The Perfect Introduction
Are you one of those people who gets nervous when having to make introductions? Do you get sweaty palms worrying that you’ll forget someone’s name? Well, don’t be too hard on yourself, many people have anxiety about making “proper” introductions. But here are some simple formulas for introductions that can ease your anxiety
Introducing yourself is how you make yourself known to others. The best way to introduce yourself is to say, “Hello, I’m____________.” Be sure and give your first and last name. You want people to remember you.
In response to an introduction, saying “hi” or “hello” is not enough. Repeat the person’s name along with saying, “hello.”
Here are some more tips that can help you get comfortable with introductions:
- It is your responsibility to introduce yourself at any function, if no one introduces you.
- It is okay to say, “please help me with your name” if you have forgotten someone’s name. Don’t say “you don’t remember me do you.”
- Don’t give yourself an honorific when introducing yourself to others such as Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.
- In formal introductions the most important person’s name is said first regardless of gender. For instance,“Mr. Greater Authority, I would like to introduce “to you” Ms. Lesser Authority.
- If you say “you to” you have reversed the order. Keep in mind that “U2” is an Irish rock band and it is incorrect.
- “May I present to you” is used in very formal situations.
- Less formal situations, “Ms. Smith I’d like to introduce Mr. Jones.
- Do balance Introductions. If one person is introduced with an honorific, the other person should be, too.
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Don’t tack on the term “my friend” to one of the names when introducing two people. It implies that the other person is not your friend.
If you are responsible for making introductions, do your homework and practice ahead of time, especially if it is a big event with distinguished guests.
Karen, I notice you say that the phrase, “may I introduce to you” is used in very formal situations. Perhaps I’m being too technical – but I always teach this phrase in business protocol classes – making the distinction between business and social etiquette. However, in fact, “may I introduce to you” is grammatically correct, so I each this in social introductions, too.
Thanks for your input, Marilyn.