Presentation is both an art and a way of ensuring good manners. A good introduction can guarantee a good conversation and can help mitigate any discomfort or disquiet when meeting for the first time. And you have all this power! Here's how to introduce people effectively.
Steps
Step 1. Understand the purpose of the presentation
Introducing is an easy way to give two people a chance to get to know each other. Your role during the presentation is to offer the essential details of the person's identity and their possible connection with you. You may also need to give a little help to start the conversation after the presentation.
When introducing someone, avoid starting a conversation about serious matters right away. Wait for a more opportune time
Step 2. Try to figure out which of the two people to present has the greater degree or authority
If you don't know, you have to try to figure it out in the moment.
- Your boss will have greater rank or authority than your colleague, partner, or best friend.
- Your 70-year-old mother-in-law has priority over your new boyfriend.
- Your older colleague comes before the younger one.
- Your client needs to be introduced to your employees.
- Older people come first by any degree or authority, as a matter of courtesy and respect.
- All other things being equal, you should introduce the person you've known the longest first - a new friend to an old friend.
- In social situations of leisure it is customary to present men to women as a sign of respect. This does not apply in a business context where women have a superior role.
Step 3. Present formally
The following approach is appropriate for a formal occasion. Use the phrase "May I introduce them", "I would like to introduce them", or "Has already met".
- Be the first to name the person of greater rank or authority.
- Submit with first and last name, and include titles such as "Doctor / Mr.". If your spouse has a different surname than yours, you must mention it.
- When introducing two people, add pertinent details, such as your connection with the person you're introducing. For example, you might say, "May I introduce you to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, my superior."
Step 4. Present informally
During a less formal gathering, such as a barbecue in the garden, you can simply introduce two people with their name: "Fitzwilliam Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet".
In informal situations it is allowed to use only the first name
Step 5. Do not repeat the names and do not reverse the presentation
In both cases, formal and informal, there is no need to reverse the presentation. Both sides know who is who. Unless you realize that one of the two was not listening and shows obvious discomfort!
Step 6. Make a group presentation
In this case you will have to introduce the newcomer to each member of the group, unless it is a small and informal group where a general introduction is sufficient and the fact of naming each individual when you have everyone's attention does not involve neither a waste of time nor an excessive interruption.
In the case of larger and more formal groups, introduce the newcomer to the group first, then accompany him to each person and introduce him by name: "Caroline, this is Fitzwilliam, my boss; Lydia, this is Fitzwilliam, my boss", and etc. Continue like this with all the people present
Step 7. Try to facilitate the conversation if it seems to you that both people are unable to continue once introduced
The best way to do this is to talk about something they have in common: "Elizabeth, do you know Fitzwilliam? I think you both love reading Jane Austen novels as you walk across the moors."
If you need to facilitate the conversation, never make the mistake of leaving either person out of the picture. It is not polite as it is tantamount to ignoring it
Advice
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Things to avoid during presentations:
- Use "you should" or "you must". These words can appear intrusive, overbearing, and rude. For example, don't say "You must know", "You must know each other" or "You must have a lot in common" (how can you take that for granted ?!).
- Say something that requires a handshake. This goes beyond the limits of education, for example when we say: "Shake hands".
- Saying "This is it" can be a little too informal, and doesn't convey the importance of the presentation on a formal occasion.
- Forcing people to introduce themselves when they have already clearly shown that they do not want to know the other person. Don't act like a peacemaker and don't belittle their concerns - it's up to them to decide if they want to be introduced.
- The response to the introduction should be simple, such as "hello", "nice to meet you" or "Elizabeth told me a lot about her". Avoid cheesy or flowery exclamations, which may seem fake or old-fashioned. Peggy Post says that "excessive praise dampens interest".
Warnings
- It must be remembered that presentations are also based on cultural, social and regional differences.
- If you don't remember a name, don't try to hide it. Admit you had a brief "memory lapse"; be humble!
- Topics to avoid during a presentation include divorce, bereavement, job loss, illness, etc. Such arguments embarrass people who don't know what else to say.
