Introduction Etiquette

There are occasions in which you need to introduce yourself. For example, if you are meeting new colleagues or clients.

• To introduce yourself: extend your hand & say, "Hello, I am … I am the new....."
• -If you have been introduced previously to someone, don’t assume that they will remember you so be prepared to reintroduce yourself again whenever necessary.

Q: If you are in a meeting or leading a meeting where people do not know each other it is advisable to conduct introductions but how?

A1: It is most efficient to have them introduce themselves stating their role or position.

A2: You also have the option of introducing them. Don't forget to mention some additional information about them, role & reason for their attendance.

In business, introductions are based on persons rank or position in the company not on age or gender.

• Higher position: Everyone else in order of their position is introduced to who is the highest in position.
• Equal position: If you introduce 2 people equal in rank, start with the one you know less & get him introduced to the one you know more.
• A client: He is an exception. He should be introduced first, even if you are with some one of higher rank in your company. Mr. Moustafa Seddik, the vice president of xyz company. Mr. Moustafa, I would like to introduce Mr. Ahmed (include his title).

• Step one: the first person's name you say is always the most important person.
• Step two: Thereafter everyone else's name is introduced to the most important person.

Kamella Power, I would like you to meet Rana Stewart. Who is the chief & who is the newly hired staff member?

• First of all never use "MEET" in your introduction but you can use "This Is" for informal introductions & "may I introduce" for formal introductions. When you use the word meet it always throw the wrong emphasis on the wrong person.
• Also never use we always throw the wrong emphasis on the wrong person.
• Second, we have to follow the 2-step golden rule for introduction.

The right introduction is: Kamella power, may I introduce Rana Stewart, our new staff member. Kamella Power is our chief.

• Kamella Power, may I introduce to you Rana Stewart
• Kamella Power, may I introduce you to Rana Stewart
• USE the fewest words

• Keep the forms of the address equal. Ex. Mrs Kamella & Ms. Rana
• Use first & last name together.
• Give brief info. About each person it an ice breaker & can give you the chance to excuse yourself to meet & greet others.

• A less important person is introduced to a more important one.
• A younger couple is introduced to the older couple.
• An untitled person is introduced to a titled one.
• If you are uncertain how to pronounce someone's name ask them to correct pronunciation prior to introducing them if possible.
• If you are introduced to someone and you do not hear their name, simply ask him or her to repeat it.
• A trainee is introduced to his colleagues & supervisors.
• If a single person enters a group of people, that person should always be introduced to the rest of the group.
• If your company is giving a reception, Introduce a colleague in your company to
• guest in another company. That means, you speak first to the guest when introducing your colleague to him.
• The idea is that the guest takes the priority over the Family.

• A handshake is the physical greeting of the verbal introduction.
• You should shake hands when meeting a person for the first time.
• When you are introduced you should always shake hands & make eye contact.
• Not shaking hands could be understood as a sign of rejection & could be taken as an insult.
• The higher up a colleague ranks in the company, the more responsible they are for initiating introductions.
• If you approach a group, you should always reach out, shake hands & introduce yourself.
• If a single person enters a group of people, that person should always be introduced to the rest of the group.
• If your company is giving a reception, introduce a colleague in your company to
• a guest in another company. You speak first to the guest when introducing your colleague to him.
• The idea is that the guest takes the priority over the Family

A job applicant would be well advised not to rush into a personal director with an outstretched hand, but to make a polite, calm and somewhat reserved entrance. The Personal Director will then receive the applicant respectfully with a handshake.

• Use a friendly relaxed manner when introducing people. Remember to smile.
• If somebody comes to greet you, stop immediately what you are doing & turn your attention to him or her if not possible to greet this person, at least make eye contact when they enter, wave to them & point them to a chair to be seated.
• Always get up and move toward someone when they approach you. Don't make the mistake of not getting up when someone says "Don't get up"

• A Superior in one's business.
• A Business client.
• Person of higher rank.
• Professional people offering their services.
• An older person.

a) Female attitude

• Often gives compliments related to appearance.
• Has a tendency to apologize for things beyond their control.
• Needs to be acknowledged immediately through handshakes or eye contact before initiating conversation.
• Tends to show emotion when speaking and/or through nonverbal communication.
• Generally gives longer, more detailed explanation.
• Prefers to feel comfortable socially and then discuss business.

b) Male attitude

• Are not always comfortable discussing personal issues like family or health.
• Is more likely to use humor to break tension.
• Prefer to discuss business and then socialize.
• Will likely come straight to the point regardless of sensitivity of the issue.
• Prefers compliments about skills and accomplishments.

• Business Etiquette is based on authority & power unlike social etiquette which is based on gender.
• No one should be given special treatment in the business arena because of gender; everyone man or woman should be treated equally and
• Prefer to discuss business and then socialize.
• Ladies, remember that you should not expect men to be treated the way they would socially, so do not act bothered, he means no disrespect.

• Introduce people in business based on rank, not gender.
• People of lesser importance are introduced to people of greater importance, regardless of gender.
• Stand up, smile, extend your hand, and make eye contact when being introduced.
• Respond with a greeting such as "I'm happy to meet you, Mr. Topman" or "How do you do, Miss Ellen?" Repeating the person's name is a good memory device.
• Use your full name when introducing yourself. Full names give you more credibility and identify us a professional

• Using informal language during business second because you are a woman when someone comes in late an appointment.
• Both sexes and females should stand up if someone comes to you for an official visit from the desk & offer your hand for a head shake. Then offer a person a

• Women, gets to her feet should hold the door for the office, regardless of gender.
• A man gets to his feet when a woman comes in for business.
• It is proper and legal to address women as "Ms." in a spoken or written communication. This woman may tell what she prefers.
• Avoid saying "Dear" "Hon" to anyone in the work environment and your title friendlier.
• Use professional language in all of your office communications, whether the media is e-mail or a formal business help "Nice effort" to do so.
• Men waiting for a woman to get from the elevator first. Whoever is close to the door should exit first.

• In Business meeting never make assumptions about who is the highest in rank. People tend to automatically talk to the man thinking he is making the decisions. In today's world, it could very easily be a woman.
• In a Business Dinner meeting, Expect the host to pay for a meal, whether the host is male or female. The host of a business lunch, the one who asks the meeting.
• Business meeting never opens doors for women.