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 From the Author
This article is excerpted from The Etiquette Advantage by June Hines Moore (C 1998 Broadman & Holman Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee). Used by permission. From proper grooming to proper attire, from dealing with foreign clients to dealing with the caterer, knowing the dos and don'ts of etiquette in the workplace is imperative for a successful business person.
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One of the most important rules in social situations in the business world is that you must always introduce people.
Basic Rules of Social Introduction
- A younger person is always introduced to an older person. Say the name of the older person first. Example: “Aunt Sarah, this is my friend, Kim.” “Kim, this is my aunt Sarah Fillmore.”
- A person is introduced to someone of a higher position or rank. Example: “Mrs. Johnson, this is my neighbor, Mrs. Paul.” “Mrs. Paul, this is Mrs. Johnson, our principal.”
- A man is presented to a woman and a boy to a girl. Example: “Mrs. Watson, this is my father, Mr. Green.”
- Males stand when being introduced to a female.
- Gentlemen always shake hands with other males.
- Gentlemen wait for a lady to extend a hand. If she does not extend her hand, the gentleman does not extend his. (In business, either the male or the female may extend a hand first.)
- Forgotten names: Everyone forgets sometime. Just admit it and move on. Example: “Look at the person whose name you cannot remember and say, “I have just gone blank. Could you help me out?” The person then says his/her name.
- Correct response when you are introduced: “Hello, Sammy.” Or “Hi, Sammy.” Always say the person’s name. It will help you remember it.
- Introducing someone to a group: “I want all of you to meet Alicia Fowler from Omaha. She is new in our school.” Everyone should introduce themselves to Alicia after that. With a small group, you can tell her each person’s name.
The Most Common Faux Pas in Making Introductions
- Failing to introduce people.
- Remaining seated when meeting someone. Exceptions: (a) when the other person is seated, and (b) when it is difficult to rise (such as when seated in a booth). In this case, nodding or placing one’s palms on the table as if to rise is acceptable.
- Offering one’s fingers instead of hand – giving a “fish handshake.”
- Wearing a name tag on the left.
- Neglecting to repeat a person’s name when introduced to him or her.
- Failing to offer your hand in a business situation (especially women failing to do it).