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The partoral care team have begun to put collate some resources to help our congregation to be more effective at welcoming peope and partoral care. These resources will be added to in the coming months.
Approaching people successfully involves a combination of interpersonal skills that make you appear approachable, respectful and genuinely interested. Here are some key skills needed:
Open body language: Maintain an open posture (uncrossed arms and legs, when seated).
Make eye contact (without staring).
Offer a genuine smile. This signals that you are approachable and receptive to interaction.
Relaxed demeanour: Avoid appearing tense, rushed or distracted. A calm and relaxed presence puts people at ease.
Appropriate proximity: Be mindful of personal space. Start at a comfortable distance and adjust based on the other person’s cues.
Mirroring (Subtle): Subtly mirroring the other person’s body language can create a sense of connection, but avoid making it obvious.
Clear and Friendly Tone: Speak clearly at an appropriate volume, and with a warm and friendly tone of voice.
Genuine Greetings: Use a sincere and appropriate greeting, such as “Hi”, “Hello”, or “Good morning/afternoon”.
Self-introduction: Briefly introduce yourself. “I am Grace.”
Open-Ended Questions: Ask questions that encourage more than a “yes” or “no” answer. This shows genuine interest and keeps the conversation flowing. For example:
“Is this your first time coming here?”
“How did you hear about our church?”
Active Listening: Pay full attention to what the other person is saying, both verbally and non-verbally. Show you’re listening by nodding, making brief verbal affirmations (“uh-huh”, “I see”), and summarising or paraphrasing their points to ensure understanding.
Clear and Concise Language: Express yourself clearly and avoid complex language, especially when meeting someone for the first time.
Positive Language: Use encouraging and optimistic language.