The Art of IntroductionBased on Ranking

Prepared by:

Shirly Flores-Perez

Where does your name come from?  Share the story of where your name comes from and what it means. 

Everyone's name has a surprisingly interesting origin.

Story of My Name

The purpose of introducing people is to give them an opportunity to know each other. Beyond just stating names of the two parties, the person making the introduction is often obligated to establish an acquaintance and help the two parties initiate a conversation.

Four Steps in the Art of Making Introductions

The basic protocol of introductions

calls for introducing the ‘lesser-ranking’ (socially, professionally, by age or seniority) to the ‘higher-

ranking’ person.

First, state the name of the person being introduced to. This is the ‘higher-ranking’ person.

First state the name of the person being introduced to. This is the higher ranking person.

1

• Introduce a younger person to an older one: "Mr. Oldson, I'd like you to meet Sally Youngling."

• Introduce a man to a woman: "Mary, this is Jeff."

• In a business setting, let rank take precedence over gender. If Mr. Thomas is a higher-ranking male than Mrs. Davis, Mr. Thomas gets the higher authority because of his business position, even though Mrs. Davis is a woman:" Mr. Thomas, may I introduce Mrs. Davis."

2

Second, say “I would like to introduce” or, “please meet” or, “this is,” etc.

• Name the person of greater rank or authority first.

• Use both first and last names, and include any title such as "Dr./Sir". For example, "Dr. Jones, may I introduce Stephanie Smith. Dr. Jones is my art history professor. Stephanie is an art history major."

• Include relevant details as you introduce the two together, such as any established relationship you have with the person you're introducing. For example, you might say: "Mr. Boss, may I present Mark Jones. Mr. Boss is my boss. Mark Jones is my associate."

3

Third, state the name of the person being introduced. This is the ‘lower-ranking’ person.

• Introduce a lower-ranking business associate to a higher ranking one: "Mr. CEO, I'd like to introduce Mr. Underling."• Introduce a client to a business associate: "Mr. Client, this is Mr. Money, my associate."

4

Finally, offer some details about each, as appropriate. Do not elaborate. This will help them connect and pursue a conversation.

• "Elizabeth, have you met Fitzwilliam? I believe you both share a love of reading Jane Austen while walking on the moors."

• "Mom, this is my friend, Stacy. She teaches classes at your yoga studio."

• "Mr. Jones, this is Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith has been helping me on the Connor account. We never would have closed the account if it wasn't for your help, Mr. Jones."

• "Mary, I'd love for you to meet Mark Charles, my neighbor. Mark is actually a published writer. Mary has just started taking creative writing classes."

CONCLUDING THOUGHTSMany people have difficulty introducing people to one another and helping initiate a conversation. With some practice and a sense of social and/or professional ranking, you too can master the art of introduction.