Slight smile
B
The Introduction (Formal)
SAY THIS:
"Hello, Mr. / Ms. [Last Name]. It is a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for having me."
NON-VERBAL CHECKLIST
Lock eye contact
Firm web-to-web handshake
Stand up (if seated)
PRACTICE NOTES
What was the hardest part of switching between the two scripts?
Front Desk Simulation Guide FRONT DESK SIMULATION
Mystery Guest Facilitation Guide
The Setup
Set up a desk near the entrance of the classroom. Invite another staff member (the "Mystery Guest") to sit at the desk. They should act like a busy professional—occasionally looking at a computer or writing.
Ensure the students wait in the hallway. They must enter one by one as if arriving for an interview.
The "Pass" Criteria
No headphones/hoods on
Stands at appropriate distance
Uses script: Name + Interviewer + Time
Smiles and says "Thank you"
Script for the "Receptionist" (Mystery Guest)
If the student is too quiet:
"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that. Who are you here to see?"
If the student doesn't have the time ready:
"And what time was your appointment scheduled for?"
To end the simulation:
"Great, please take a seat. Mr./Ms. [Last Name] will be with you in just a moment."
Reading the Cues Slides READING THE CUES
Timing is Everything in the Office
When is "Right Now" wrong?
Just because you are ready to say "Hello" doesn't mean the other person is ready to hear it.
"Forcing a greeting during a busy moment can make you look unprofessional or unaware."
Wait for the Click
The "Stop Light" Cues
On the Phone
Talking, wearing a headset, or listening to a voicemail.
In a Meeting
Talking to another person or focused on a screen with others.
Deep Focus
Typing intensely, brow furrowed, or looking at complex papers.
The "Polite Wait"
What to do while waiting:
Stand near the door (not in it)
Keep a neutral expression
Wait for their eyes to find yours
The "Wait-to-Work" Rule:
"If they haven't looked up in 30 seconds, it's okay to quietly step back and come back in 5 minutes."
Finding the Gap
Wait for the Breath or the Eye Contact.
The Pause
They stop typing or put the phone down.
The Glance
They look up and acknowledge you are there.
Wait or Greet Checklist WAIT OR GREET?
Social Observation Checklist
SCENARIO SCORE
Observe the following office scenarios (either in a video or roleplay). For each, decide if you should GREET right away or WAIT for a cue.
SCENARIO 1: The Phone Call #01
Observations:
The manager is wearing a headset and nodding while looking at their screen. They haven't looked at the door.
WAIT
GREET
WHY? (List the cues you saw)
SCENARIO 2: The Open Window #02
Observations:
The coworker is leaning back in their chair, drinking coffee, and looking toward the door as you walk in.
WAIT
GREET
WHY? (List the cues you saw)
THE 30-SECOND RULE
If you are waiting for a supervisor and they don't look up after 30 seconds, what is a professional way to "exit" and try again later?
Office Observation Case Studies Guide CASE STUDY: OFFICE CUES
Teacher Discussion Guide
1
The "Intense Typer"
SITUATION
"You walk by your supervisor's office. They are typing quickly, their brow is furrowed, and they have three different papers spread across their desk."
Decision: WAIT
DISCUSSION PROMPTS
What does a "furrowed brow" tell us about their mood?
How would you feel if you were doing math and someone interrupted you just to say hi?
2
The "Phone Lean"
SITUATION
"The boss is leaning back in their chair, looking at their smartphone and smiling. They aren't typing or talking."
Decision: GREET
DISCUSSION PROMPTS
How is "leaning back" different from "leaning forward" at a desk?
Does looking at a phone always mean someone is busy? (No, they might be taking a break).
3
The "Door Guard"
SITUATION
"You need to speak to Mr. Henderson. His office door is closed. You can hear him talking to someone inside."
Decision: WAIT / DO NOT KNOCK
DISCUSSION PROMPTS
In an office, what does a closed door represent?
If you must leave a message, what's a better way than interrupting? (Sticky note or email).
Professional Passport Booklet PROFESSIONAL
PASSPORT
Greeting Circuit 2026
OWNER OF PASSPORT
____________________
YOUR MISSION
Visit each station. Execute the greeting perfectly to earn your stamps. A "Perfect Greeting" includes: Eye Contact, Firm Handshake, Correct Title, and Clear Voice.
STATION 01
THE WAITING ROOM
Greeting: Receptionist Alex
STATION 02
THE BOSS'S OFFICE
Greeting: Mr. Sterling (CEO)
STATION 03
THE COFFEE BREAK
Greeting: Fellow Intern Sarah
STATION 04
THE SUDDEN HALLWAY
Greeting: Dr. Vance (VP)
Greeting Greatness Rubric Form GREETING GREATNESS
Skill Performance Rubric
Total Score
/ 16
Skill Developing (1) Effective (2) Mastered (3-4) Handshake Mechanics Too soft or too hard; no web-to-web contact. Firm grip but timing was slightly off (too long/short). Firm web-to-web contact; 2 pump motion; quick release. Eye Contact & Smile Looking at floor or looking away during greeting. Contact was made but felt forced or didn't include a smile. Consistent, natural eye contact throughout the introduction. Context & Titles Used first name for supervisor; forgot Mr./Ms. Used correct title but forgot last name or mumbled it. Correctly applied Formal/Casual based on the person's rank. Voice & Speed Whispered or spoke too fast to understand name. Audible but tone lacked professional "energy." Clear, confident volume; slowed down for own name.
STRENGTHS
AREA FOR GROWTH Career Circuit Station Cards Printable 1
STATION ONE
SCENARIO
You are entering Spark Tech Solutions. Greet the receptionist and announce your interview at 2:00.
2
STATION TWO
SCENARIO
The CEO, Mr. Sterling, comes out to the lobby to get you. Greet him formally.
3
STATION THREE
SCENARIO
You're in the breakroom. You see Sarah, an intern who started last week. Greet her.
4
STATION FOUR
SCENARIO
You are walking to the bathroom. You pass Dr. Elena Vance (VP) in the hallway.
