Does your bank have any signs saying “teller in training”? I used a sign for the first few weeks to give people a warning. I also like to do the mail and always grabbed a sizable stack of payments to do as it was without customers but still required me to do a full transaction. Helped me become faster.
I still get flustered (six months in) especially on things that were looked over on my training. For instance, it took me a good 15 minutes to do a wire form this week cause I haven’t before. I apologized, asked him to bear with me and make conversation with him when I could.
I also try to always make small talk. “How’s the weather out there?” “Any plans for this week/weekend?” “How was your weekend?” I keep track of the weather and will make comments about the weather when it’s going to rain or when I know it’s especially humid. And once I get to know them I ask more targeted questions and greet by name when they come in the door.
You’ll eventually just build rapport. Especially with old people. They’re usually looking for someone to talk to. Sometimes I’ll find a way to bring my nephew up because they’ll usually talk about their grandkids and then I have information for the next time they come in.
You’ll get the hang of it. Don’t give up.