Since first time guests decide in the first eight minutes if they’re going to return or not, it’s vital to make them feel comfortable as you greet them, help them check-in, and walk them around the church.
One of the best ways to do this is to engage them in conversation. Think about how you feel when you walk into a place of business and the hosts are friendly and engaging with their conversation. It puts you at ease and helps you feel at home, doesn’t it? Compare that to the awkwardness you feel when you walk into a place and are met with a cold, quick greeting with little, if any, interest shown toward you. Big difference, isn’t it?
That being said, all conversations aren’t created equal. Conversation that makes people feel comfortable and welcomed is an art. The good news, it’s an art that can be learned. Let’s take a look at 10 ways you and your team can get better at talking with first time guests.
10 Ways to Engage First Time Guests
1. Find people with the right personality.
It’s a lot easier to sharpen the conversation skills of someone who actually likes people. Look for people who have a pleasant attitude and wear a smile. If you currently have someone on your greeter team who is short with people or moody, it would be best to move them to another role.
2. Make eye contact.
Ever walk into a place of business and the person behind the desk doesn’t even look up to acknowledge your presence? Or they look at you, but you can tell they’re looking past you? Makes you feel devalued, doesn’t it? Don’t let that be you and your team. Look first time guests in the eye as you greet them. This lays the foundation for a great conversation.
