Tips For Starting Off Right

It’s the simplest of situations, yet among the most important: the introduction. How you introduce somebody, present his or her name or respond to an introduction can help determine whether the relationship will blossom into a success or tumble into failure.

Professional Connections, a newsletter on business etiquette published by Seattle-based Randi Freidig, offers these tips on making the best first impressions in introductions:

• Don’t automatically take the casual approach. If you’re introduced to a Michael or a Debra, don’t say, “Hi, Mike,” or “Hi Debbie.” It shows you weren’t listening, or simply don’t care. Don’t automatically use a nickname or a shortened version of his or her name. Just because you like shortened names doesn’t mean the other person does.
   
• Always make a point of standing when introduced. If you haven't been introduced, offer your name as soon as possible.
   
• If you forget someone's name as you're about to introduce them, turn to that person and say, "Your name just slipped my mind. Please help me out," or "It's been one of those days. Please remind me of your name." The important thing is to acknowledge the memory lapse quickly and graciously so that the introduction can proceed.
   
• If you didn't catch the person's name, ask immediately, "I'm sorry. I didn't catch your name." If you're unsure of the pronunciation of a person's name, ask him or her.
   
• A good habit is to offer your name along with your handshake, even if you know the person. Sometimes when you meet somebody out of context, a name does not immediately come to mind.