(image via Google)
You're standing in a classroom finishing your last minute preparations a few minutes before you're scheduled to begin, as participants trickle in. Do you continue your prep until it's time to start? Do you look up?
I'm always surprised when a facilitator practically ignores their class until the scheduled start time. By doing this, you're forgoing a wonderful opportunity to generate excitement for your class.
"Welcome to class. I'm so happy you're here! Please take a seat and review the materials. We'll get started in a few minutes."
By simply greeting each person this way, you make them feel important, which can engage them, build rapport, and prime them to learn.