Allow Me to Introduce

Making proper introductions seemed like the most appropriate place to start for my first post. There are two things worth addressing when meeting or introducing people.

First the handshake.

Emily suggests “ When gentlemen are introduced to each other, they always shake hands.” This is still applicable today; a firm, short, handshake is appropriate. This rule is also fitting for two women who are introduced.

“When a gentleman is introduced to a lady, she generally merely smiles, bows slightly and says: ‘How do you do!’ Strictly speaking, it is her place to offer her hand or not, as she chooses; but if he puts out his hand she of course gives him hers. Nothing could be more ill – bred than to treat curtly any overture made in spontaneous friendliness”

This obviously sounds outdated; however, there is some truth that still stands here. First and foremost the limp hand is an absolute no. Men, women’s hands will not crumble under your strength. Please offer the same firm grip, if not ever so slightly adjusted, to women counterparts. They will survive, I promise. Likewise, for all the ladies out there, a floppy fish hand does nothing for your first impression. Assert yourself. This goes for the half – hand handshake as well. He’s not going to kiss your hand (and if the guy does… don't hesitate, run! you’re treading awfully close to “that guy” water).

Here’s the exception, where Mrs. Post’s tip still applies. If you’re given a flimsy grip from the person you’re being introduced to, match the shake instead of “firming it up”. This would be the “friendly” thing to do by not correcting what you’ve been offered.

What to say during an introduction

I’m not going to delve specifically into what to say… formal introductions in formal settings, and informal when informal… you get the picture.

"When to make an introduction – A small group of people who are sitting together anywhere, partners at dinner, the guests at a house party (or any party), and a late comer to a group of already gathered people."

How many times has this happened to you, a friend joins a conversation you have been having with someone you just met. Clearly an introduction is in order, but what if you forgot the new person’s name?

I find myself here all the time. I’m terrible with names. What's more, I always question whether I heard/ remembered a name right. With a name like Carina, I’ve been called Catrina or Corinne too many times. It’s annoying but I don’t usually correct the person. Although Emily suggests otherwise (“Never introduce one person to another by saying “my friend,” it implies Mrs. Smith is ‘my friend and you are a stranger’”) my suggestion is to present your friend and leave it open ended. Ninety – nine percent of the time, the new person will take the liberty of filling in the gap and introduce themselves. Take this escape as a second chance to remember and repeat their names, never making the slip up with this person again.