The Etiquette of Introductions

For most of us, the thought of introducing two people may seem a bit unnerving. Sometimes it’s disconcerting when you have to decide who you should introduce first and what you should say when you do introduce these people. In order to simplify this process, here are a few simple guidelines to follow.

• While it may seem a bit discriminatory, always say the name of the most important person first. If you’re introducing a new employee to the president of your company, say the name of the president first. “Mr. Boss, I’d like you to meet Steve Symonds, our new Vice President of Marketing. “
• Status in introductions is dependent upon age (there are some advantages of being older), gender (females rate first here), title (all the money you’ve paid out for your degree may finally pay off), professional experience (introduce your organization’s lifer before the newcomer), and honored personnel (the president, judges, senators, and other officials’ names should be said first).
• If you can’t remember someone’s name, give as much information as possible about the person, offer an apology, and ask the person’s name.
• Strive to find commonalities between people. If both of the people you’re introducing attended the University of Iowa, offer that information. Your purpose in introducing people is to facilitate a connection between them.

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