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Social Introductions Introductions are something we do everyday but may not realize the importance of them. First impressions create enduring impressions. The goal for making introductions is to provide information about each other in order to give a common ground to carry on a conversation. Introducing people is one of the most important acts we do in our daily lives, yet few people know how to do it correctly. Knowing how to make a graceful introduction will not only allow you to concentrate on making a good impression but will give you the confidence and power to nurture these relationships from the get-go!! How many times have you been at an event where you were the one in a group not introduced? How did that make you feel? Not so good, right? Even when you have forgotten a persons name, make the introduction. Studies show that most people would rather have you ask for their names than to stand in a group and not be introduced. Failing to introduce a person cannot help but go unnoticed and cause embarrassment and discomfort to not only you but to those around you. Another scenario that often takes place is when its 'assumed' two people know one another and the introduction may go something like, "You two know one another?" Equally embarrassing. The rule of thumb is to always introduce and remember the golden rule: 'Do unto others as they would do unto you.' In social introductions, the pecking order is according to age and gender. Look at each person as you say their name. When you do this, you are in control and this gives you more power and confidence. In both formal and informal social introductions, men are always introduced to women. With the following exceptions: according to international diplomatic protocol; women are always presented to ambassadors, ministers in charge of legations and chiefs of state; and women are always presented to royalty and dignitaries of the church such as the pope or cardinals. The first name spoken is that of the older or more distinguished person & the second is that of the person being introduced. In this instance, we would say, "Mr. Ambassador, may I present Ms. Hill." or Mr. Older man, may I present Mr. Younger man." These are examples of how we give deference based on age. In an informal situation, a couple living together but not married, by both their first and last names. In this situation we would say, "Bob Jones, Id like you to meet Alice Smith and John Doe." And please do not comment on living arrangements! Ever. Never refer to your husband or wife as Mr. Smith; Mrs. Smith; Mrs.; the little wife; my old man, etc. But simply, "This is my husband Gary or Gary Smith or Cynthia or Cynthia Smith, my wife." When you are introducing your relatives, clarify their relationship to you. "Grant Roberts, this is my brother, Clay brown" or "Mary Smith, this is Ellen Colby, my sister-in-law. If your mother has been remarried, you would simply say "My mother, Mrs. Cameron" or " My stepfather, Mr. Cameron." Introduce yourself to someone's relative who is a friend of a friend. "Hello, Im Lisa Mirza, I understand John Murphy is your cousin." Introduce a younger person to an older person. In this instance, you're introducing a child to an adult or Mr. Adams, Id like you to meet my daughter Lisa Mirza. Its always correct to introduce yourself at social functions.
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Lisa M. Grotts |
