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How to Meet 300 People in 30 Seconds
Author: Cynthia Lett, CEP,CPP,CTP  | Posted: 02-11-2007 | Comments: 0 | Views: 21 | Rating: (53)  (?) 
 The title of this article suggests that you might be standing in front of a crowd of 300 and introducing yourself. Not really. You just met one guy who looks like he might be nice to talk with at this party you both are enjoying. But – did you realize when you said hello that you just met everyone he knows too? Well, you did.
When someone meets us for the first time, they are physically standing near us, looking at our face, hearing our voice, interpreting our words but … they are making an impression on us that we will likely share with anyone in our personal network of friends and family. If you decide that you don’t like the way he wears his clothes, or that he is not friendly and someone you know mentions his name to you, you will respond with your opinion about him. Be is good or bad, he has just been introduced in absentia to your friend. This is a scenario played out over and over again until it may come back to you directly. Has anyone ever said to you, “Oh, yes, I have heard a lot about you.”? What have they heard and from whom did they hear it? Who knows?
Sometimes your first introduction to someone is by phone. Impressions you make this way come from just your tone of voice and words. Body language is not available to solidify your message. The other person is most likely going to be in an office with others and inevitably able to render an immediate criticism of you to a coworker when hanging up. You are not there to defend or change their opinion. Therefore, being appropriate with your language, friendly in your tone and kind in your voice can make a great impression on their 300.
If there is a tip to take away, it would be that when you present yourself for the first time to someone, check your body language, tone of voice, and words. Make certain they are saying you are friendly, approachable and glad to meet them. Make sure your words are kind and appropriate and understandable. Don’t let cuss words slip into the conversation. Use the other person’s name when you say hello and goodbye. Keep the small talk happy talk.
The great impression you make on one person will be the impression they will share with the 300 people in their personal network. Hopefully they will do the same with you so when you talk about them to your 300, they will be considered in a positive way.
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About the Author:Respected internationally, Ms. Lett, a certified etiquette professional (CEP) and certified protocol professional (CPP), has been the principal of The Lett Group since 1983 teaches and consults in Business & Social Etiquette, Business & Social Entertaining, International Protocol and Executive Communications Skills. She has been a program speaker and coach around the world - teaching and advising on these subjects. She teaches Business Protocol at the Elliott School of International Affairs, The George Washington University. She offers private and corporate consultation and programs on the power skills necessary to compete in the international business arena. Her new book, Lett’s Talk – Etiquette Dilemmas and How to Handle Them is due out September, 2008. There are nine universities which currently use her curriculum and text for their course on Business Etiquette. Another book, Mission Possible with Brian Tracy and Stephen R. Covey is currently available.
Ms. Lett is the founder of and serves as Executive Director of the International Society of Protocol & Etiquette Professionals headquartered in Washington, DC. She is featured in the PBS special – Pioneer Living – as the protocol expert. Ms. Lett is also the etiquette expert for the Fine Living Channel and currently featured in Survival Guide – Office Etiquette. She is also a frequent expert on etiquette and protocol issues for Fox Cable News, Fox Business Channel and MSNBC.
She can be reached at clett@lettgroup.com. For more information please visit www.lettgroup.com.
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The Other ‘customs’ of International Meetings: Protocol
By: Cynthia Lett, CEP,CPP,CTP | 18/10/2007 | Ask an Expert
When I first started planning international meetings more than 20 years ago, “going global” was the catchphrase of the day. Companies sought new markets outside of the United States and associations sought new membership. When I started planning meetings abroad, my focus was strictly on logistics: freight forwarding, negotiating in foreign currencies, collaborating with airlines, tax deductibility, choosing activities for attendees to enjoy while they were in the destination, and producing a positive experience that would not be forgotten … all important aspects of international meetings.
I didn’t realize I was overlooking one of the most critical parts of the international meeting experience: protocol. As an international meeting planner, I also needed to assume the role of protocol officer without the title. I quickly learned that it was my job to understand cultural expectations to get the job done. Here are some protocol tips I share from my hard-earned experience:
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