In a few weeks I start my new job as a mailman. I'm probably going to see people in their yards while I'm walking around. What's a way to say Hi to people that I see, that can't possibly turn into a conversation.
(The mailman at my house says "How's it going?", but then the person might actually tell you.)
2007-09-15 08:00:51 · 13 answers · asked by Moral Orel 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Good Morning, or Good Afternoon.. =)
2007-09-15 08:05:18 · answer #1 · answered by MotherNature 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People do this all the time. It depends on who speaks first and who speaks second, but either way you can indicate you don't want to continue the conversation.
See the following example conversations:
A: Hi!
B: (waves)
(end)
A: Hi.
B: Hi.
(end)
A: Hi. How are you?
B: Good.
(end)
A: Hi. How are you?
B: Good, you?
A: Good.
(end)
A: Hi, how are you?
B: Good. How are you?
A: Good. Hey how much do those new stamps cost?...
(conversation doesn't end.)
So depending on whether you are person A or B (the first person to speak or the second person to speak), you can make sure that the conversation doesn't continue either by not asking the person a question, or not bringing up up a new topic. Also, while you're walking, don't stop walking while speaking. If you want to, go to a busy place (like an office with many workers) and see how the coworkers greet each other while they are doing different tasks. I think you'll find that conversations have patterns that you can follow.
2007-09-15 16:33:48 · answer #2 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just say Godd morning, evening or afternoon and keep walking, thats what all mailmen do. Normally people don't really chat with mailmen because they know that they are busy. Plus, people in their front yards usually are mowing or something so they dont really have time to talk.
2007-09-15 15:12:06 · answer #3 · answered by Genie Answerer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. Wave
2. Nod your head.
3. Smile
4. Wink
5. Say Hi.
2007-09-15 18:01:23 · answer #4 · answered by Terri 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A nod with a smile or an informal salute off of the eyebrow area works great...also with a smile.
2007-09-15 15:09:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just wave a greeting and keep on moving.
2007-09-15 15:17:11 · answer #6 · answered by lighthousecastle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just say "Hello". The most a person can really say in return is "Hi".
2007-09-15 15:03:35 · answer #7 · answered by Rat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
make eye contact and Nod.. Its polite but does not start a conversation
2007-09-15 15:38:53 · answer #8 · answered by Laine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nod your head.
It is a nonverbal communication and it should solicit a nonverbal response.
2007-09-15 15:14:26 · answer #9 · answered by NUKE 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Good day!" with a quick wave, then turn to face forward and keep walking.
2007-09-15 20:10:28 · answer #10 · answered by stevemeister 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋