Have you ever wondered if, in a business environment, you are making your introductions correctly? You could be forgiven for not following standard etiquette when in comes to introductions in a private setting, however when it comes to business etiquette, it will boost your confidence if you are able to display respect to those to 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 an event with a colleague who runs into somebody he or she knows and starts chatting away while you stand there awkwardly, holding your drink? It's awful to be left in social limbo and rather rude of your colleague who has failed to make the introduction. In such cases you may just have to take things into your own hands 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. Making an introduction shows your respect for your friend, colleague or guest. Neglecting to make an introduction leaves that person feeling ignored and rather awkward. Making introductions is particularly important in business settings as they and give you an aura of being confident, prepared, and in control, establish a rapport of respect and get relationships off on the right foot.

Making introductions in the past used to be very formal with bowing, scraping, and a lot of rules, but today, just remembering to make them sets you apart from the ignorant. Don't stress about ironclad rules or be all flowery about it. 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, demeanor 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:

1. Introduce people in business based on rank, not gender or age.
2. In business, the client, guest or visitor outranks the boss or co-worker and should be introduced first.
3. Always smile and maintain eye contact.
4. Shake a woman and man's hand the same, straight up and down. Extend a good, firm (not painful) handshake to exhibit respect, trust, and acceptance.
5. Keep the forms of address equal to avoid differential treatment or the appearance of preferential treatment.
6. Do not call a person by his or her first name when meeting or being introduced for the first time. Use their title and last name until invited to be on a first-name basis.
7. Never use an honorific such as Ms., Mr., or Dr. to introduce yourself.
8. Demonstrate professionalism and credibility by clearly stating your full name.

Helpful examples:

The key principle when making introductions is deference and respect.

You show chivalrous deference to women by introducing the man to the woman. You show respect for your elders by introducing the younger person to the older. In business settings you show respect to senior staff by introducing the person of lower rank to the person of higher position. Here's how it works:

Business Introductions

Introducing business associates of different levels

Introduce the person of lower rank to the person of higher rank, regardless of age or gender. Example: "Mr. Manager, I would like to introduce Jean Junior from Human Resources."

Introducing a business associate of any rank and a client

Introduce the business associate to the client, regardless of rank, age, or gender.Example: "Mr. Client, please meet our Managing Director, Greg Manning."

Introducing two business associates of equal rank

Introduce the person that you don't know as well to the person you know better. Example: Let's say your manager, Greg Manning is meeting the manager of the Singapore office, Mary Lim. "Greg, I'd like you to meet the manager of the Singapore Office, Mary Lim."

Social Introductions

Introducing a man and a woman

Introduce the man to the woman. Example: "Mary, this is Kevin Jones who has been setting up the music for this event." (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)

Introduce the younger person to the older person. Example: "Mr. Mature, I'd like you to meet my friend Shireen. She's my friend from university."

Introducing a person and a relative

Introduce the person to the relative. Example: "Mum, I would like to introduce my boyfriend, Tony."

Introducing one or more persons and a group of people

Introduce the group to the individual. Example: "Greg, I would like you to meet Shireen, Tony and Gwen."

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:

• "I've heard such great things about you."
• "It's a pleasure to meet you."
• "It's great to finally meet you."

(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

• Use common sense. If in a formal situation and you haven't been given permission to call someone by their first name, use the title they are known by, Mr., Dr or Mrs.
• Always stand up for introductions, whether you are male or female.
• Make sure you know how to pronounce people's names correctly when making introductions.
• Say something interesting about the person you're introducing to make the transition into a conversation easier, for example:

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?"
Instant opportunity for a conversation about Sydney to break the ice.

What do you do when you're introducing someone to another person and realize 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.

Jane Jackson Director of Style Success, coaching for success. To enquire about coaching or corporate training workshops visit www.stylesuccess.biz or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it