How to Make Introductions in Business & Social Settings

Making introductions today are less rigid than in the past. However, to not make an introduction is a faux pas. Why are introductions so important? Introductions make everyone feel comfortable and at ease in both social and professional situations. Imagine going to a workshop where you know no one. You are walking around feeling a little uncomfortable and lost; then someone walks up and say "Hi, I am__________." Are you here alone? What happens? You start feeling more comfortable and at ease.

Making proper introductions in the business world require learning one basic rule and following a few guidelines. Practicing this basic rule and following these guidelines, when you have an opportunity will help sharpen your skill of making introductions. As a reward for your persistent practice you will feel more at ease and appear more polished in all situations.

Traditionally, in social situations gender determines who is introduced to whom, "the man is introduced to the woman, "Bridget Lee, may I introduce James Tilley". The man's name is mentioned last because the lady is receiving the man. In a business setting, rank and not gender determines "who is introduced to whom". The senior ranking person receives the junior ranking person. The lesser ranking person is introduced to the senior ranking person. The senior ranking person's name is stated first: "Mr. President, this is Donna Smith, our Human Resources Manager." The highest ranking person, (whether female or male, young or mature) is mentioned first. Guidelines for determining Importance

---Senior Executive to Junior Executive (example above).

---Your Boss to a client. Your client is always more important. "Mr. Client, I'd like to introduce, the president of your company, Eric Burhenn."

---Governing Official to a citizen. Mayor, may I introduce Mr. Joe citizen.

---Two persons with the same rank. Introduce the person you are less acquainted with to the one you are more acquainted. Ex. Jean Keller (works with you) and Greg Byers (Huntsville's office) are senior Executives. Your introduction will go something like this: "Jean Keller, I'd like to introduce Greg Byers. Greg is Senior Executive in our Huntsville's office."

---Introduce a younger person to a more mature (older) person. "Mrs. Fifty, I'd like to introduce Mrs. Forty." (Social setting) "Ms. five years co-worker, I'd like to introduce Mr. two years co-worker." ---Introduce a co-worker to a client or a worker from another company: Client, I'd like to introduce Ms. Co-worker. "Client, I'd like to introduce Ms. Co-worker."

---Introduce a party guest to the guest of honor. "Mr. Guest of Honor, may I introduce Mr. Party Guest". Making introductions can be tricky. If you learn one basic rule and few other guidelines you can introduce anyone in any social and/or business settings: Rank determines who is introduced to whom in a business setting, you are well on your way to increasing your confidence and making others feel at ease. Introducing others not only help others get to know one another but it also make others feel at ease.

By: Dorothy Duncan
Credit:www.superfeature.com