etiquette

By Tanya Hutchison

Allow You to
Introduce Yourself
Certain situations call for specific
introductions, and by knowing
when and where you can make
sure they remember who

What’s up? Yo, baby! Bonjour! Buenos dias! Whether on a text message or a whistle of ad- miration to express your interest, some greet- ings simply aren’t good enough when you’d like to make a lasting first impression. Although technology has caused us to become more informal than not, when we enter social situations, there are always opportunities to make memorable introductions.

Although rules for introductions have become much less rigid in recent years, and there is considerable variation in the phrases used, certain forms must be followed. Social introductions are generally based on three different things: age, gender and prominence (fame, reputation).

First, a younger person is presented to an older person. Second, a gentleman is always presented to a lady, even if she is no older than 18. Third, no woman is ever presented to a man, unless he is the President of the United States, the recognized head of another country, a member of a royal family, or a church dignitary.

Determine the order in which your introduction should be made. Start your introduction by saying the name of the person of higher position. That will help you keep your introduction in the proper order. Always use full names and titles when making introductions, and offer information about each person during the introduction so they can carry on the conversation.

The simplest form of introduction, suitable for all but the most formal occasions, is the mere pronouncing of the two names: “Mrs. Trabuco, Mrs. Canyon.” A man and a woman may be introduced in the same way. When introducing a man to a woman:

● Very simply state: “Mrs. Backster, Mr. Zanzabar.”

● Make the introduction to the woman with some information to assist them with starting up a conversation. Say: “Mrs. Canfield, I’d like you to meet Dr. Mark Slater, he practices in the E.R. at County General. Mrs. Alisha Canfield teaches fourth grade at St. Mary’s Elementary School.” When introducing people of different rank: