Proper Introductions for Yourself and Others

Proper Introductions Few people will take offense if you make an error in everyday introductions. In most circumstances, one basic guideline will see you through: Say the name of the most important person first. • A younger person is introduced to an older person. (Aunt Ruth, I want you to meet my roommate, Mimi Jackson. Mimi, this is my aunt, Mrs. Cox.”) • A person of high rank or special prominence is named first and receives the introduction. (“Bishop Gordon, may I present my husband, John?”) A Savvy employee will make a special effort to name bosses and supervisors first when introducing them to anyone of lower rank. (“Mrs. Gentry, I’d like you to meet Ralph Clayburgh, who just came o n board as an associate account manager. Ralph, this is Ms. Gentry, our director of research and development.”) • When introducing others to family members, the other person’s name is generally said first (“Raul, I’d like you to meet my brother, Carl Michaud”) if the people being introduced are of roughly the same age and rank. But as a sign of respect, an older family member is named first (“Gran, I’d like to introduce Mr. Jonathan Fox. Jonathon, this is my grandmother, Mrs. Josephson”). • Traditionally in social situations, men are introduced to women. (“Mrs. Barrett, I’d like to introduce Mr. Hirsch.”) How to Introduce Yourself There are many times when you will know no one in the group and you have to introduce yourself to others. Stand, smile, make eye contact with one person, greet and reach out hand. Say “Hello, I am ____________.” Making an Introduction can be hard – but it helps if you can look confident!