How to Introduce Your Spouse at a Business Function

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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At some point, you may be called upon to introduce your spouse at a business function. Would you know how to do it properly?

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Assess the situation when you arrive. Make mental notes about associates and acquaintances whom your spouse knows or does not know.
Step 2

Approach your direct superior first. Observe the chain of command, even during leisure-hour functions.
Step 3

Take advantage of the lull at the beginning of your conversation to make your introductions. It's not polite to begin a conversation with an introduction; simple greetings and "How are yous" are usually better.
Step 4

Begin the introduction by first addressing those in the group who know your spouse. "Joe, Sue, Terry, I believe you all know _____."
Step 5

Follow with a more complete introduction for the rest of the group. "Tom, Barbara, Judy, this is _____, my husband (or wife)."

Tips & Warnings

Always state your spouse's given name first in an introduction. This way you make certain to place the emphasis on your spouse's individuality rather than his or her station as your spouse.
Try to relate what your spouse does for a living to others in the group. "Tom, Mary has been working on a project that may interest you."
Stick to introductions that include only the person's name and title. Using qualifiers like "my best friend" or "our best client" may surprise, offend or exclude someone else.
Remember to address everyone in the group and make eye contact with as many people to whom you are speaking as possible. It could be offensive if you exclude, or seem to exclude, any member of the group.
Don't feel you have to introduce your spouse to everyone at the function. The immediate group you will be interacting with is the most necessary; worry about others as you come into direct contact.
Don't worry about gender when making introductions. In business situations, observe the chain of command established at your workplace, not those that might be proper in a social situation.