“A warm greeting is more valuable than a feast” – This simple proverb is deeply ingrained in the minds of Vietnamese people. And in the refined communication culture of Japan, greetings play an even more important role, serving as a key to unlocking success in business and life. So, how can you greet customers in Japanese professionally and make a good impression from the first meeting? Let’s explore the secrets to “scoring points” with the following article from “SOFT SKILLS”!
communication skills of sales staff are among the most crucial factors determining the success of a transaction.
## Winning Hearts with Situation-Appropriate Greetings
Far from just “Konnichiwa,” the Japanese language is diverse and rich with countless ways to greet depending on the time, the person, and the communication context. Let’s review some common greetings you can use:
1. Greetings based on the time of day:
- Morning (until 10 AM): Ohayou gozaimasu (おはようございます)
- Afternoon (from 10 AM to 6 PM): Konnichiwa (こんにちは)
- Evening (after 6 PM): Konbanwa (こんばんは)
2. Greetings when meeting a customer for the first time:
- Hajimemashite. (はじめまして。): Nice to meet you.
- (Company name) no (Your name) desu. ((会社名)の(名前)です。): I am (Your name) from (Company name).
- Douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu. (どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。): I look forward to working with you.
3. Greetings for returning customers:
- Hisashiburi desu ne. (久しぶりですね。): Long time no see.
- Ogenki deshita ka. (お元気でしたか。): How have you been?
- Kyou wa ikaga deshita ka. (今日はいかがでしたか。): How was your day today?
By choosing the appropriate greeting, you will show your sophistication and thoughtfulness, creating a positive first impression on Japanese customers.
## Lasting Impressions with Professional Body Language
Japanese people highly value body language, believing that “Words fly away, but facial expressions remain.” Elevate your greeting skills by seamlessly combining words and gestures:
- Radiant smile: A sincere smile, like a warm ray of sunshine, bridges the gap, creating a sense of closeness and goodwill.
- Eye contact: Maintaining eye contact with customers when greeting shows respect and confidence.
- Proper bowing: Bowing is a distinctive cultural feature of the Japanese. Remember to bow from the waist, keep your back straight, and show respect through the appropriate bowing angle.
## Overcoming Language Barriers with Sincerity
“Language is just a tool, intention is the core.” Mr. Nguyen Van A, a leading expert in communication skills in brokerage training, once shared: “Sincerity and enthusiasm can erase all language barriers.”
Always maintain a welcoming, polite, and respectful attitude when communicating with customers. Don’t hesitate to ask them to repeat themselves if you don’t understand clearly, or use a dictionary to support the conversation.
## Conclusion
“Greetings” may seem simple, but they contain subtle art. Hopefully, with the helpful tips above, “SOFT SKILLS” has helped you feel more confident in greeting Japanese customers and achieve more success in your work and life!
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