How to Introduce Someone
We all know a number of people, but the fact that we know different people does not mean also that they know each other. Sometimes, circumstances arise when one is in a position to introduce two people. Knowing how to correctly and politely introduce two people is a very useful social skill that is valuable not only in personal situations, but also in business and other pursuits as it is not unusual to be in a situation in which two people that you are acquainted with do not know each other and should be introduced. The directions below will instruct you in the process of introducing two people.
The first step in the process is to bring the two people together. It is likely that the person being talked to is someone that is desirable to introduce to another person in a different place in the room. Therefore, first, it is necessary to bring the two people together. In leading the person being spoken to to the other person, one should say something like, “Come with me. I want to introduce you to someone you should know.”
Second, in approaching the other party, one should demonstrate that someone is being brought to them, so you approach together, but with the new person in a slightly secondary position to the person going to do the introduction. Thus, the two people should cross to the area directly adjacent to the other person (the third party).
Third, when in the presence of the third party, the person making the introduction should smile at the third party and say something like, “Here's someone I think you should meet.”
Fourth, at that point, state the name of the person being introduced, then with a gesture, state the name of the third party.
Fifth, expect one or both parties to hold out their hands to shake hands. For the person making the introduction, he or she should stand slightly back, allowing the two people who just met to shake hands.
Sixth, at that point, the person making the introduction should mention something of interest about the new person to the third person. Right afterwards, then, the person making the introduction should mention something about the third party that might be of interest to the new person.
Sixth, after they have met, shaken hands, and the person making the introduction has mentioned something about each party to the other party, then the person making the introduction should step back a half step or so, to allow the two people who have just met to start a conversation.
Finally, as feels appropriate, the person making the introduction should join into the conversation between the two people who he or she has just introduced.
Knowing how to make introductions is a very important social skill that is useful in many situations. It's not difficult, but knowing how to do it in a correct and comfortable way is necessary.
