How embarrassing.

When being introduced, most of us are so busy making a first impression, that we don’t hear the name, it goes in one ear and out the other.

To help, try using the name as soon as possible after you have heard it. A good way to accomplish this would be to add their name to your response.  

Instead of saying “it is nice to meet you”, you can make it part of your new awareness to say, “it is nice to meet you, Jane.”

Repeating the name as part of the first words you say to that person helps to remember the name and makes the other person feel that they were important enough for you to do so.

Honorifics

You are introducing two people of equal status at work.  

You introduce John Smith and Jane Doe; the first part of your introduction goes like this: “Ms. Doe, I would like to introduce to you John Smith.”

Was that correct?

When introducing two people, if you use the honorific of Mr./Ms./Mrs. with one person, then etiquette suggests that you use it when introducing the other person as well.

Therefore, it would be “Ms. Jane Doe, I would like to introduce, Mr. John Smith”, giving both people the same respect.

Knowing how to properly introduce people in business is an important social skill that you do not want to overlook.  

Being able to introduce people correctly speaks professional not only about the people you are introducing, but also about you.

The Charleston School of Protocol and Etiquette specializes in teaching confidence, helping people handle life’s events and changes with style, savvy and polish. We offer seminars and consulting services in business etiquette, and medical office protocol.

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