How to Make Social Introductions

When we enter social situations, there are always opportunities to make introductions. Learning to introduce people properly will ensure that you have the social confidence to do it and will make you a social star. Read on to learn how to make social introductions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine the order in which your introduction should be made. Social introductions are generally based on three different things: gender, prominence and age. Introduce a man to a woman, a lower-ranking person to a higher-ranking person, and a young person to an older person.

2. Start your introduction by saying the name of the person of higher prominence. That will help you keep your introduction in the proper order.

3. Use full names and titles when making introductions, and offer information about each person during the introduction so they can carry on the conversation.

Introducing a Man to a Woman

4. Make the introduction to the woman. Say: “Mrs. Clark, I’d like you to meet Dr. Martin Slater, he practices in the E.R. at County General. Mrs. Wanda Clark teaches fourth grade at St. Mary’s.”

Introducing People of Different Rank

5. Make the introduction to the person of higher prominence. Say: “Gov. Richardson, may I introduce Ms. Miranda Blackwell, a campaign supporter from Albuquerque.”

Introducing People of Equal Rank

6. Introduce the person you know best to the other. Say: “Coach Sanchez, this is Don Wilson; he’s a CPA in town and also my brother. Don, this is Coach Kenneth Sanchez, Alex’s football coach.

Introducing a Young Person

7. Present the young person to the older person. Say: “Dad, this is Steve Torres, my roommate at school. Steve, this is my father, Mr. Bernard Bancroft.”

Tips & Warnings

• If you’re introducing someone but have forgotten his name, it’s fine to say, “Have you met Kristina Burke?” And then hope he gives his name himself. It’s also fine to say, “I’m sorry, can you remind me of your name again?”
• If someone is trying to introduce you but has obviously forgotten your name, step in with it immediately.
• If someone fails to introduce you, it is fine to introduce yourself. Simply say, “Hello, I’m Caroline Thomas.”

Resources

• Ask Thelma for More Tips