Hey is kind of a generic non offensive greeting when texting. It gives the client and so an easy opening to start conversation or not. Would rather start with something like hey instead of getting right to the point Incase of mistakenly texting wrong number.
Human communication. Sometimes, I think it is an oxymoron.
Let's a agree. A flat quick "hey" as a greeting, with about nothing to follow for a minute. ... That's not a good start, probably.
Words depend on who is talking, who is hearing, and the context. And the musicality. But often we say "how it is said".
In our typical context of a (1 hour) meeting and such.... (I am assuming at least that context)
I use "darling" often for her. She likes my southern accent, usually.
The person's name works well, usually. Most people like being called by their name. Subconsciously, they may feel the person respected them and noticed them enough to remember the name.
"John"...maybe breathed slowly. Or "Hey John, nice to meet you..." could work.
Hey could work for me. Not terrible. Depends how said. I could imagine it being very effective. And the reverse.
As an initial greeting....
So many choices.
Enchante.
I think doing a simple, formal greeting, and then a kiss on the cheek...or 2 or 3. Nice.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Maris. You look lovely." And then a kiss on the cheek. Nice!
Bon jour...with the right tone and the eyes move. Wow.
If you are there in the room first --- "Bienvenue!" works. Or "welcome".
Some people say "How do you do?" Or "How are you..." Works.
A little hand shake and a look and "Pleasure"... could work very nicely. Depends on the eyes, and exactly how pleasre is said. As in "a pleasure to meet you".
"How y'all doing?" might work, but probably not from a Montrealer.
Bon jour, bon soir, good morning, good afternoon. All could work.
"Ooohh, come over here and give me a hug...and a kiss." I can definitely imagine that working for me.
"Hey you...." Elongated. With the same feeling as above and the same tone of voice. That could work. Have to say it sincerely. Insincere gets negative points.
"Hey hey hey" said shyly and in a certain positive way, with some musicality. I can imagine that working.
Summarize.
It's not the words, per se. It's the feeling.
At the very beginning, be friendly, but for some, not too intimate too soon. Let the guy get his coat off and take a breathe. BUT...being wanted ...even if a bit too much...about always feels good.
Did I help at all?
