In most cultures and situations, saying "good morning" at a first meeting is generally considered polite and appropriate, especially if it is morning time. It's a common greeting that expresses friendliness and acknowledges the time of day. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Time of day: As the name implies, "good morning" is specifically used in the morning. If you meet someone later in the day, you should use an appropriate greeting for that time, such as "good afternoon" or "good evening."
Cultural context: While "good morning" is widely used in many English-speaking countries and cultures, some cultures may have different customary greetings or variations based on the time of day. It's always a good idea to be aware of and respect cultural norms when meeting someone for the first time.
Formality: The appropriateness of saying "good morning" may depend on the formality of the situation. In very formal settings, such as a job interview or a business meeting, you might opt for a more professional greeting like "hello" or "nice to meet you." However, "good morning" is generally still acceptable in many formal situations.
Time sensitivity: If the meeting takes place very early in the morning, you might want to be mindful of the other person's schedule and avoid saying "good morning" too enthusiastically if they seem like they just woke up or are not morning people.
In most cases, saying "good morning" at a first meeting is a friendly and courteous way to begin a conversation, but always pay attention to the context and the other person's demeanor to ensure your greeting is appropriate.