You are here:
Social Etiquette and Good Manners/introduction
Advertisement
Question
how to introduce a person in the USA
Dear Monica,
When introducing people in the United States a person first needs to determine precedence. Precedence is the order in which people are addressed, greeted, introduced, referred, seated and served. In both formal and informal social settings, women have precedence over men; older people over younger (as long as they are the same gender); smaller groups usually over larger groups.
When using the terms women versus ladies; women is used for business and ladies for social. There is one exception, when addressing a group, such as: Ladies and Gentlemen.
Senior executives have precedence over Junior executives, but two of the same rank, you should defer to the one with the seniority.
Clients and customers have precedence over fellow associates, regardless of rank.
When making introdcutions:
1. Always determine the order of precedence.
2. Say the most distinguished person's first and last name or title and last name, first. Use appropriate names.
3. Choose appropriate introductions:
Formal: "May I present...?"
Business or social: "May I introduce...?" or "I would like to introduce...",
Casual: "This is...", which may appear unsophisticated.
4. Always stand for introductions. It shows respect.
5. If you forget someone's name, admit it, apologize and ask for the correct pronounciation.
6. Introduce yourself, when necessary.
7. Introduce and address people by their preferential name.
8. Responding to introductions:
Formal: "How do you do?",
Business or social: "How are you?",
Casual: "Hello."
9. Hint for remembering names - repeat the name when being introduced, such as: "Mr. Jones, how long have you been with ABC Company?"
For greetings, introductions and farewells:
1. Remember precedence.
2. Stand for introductions - The execption: if seated at a formal dinner, do not stand up, rather greet as approached, acknowledge others with a nod, shake hands when leaving the table.
3. Shake hands with your right hand, unless you have a disability. Cover coughs and sneezes with the left hand.
4. Make eye contact.
5. Smile and say the person's name.
6. Address people formally.
7. Include all people present.
8. Never ignore one who has offered to shake hands.
9. Make conversation.
Please contact me, if you have any other questions.
Thank you for writing.
Best regards,
Fleming Allaire, Ph.D.
"Dr. Manners"
Related Articles
- Business Introduction Etiquette - Introducing Business Men and Women
- How to Introduce People - Tips on How to Introduce People
- Remembering Names - How to Remember Names - Winning Name Game
- Introducing yourself in Japanese - How to introduce yourself in Japanese
- How to Shake Hands - Tips on How to Shake Hands
Answers by Expert:
Fleming Allaire, Ph.D., a.k.a Dr. Manners (TM).
Expertise
As an author, educator, newspaper columnist and trainer in the field of manners and etiquette, I am able to answer questions on every aspect of social etiquette and good manners. I cover adult and children`s manners,introductions, dining skills, verbal and written communication (including e-mail, cell phone and regular telephone etiquette), tipping, weddings, travel, births, death and funerals, proper attire for every occasion, office etiquette, invitations, entertaining, the roles of a host and a guest, thank you notes, family life, interviews, gift-giving, graduations, good grooming, disabled persons, hotels,school manners, good sportsmanship,respect, manners in public places( the theater, movies, church, shopping, restaurants, etc.), being a good neighbor, and being considerate of others.
Experience
I am the originator of national Children's Good Manners Month (September) and founder of The Good Manners Club. My school program "Manners Do Matter" is used successfully throughout the United States. I teach manners and etiquette at the University of Connecticut, Central Connecticut State University, United Technologies Corporation, Cigna Corporation and The Archdiocese of Hartford Catholic Schools. I wrote and recorded my Dr. Manners' Moments for Radio Disney, which aired for nearly two years. I was a regular contributor on WVIT-TV NBC30 during 2002 and 2003. I was a regular etiquette expert on WTIC (Radio)for nearly 3 years. I have been interviewed by radio stations, television stations, newspapers and other publications around the world. I recently appeared in an episode of the television show Survival Guide, on the Fine Living Network on Personal Etiquette and am a consultant for the Network. I was asked to write an article for The New York Times on Manners and Etiquette for the Summer, which was published on Sunday, May 16, 2004. I have visited dozens of schools, public and private; worked with The Girl Scouts; various community groups (including Chambers of Commerce and Senior Citizen Groups); church groups,and more. I am a former elementary school principal and a former elementary school teacher. Additionally, I have authored several books and booklets on manners and etiquette. I have been a manners advice newspaper columnist for nine years. My education includes: Ph.D. in Education, LaSalle University; Administrator Certification, Sacred Heart University; Teacher Certification, Central Connecticut State University; B.A. in English, Nazareth College of Rochester; Etiquette Consultant Certification
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.