When making introductions the first person who should be introduced is quizlet?
You could be forgiven for not following standard etiquette when in comes introducing friends, however, if it affects your reputation and chance of career success, you must know the correct thing to do. Show
Why should it matter? It will boost your confidence if you are able to show respect to those for whom correct protocol matters. How skilled are you at making introductions? A proper introduction sets the tone for how others will perceive you. It’s all about first impressions and we all know we only get one chance to make a positive first impression! Have you ever been at a networking event or conference with a colleague who runs into somebody he or she knows and starts chatting away while you stand feeling like the third wheel? It’s awful to be left in limbo and it’s rather rude of your colleague who didn’t think to make the introduction. Business Networking is a skill you can learn – this guide will help you if you’re a beginner at networking.
Now, back to that feeling that you are the third wheel … you may just have to bite the bullet and introduce yourself, which is fine, but the exchange would have been much smoother had your colleague made a quick introduction in the first instance. Being introduced invites someone into the conversation and makes him or her feel like part of the group right from the start. Making an introduction shows you respect your friend, colleague or guest and, as my Chinese mother used to say, “Gives them face“. Neglecting to make an introduction leaves that person feeling ignored and rather awkward. Making introductions is particularly important in business settings as they give you an aura of being confident, prepared, and in control, establish a rapport of respect and gets relationships off on the right foot. Making introductions used to be very formal many rules to avoid a faux pas. However today, just remembering to make an introduction politely creates a positive first impression for you. Don’t stress about rigid rules or be too fancy about your introductions. Keeping introductions simple and respectful goes a long way. Consider this scenario, you are talking to a female SVP of your company at a business networking event and a male SVP from another company joins you. As they are both of the same level, whom do you introduce first: man or woman, employee or guest, older or younger, tall or short?
If you are unsure, there will be a bit of discomfort in those first few seconds, which won’t boost your own self-confidence in the situation. This may reflect in your facial expression, tone of voice, demeanour and even your posture! Here are some easy to remember guidelines to follow which will help you to feel poised, polished and professional when meeting people and making introductions:
Always show respectAlways introduce the man to the woman. I know, women like to be treated as equals, however, much as women don’t like these days to be known as the ‘fairer sex’, it’s still polite and demonstrates a little deference that is always looked upon favourably. What about age differences? Respect our elders by introducing younger people to those who are older. In business settings, you show respect to senior members of your team by introducing a person of lower rank (especially if they are new to their role) to the person of a higher position. Here’s how it works:
Business IntroductionsIntroducing business associates of different levels
Introducing a business associate of any rank and a client
Introducing two business associates of equal rank
Social IntroductionsIntroducing a man and a woman
(Note: In social settings, a man is always introduced to a woman, regardless of age)
Introducing a younger person and an older person (of the same sex)
Introducing a person and a relative
Introducing one or more persons and a group of people
Notes on group introductions:Say the names of everyone in the group slowly so that your guest will have a greater chance of remembering them. What to Do When Being Introduced
Always remember the importance of positive first impressions. When being introduced to someone, look him or her in the eye, offer a firm handshake and say something pleasant like:
(If you are a man, when meeting a woman, wait to see if she extends her hand first. If you are a woman meeting another man or woman, offer your hand. Remember this guide is for a Western business environment. In different cultures there will be different rules.) If you can, follow up with something to start a conversation such as, “Greg tells me you’ve been working on a new project. How’s it going?”
Other Tips
You: “Greg, I’d like to introduce you to Mary Lim from the Singapore office. This is her first trip to Sydney”.
Greg: “Welcome to Sydney, Mary. Have you managed to see much of the sights so far?” This is an instant opportunity for a conversation about Sydney to break the ice.
What do you do when you’re introducing someone to another person and realise you don’t remember his or her name? This happens quite frequently I’ve found!
Say to the person, “Have you met my Manager, Greg?” That person will then hopefully reply with, “No, I haven’t. I’m Mary.”
Continue to learn and enhance your social skills in a business setting to maintain a competitive edge. Respect and correct etiquette will never go out of fashion.
Everyone needs a little guidance sometimes – coaching can improve your skills, boost your personal brand and confidence level and enhance your communication. I’d love to hear what works for you – comment below and share your thoughts too.
Do you need help with business etiquette or to develop your career successfully?
The CAREER SUCCESS Program will guide you step by step to get the clarity and confidence you need in your job, or land the job you’ll love and grow your career.
The Career Success Program
Reference: [1] How to Make Introductions Like a Gentleman, The Art of Manliness, 10 August 2010.
Tagged Business etiquettebusiness introductionshow to make introductionsintroductionsnetworking 2 Responses
|