How to communicate belonging

Written By Barrie Barton

It’s Friday, September 2nd, the end of the first week of school. I’ve watched Rachel, my 7-year-old across the street neighbor get off the bus all week. But today is special.

Jennifer, her mom is standing in the driveway holding balloons and looking in the direction of the approaching bus. Rachel steps off the bus, gets a hug and is handed the balloons. She skips down the driveway with them bouncing overhead.

Jennifer’s celebratory greeting is for her daughter’s first week of 2nd grade.

In Judaism, greeting guests is called Hakhnasat Orkhim which invites us to elevate our connections with others, offering our full attention, and helping them feel comfortable.


TALK TIP

Why greetings matter?

By giving your attention and offering a welcome, you are saying, “I see you. You matter. Your being here is important. You belong.” That’s a message that matters.

INVITATION

This week, be deliberate to greet, acknowledge and attend to people: colleagues, children, clients and cashiers to name a few. Practice your own version of Hakhnasat Orkhim. Balloons are optional!

Barrie Barton

Barrie's first language was movement. She channeled her physical language into a career as a dancer, choreographer and educator. In 2006, she expanded and diversified her talents to include storytelling with her company, Story Choreography Projects. Now, as a speaking coach and trainer with Stand & Deliver Asheville, Barrie is not only fine tuning speakers’ speeches and improving professionals’ communication skills, she's also  transforming her wisdom into stories, blogs and her book, How To Make A Speech. Barrie's motivation is to help others discover their ability to express themselves, guide them in enhancing and refining public speaking skills and talents, and provide a platform for them to shine.

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