Whose Name First?

When introducing two people in business, usually the first name that you say is the person who is higher in rank.
Example: “Joe, this is our new Vice President of Sales, Sally Sellsmore. Sally, this is our CEO, Joe Executive.”

However, when introducing anyone in your organization to someone outside your organization, the first name you say is the person outside your organization.
Example: “Hal, this is Sally Sellsmore, our Vice President of Sales. Sally, this is Hal Onwheels, who is a Sales Rep from Must Buy Supply.”

When introducing two people, it is fine to say, “This is . . . ”
“May I present . . . ” or “May I introduce . . . ” is reserved for more formal occasions.

From the Culture and Manners Institute at http://www.cultureandmanners.com

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When You Forget What’s-His-Name . . .

Have you ever had to introduce two people and you forgot the name of one of them?  “I’d really like you to meet, uh . . . and you are? . . . ”

Silly tricks like, “Pronounce your last name for me,” just don’t work.  The person might respond, “It’s Smmmiiiiitttthhhhh.”

When you forget someone’s name, don’t finesse, just confess.  Do not say, “I’m sorry, I FORGOT your name.”  It is much nicer to say, “Please tell me your name again.”  If you can reference anything you remember about the person that will help soften the blow of being forgotten, use it.  “I remember we met at that Super Bowl party . . . please tell me your name again.”

From  the Culture and Manners Institute at http://www.cultureandmanners.com

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Mad Dash from the Lectern

Some people introduce a guest speaker, then make a run for it.  Can’t get away fast enough.  They are moving at such a pace that they should be sponsored by Nike or Gatorade.  The guest speaker has not even reached the stage and the person who introduced him or her flies by without even shaking hands.  Or that person dives off the stage in the opposite direction.  Where’s the fire?

When introducing a speaker, wait at the lectern until the speaker gets there.  Shake hands with the speaker, then walk – don’t run – back to your seat.  If you are the guest speaker, wait for the emcee to return to the lectern and shake hands before departing.

From  the Culture and Manners Institute at http://www.cultureandmanners.com

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