Personally and Professionally Polished

via iheartpictures

Proper Introductions 

Do you want to be perceived as polished personally and professionally - here's valuable information you can use to make a proper introduction. 

I received several questions this week regarding proper introductions.
Here are some very valuable introduction tips :
(Socially)

• Women and men should always stand when introduced, look the person in the eye and smile.

• Shake a woman and man's hand the same, straight up and down. Extend a firm (not a bone crusher) handshake to show respect.

• Never use an honorific such as Ms., Mr., or Dr. to introduce yourself. (Example: A doctor should never introduce himself/herself as Dr. Jones, but the person making an introduction gives the honorific of Dr. Jones.)

• Socially: a woman’s name is said first in the introduction: Sally Smith this is Paul Miller.

• Keep introductions equal. If you use Ms. Jones, use Mr. Smith. Never say Mr. Smith this is John. It is best to use first and last names when making introductions. 

• It is important to create common ground between the two people you are introducing so they can springboard into their own conversation. Then you can excuse yourself and let them carry on a conversation.

(Business)

• The most important persons name is said first. Introduction is based on rank, not gender or age.

Correct: Ms. President, I would like to introduce Mr. Vice President
(never add “to you” in the previous sentence – it places the emphasis on the wrong person) Incorrect: Ms. President, I would like to introduce to you Mr. Vice President” FYI -
When making a very formal introduction, such as dignitaries use the word "present" instead of the words "this is" or "introduce."

• NEVER use the word "meet" when introducing people. When using the word "meet" to introduce someone, it always throw the emphasis toward to the wrong person. 

• For example, in reading the following sentence you can’t tell who is the CEO and who is the newly hired employee. "Jack Jones, I would like you to meet John Smith." Which person is the most important person in this sentence? Is Jack or John the CEO? 

• Rather, for an informal introduction, use the words "this is" as the bridge between the most important person's name said first and introducing the second person. "Jack Jones this is John Smith, our new staff member. Mr. Jones is our CFO."

• The client, guest or visitor outranks the boss or co-worker and should be introduced first.

A note to All Things Refined readers: The protocol of proper introductions is difficult to understand. I wish I could explain to each of you in person to make it easier for you.

Have a wonderful weekend my well refined friends!

Joy

Polish up!