How to address a bunch of co-workers, colegues, friends and in more formal situation

[Charcool]

Hi all, Since I remember I have been embarrassing myself in front of groups of people trying to address them properly in Britain. It's happened in all sorts of situations more or less formal. Like here in England they rather stay away from 'Guys' common in american films. And 'hello everybody' is so weird to them so everybody give me a quick glare in silence :)

I don't know where that problem is, but it seems to formal register for some and to awkward to withstand for others. Please help

Maybe you can show me the difference between North American greatings and English ones.

[Rover_KE]

Try Good morning/afternoon/evening, ladies and gentlemen.

Rover

[emsr2d2]

Try Good morning/afternoon/evening, ladies and gentlemen.

Rover

If you happen to notice that there are no women present, then "Good morning/afternoon/evening, gentlemen" and, obviously, if there are no men, "Good morning/afternoon/evening ladies".

I'm surprised that they don't seem to take too kindly to the use of "everyone". If the beginning of the salutation were polite (Good morning/afternoon/evening) I would certainly have no problem with the next word being "everyone".

[Tdol]

How about Good afternoon, colleagues?