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Responding to Introductions • The customary response is "How do you do?” followed by the person to whom you are being introduced. Easy. • Remember to use both the first and last name initially. It is not proper to use a person’s first name until some additional direction has been given to do so. Air on the side of formality. • We don't want to assume too much as they may have forgotten if you've already met them. So, one could say, "How do you do, Ms. Smith?" • If, however, you were introduced earlier in the evening and had a conversation, upon departure it is ok to say,” I’m glad to have met you Tom" or if you're on the receiving end of the farewell, reply "Thank you, Tom, I also enjoyed talking with you." • Another rule of thumb is that you're not expected when leaving. There’s no need to work the entire room like a politician. It's always proper to say goodbye to those nearest you and always seek out the host of the evening. That is your duty! • Always stand for introductions. Everyone in a group rises for introductions, but if the group is a large one, greet only those persons nearest you. • Say the person’s names when you're introduced. Then say it several times during the conversation. If you say a persons name three times in three minutes you will remember it. It really works. • Let's face it, people like to hear their own names spoken, and when you say a person’s name, what you're saying is that you have a genuine interest in him/ her. Further, they'll be flattered that their name was remembered! • Practice makes perfect. With repetition comes perfection. Plus, in repeating someone's name, you’ve just formed a good habit.
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Lisa M. Grotts |
