Ask The Etiquette Expert
By Jill-Marie Zachman
Dear Jill Marie,
I recently was promoted within my company to a position that requires much more interaction with others. Making introductions has always been awkward for me and I know this will be essential in my new position. Do you have some suggestions that will boost my confidence?

Dear “Climbing the Ladder”,

Congratulations on your promotion! You’re wise in asking this question because knowing how to make appropriate introductions also makes a good impression and conveys credibility. There are specific rules and general guidelines that apply depending on whether it’s business or social.

• When we “address someone first,” this means we “say their name first.”

When introducing yourself:
• Offer an appropriate greeting.
• Give your full name.
• Offer a handshake.
• Identify “whom or what” you represent.
• Tell something about yourself.

In a BUSINESS setting, the “most important” person is addressed first. What makes someone important?
• One’s Rank: A person with a title. An example of this is the CEO or president of a company.
• One’s Experience or Tenure: When making an introduction, first address the person who has 25 years of experience versus 5 years.
• One’s Age: When introducing people of equal rank and experience, the oldest is addressed first.
Exceptions:
• When everyone shares equal rank and experience, yet different gender, apply the social rule, and address the woman first.
• In business, regardless of rank, an important client should be acknowledged and addressed first, conveying appreciation and respect.

In a SOCIAL setting, it’s one’s title, gender and age that determine the introduction.
• One’s Title: Always address the person with a title first. An example would be a political or city official, a religious leader, a professor, Dr., etc.
• One’s Gender: When introducing a man and a woman, address the woman first.
• One’s Age: When introducing two people of the same gender, address the oldest first.

Rules that apply for BOTH business and social:
• Always address the “Guest of Honor” first, regardless of who’s present.

General Guidelines:
• It is better to be too formal than too casual. When being introduced, address the new acquaintance by Mr. or Ms., and allow your new acquaintance to tell you otherwise. This conveys respect.
• We all forget someone’s name from time to time. Simply say, “Please forgive me, your name escapes me.”
• When you see someone struggling to remember your name, introduce yourself. This is the polite thing to do, and you would appreciate the same courtesy.
• If you can’t remember the specific rules, the most important thing is that you make an introduction. By doing so, you convey respect and value for others, which is most important.

For comments or to submit questions, you may contact Jill-Marie at www.jill-marie.com.