At least 70% of human communication takes place in the non-verbal form, and face-to-face. An organisation that is well-presented online still needs to ensure that participants have a good experience at their events.
At Humanist Society events, Exco members should make an effort to touch base with newcomers. Excos should introduce themselves and the Society with confidence.
Some ways to start a conversation with a Humanist newcomer:
- If the newcomer is alone, greet the person confidently and shake his/her hand (proper grip is important).
- Introduce your name and ask about the newcomer’s name.
- Ask if his/her first time here, and how did he/she find out about the Society (this helps you get a sense of where your message is going).
- Ask “what do you do?” instead of “where do you study or work”.
- If the person is within a group, gradually slide into the group. Smile and listen.
- Listen to the conversation and carefully find an opportunity to add a point. Do not interrupt the conversation forcefully.
- Whenever you have opportunities, as an exco, give a quick overview of the Society to the newcomer. Perhaps 5-10 lines. Introduce the main figures running the Society.
- Do not let the person enter and leave the HSS without seeing the big picture and knowing the main folks in charge. The newcomer could be meeting people who are not representative of the Society and getting a wrong impression.
