expectationsgreeting

Expectationsgreeting is a communication approach in which the opening segment of an interaction explicitly states the aims, boundaries, and next steps to set mutual expectations. It is not tied to a single field but is used in customer service, education, management, negotiations, and everyday dialogue.

The term is not widely standardized in scholarly literature but is used in professional training to describe a practice of combining a cordial greeting with a concise expectations outline at the outset of a conversation or meeting. It can function as an upfront contract.

Elements typically include a courtesy greeting, an explicit statement of purpose, time framing, roles and responsibilities, and a brief outline of next steps or outcomes. Some versions add a feedback check to confirm alignment.

In practice, examples include a service representative saying, "Hello, I’ll walk you through our process, which will take about 10 minutes, then we’ll determine the best next steps." In classrooms, instructors may begin with, "Welcome, today we’ll cover X, Y, Z, and you’ll have time for questions at the end."

Benefits include increased clarity, reduced back-and-forth, and improved perceived control for participants. It can help align expectations and reduce miscommunication when used consistently and adapted to cultural and situational norms.

Criticisms center on potential rigidity, scripted feel, and cultural mismatch. The technique requires sensitivity to context and audience; when overused or poorly delivered, it may hinder rapport. It is most effective when combined with genuine listening and flexibility.