Business Etiquette – How to Make Introductions

Are you embarrassed or even confused when making introductions at a business event? Let’s look at the protocol.
When you introduce your friends the process can be quite casual, but when it comes to making introductions in a business setting you’ll form the best impression when you get the business protocol right.

You might ask what difference it makes. Well, firstly it shows respect for those you are introducing and secondly, it demonstrates that you mind your manners. Yes, if you want to form a good impression, correct protocol matters.

How confident are you at making introductions? Using the correct protocol creates the perception that you are confident and professional. It sets the tone for how others will perceive you. First impressions count.
Most of us have been at networking events where colleagues overlook the importance of introductions. They start chatting away leaving leaving visitors standing as an outsider and feeling unincluded. (Is there such a word – if not I’m sure you get what I mean). You stand in the group feeling excluded. It’s rude.

If that happens to you, it’s often best to put your best foot forward, extend your hand to one of the group and introduce yourself. That’s perfectly acceptable although it would have been a much more comfortable business scenario if your colleague had acted professionally and made the appropriate introductions in the first place.

Being formally introduced gives you permission to join the conversation. Making a skilled introduction demonstrates your respect for your friend, colleague or guest. The alternative is to leave your colleague out in the cold, ignored and feeling awkward.

Making introductions is particularly important in business settings. If you introduce colleagues with an aura confidence you create the perception that you are prepared, and in control. A warm introduction establishes rapport of respect and gets relationships off on the right foot. Do you present the right image?

Tips for making a great business introduction

• Make eye contact. Look at the person you have been speaking to then turn to the person you are about to introduce.
• Speak clearly and with confidence. Say something like: “I’d like to introduce…,” “May I introduce…,” “I’d like you to meet…”, or in more formal business situations “May I present…”.
• Get the order right. Introduce the youngest person to the older; junior to senior; your company employee to your guest (along with the name of the organisation they represent if that’s relevant.)
• Create a conversation starter. You might say something like: “Susan, I’d like you to meet Bob Johnson who is the head of IT in our New Zealand branch. Bob, Susan has been studying web design this year.” Now, even if you have to excuse yourself from the conversation, they have something to start conversation with.

Want to learn more about business etiquette or interpersonal communication? Visit our course outlines or feel free to contact us for more info.