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Because first impressions are essential and important to success, introductions should be made with skill and ease. They should be clear and to the point. Know what you are going to say and when you meet someone, confidence will come from this knowledge.

• Forms of Introduction
• Between Men and Women
• Between Members of the Same Sex
• Individual to a Group
• Acknowledging and Introduction
• When to Rise for an Introduction
• When to Shake Hands
• Remembering Names
• When to Use First Names
• Departing
• When Introductions are Necessary
• A Matter of Discretion
• When Not Introduced
• Special Cases of Introduction

Forms of Introduction | Back to Top

Formal

"May I present, ___."
"May I introduce ___."
"I should like to introduce, ___."

Informal

"This is Mr. Taylor", Mrs. Brown or Jan Jones".

Least Formal

"Do you know ___?"
"Have you met ___?

Formal

"Mrs. Jones, may I present Mr. Thomas".

Informal

"Mary, this is John Thomas, a student at UCSB, Mary Jones, John."

The exception to this is if you wish particularly, to honor a man of distinction or one who is elderly "Mr. President, may I introduce Mrs. Jones."

Between Members of the Same Sex | Back to Top

The older person's name first, or that of the person of higher rank or status.

Formal

"Senator Hatch, may I present Mrs. Jones."

Individual to a Group | Back to Top

Introduce the individual to each person in the group by stating the names in the order they are standing or sitting.

Formal

"May I present my guest, Miss Johnson Miss Brown, Mr. Smith, Mr. & Mrs. Turner."

What you say is less important than how much you say. A simple "Hello" rendered with warmth and sincerity and a handshake covers everything.

Try these: "How do you do", "Good afternoon" or "Good evening"

Avoid these "Charmed","Delighted" or I'm sure."

1. A host/hostess always rises to greet all guests.
2. When men are being introduced to each other and one is sitting, the other standing, the one who is seated rises.
3. A young man would rise when being introduced to an older or distinguished man/woman.
4. A young woman may remain seated when being introduced to a young man, unless it is an older woman who is performing the introduction, and may offer her hand in welcome.
5. A man/woman seeking employment would rise when presented to his/her prospective employer (male or female).
6. "Little" people or teenagers would stand immediately when being introduced to any adult, man or woman.

1. Any time a hand is extended to you.
2. A host/hostess greets all his/her guests by shaking hands.
3. A person seeking employment would permit his/her prospective employer (male or female) to make the move to shake hands or not, as he/she chooses.
4. It is not necessary to remove gloves to shake hands. However, the bared hand creates a feeling of warmth and sincerity.
5. It is a woman's prerogative to extend her hand first.

The first essential of remembering names is a sincere desire to do so, and the willingness to make the necessary effort.

1. Get the person's name correct.
2. Repeat the person's name at the time you are introduced.
3. Ask him/her to spell his/her name if it is difficult.
4. Try to get a few facts about him/her to connect with the name.
5. If possible, as soon after meeting the person, write down the name and a few facts to help you remember. If you exchanged business cards, jot down the date and event on the back.
6. When forced to introduce someone whose name you have forgotten: Face the problem: "I'm sorry, but I have forgotten your name". Don't bluff: "How do you spell your name?"
7. How do you identify yourself to acquaintances you haven't seen for a long time? Be modest they may have forgotten your name also. Say: "How do you do, Mr./Mrs. Smith, I'm Mrs. White. So nice to see you again. "Do not say: "You don't remember me, do you?"

It is best to go very slowly here, unless you're asked to. Older persons may call a much younger person by his given name. Young people may be introduced to each other: "Betty, this is Mark.

1. Never say "Good bye now" . . . "Pleased to have known you".
2. You may say, "It was so nice to meet you", or, "I do hope we meet again soon."
3. The reply is "Thank you", or, "Thank you very much. Don't forget to smile. If you really wish to see the person again, try to set a date.
4. You would wait a reasonable length of time for an older person to terminate the conversation.
5. If you have been introduced to a group, say a few polite words before leaving.
6. You do not say goodbye to the group individually.
7. If you have been talking for some time, it would be necessary only to say "Goodbye", or, "I'm very glad to have met you."
8. If you have been called away, or must leave hurriedly, you would say "Please excuse me, I have been called away. I am very glad to have met you", or, "Please excuse me, it was so nice to meet all of you".
9. You would always say goodbye to your host or hostess last.

1. Always introduce all guests brought into your home to all members of the family.
2. All guests to the guest of honor.
3. All members of a small group.
4. The players in any game involving only a few, such as bridge.
5. At a social gathering or dance you are expected to introduce friends who come up to speak to you.

1. On the street introductions are not necessary unless the meeting is to be longer than a few seconds.
2. In a public conveyance, (elevator, bus, etc.) introductions are in bad taste, and should be avoided, if possible.
3. Introductions may be avoided between the acts at the theater, opera, or whenever the situation might prove cumbersome or awkward, unless you linger more than a few seconds with an acquaintance.

1. If someone is forgetful, and you are not introduced, take the initiative and introduce yourself. You didn't break the rule of etiquette; you helped by stating your name!
2. If you are with a small group and do not know several of the people, ask someone you do know to introduce you.
3. When you and your partner meet another couple, and you do not know the other man/woman suggest to your partner that he/she introduce you.

1. Refer to members of the immediate family as "My father, my husband", etc. Example: "Mrs. Carson, this is my sister in law, Mrs. Anderson."
2. When the father has a title, you would say, "This is my father, Dr. Dodd." This form will save the embarrassment of not addressing him as "Mister.
3. The divorced woman, Mrs. Keel (maiden name) Harding, would be introduced as Mrs.Harding. If she has had her maiden name legally restored to her, she would be introduced as Miss Keel.
4. Politicians are referred to in the following ways:
• President--Mr. President and Sir. "It is my great pleasure to meet you, Mr. President. How are you, Sir?"
• Vice President--Mr. Vice President and Sir.
• Chief Justice--Mr. Chief Justice and Sir.
• Members of the cabinet--Mr. or Madam
• Ambassador--Mr. or Madam. "May I present the American Ambassador from England." "How do you do, Mr. Ambassador."
• Senator--Senator
• Congressman--Mr.
• Governor--Governor
• Mayor--Mayor
5. The Queen of England should never be spoken to unless she speaks to you first. Answer as a polite child addressing her as Ma'am.
   • Royal family--your highness
   • Duke and Duchess--your grace
   • Lord and Lady--Lord and Lady

Making introductions is part of our everyday lives. Practice using these guidelines. Remember that most of us wish everyone would wear name-tags because, when we are nervous, it is often difficult to remember our own family members. Be ready to assist others with your name even when they know it well. Good manners are good common sense.

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