Introductions: Are You Insulting People

The purpose of introducing people is to give them an opportunity to know each other. Good introductions can get people off to a great convivial start and can help ease any discomfort or unease when meeting for the first time.

At the same time, using these rules incorrectly could possibly lead to insult which could be potentially detrimental in a business setting.

Beyond just stating names of the two parties, the person making the introduction is often obligated to establish an acquaintance and help the two parties initiate a conversation.

When responding to an introduction always remember to include a greeting and the person’s name. This also helps you remember the person’s name.

Four steps to making introductions:

1. Firstly, the name of the person spoken first, is the ‘higher-ranking’ person.
2. Second, say “I would like to introduce” or, “May I introduce to you” or, “this is,” etc.
3. Third, state the name of the person being introduced. This is the ‘lower-ranking’ person.
4. Finally, offer some details about each, as appropriate. Add a tidbit of information about a topic of common interest between the two parties. This will help them connect and pursue a conversation.
5. Never give yourself an honorific. Should you introduce people using their Honorific, Mr., Ms.,Dr., Prof., etc., make sure you give both parties an honorific.

Below are the guidelines for making successful introductions:

1. Introduce a younger person to an older person. (older person’s name is spoken first)
2. Introduce a relatively junior professional to a senior professional.
3. Introduce a colleague to a customer.
4. When introducing a man and a woman at work, consider their positions and senioritis alone. Outside of work, it may be more appropriate to introduce a man to a woman.

Many people have difficulty introducing people to one another and helping initiate a conversation. Once you have understood and mastered the rules above and gained a sense of social and/or professional ranking, you can easily help two people get to know each other, and possibly start a great conversation in the process.