It’s been said you have three minutes to bring warmth as you welcome guests entering your church.
You don’t need to try too hard or compete with Disney hospitality. However, learning the verbal and non-verbal aspects of a warm welcome should become our default.
I’ve been reading Cues by Vanessa Van Edwards, a book about mastering the secret language of charismatic communication. As I read the book through the lens of the church hospitality team, I can see that many of these tips can be incredibly engaging.
The secret to wowing guests as they show up? Display at least three warmth cues in the first three minutes. Here are a few to employ:
Raise Eyebrows
Eyebrows are expressive. I learned this when I lost my voice for several weeks a few years ago. At the time, I learned just how much I could communicate with my three-year-old daughter using my eyebrows.
When we raise our eyebrows as we connect with people, it’s a non-verbal shortcut to communicate interest, curiosity, and attention.
Tilt Head
We most likely do this instinctively. A slight tilt of the head makes a person appear more attentive and more actively listening. It can also show warmth and empathy. If someone shares bad news with you and there’s nothing you can really say to respond, a slight tilt of the head conveys compassion.
Smile
We’re 9.7 times more likely to be seen as warm when we are smiling. “A smile is a pure warmth cue,” according to the author.
A Touch Of Trust
The book mentioned a study that compared the number of touches in two sports teams. The team that had more high-fives, slaps on the back, handshakes, and other touches won more games almost proportionally to the percentage of touch. ‘
Even the smallest touches, such as a fist bump or a pat on the shoulder, can encourage trust and warmth. A touch of trust can come in the form of a greeting to a guest. It can also display warmth between hospitality team members and those witnessing it.
Touch can be effective as long as it’s not creepy. We must also be able to judge how a person is responding so that our touch builds bridges instead of tearing them down.
Mirror
Mirroring is a non-verbal way of getting on another person’s level or walking in his/her shoes. Mirroring makes you more likable. Some people think they can only wow others with a hyperdrive of energy and enthusiasm. Sometimes that can be too much. Instead, mirror the level of energy and enthusiasm of your guest in positive ways.
Use Warm Words
Warm words may be one of the easiest ways to connect with guests who come into worship since most people naturally exchange pleasantries. As a conversation moves forward, do your best to use phrases (or cues) like these:
| Warm Words | Warmth Cue |
| “That’s so interesting” | Eyebrow raise |
| “I agree” | Nodding |
| “I’m listening” | Head Tilting |
| “This is exciting” | Leaning Toward |
| “I respect you” | Front facing |
| “I trust you” | Touch |
| “I’m on the same page” | Mirroring |
Chart from the book, Cues, page 95
If you serve in hospitality ministry in your church, find ways to add verbal and non-verbal warmth to your connections. It’s the best way to make major connections and wow the guests who show up to your church.
