The Art of the Introduction

Most of us think nothing of introducing two people who don't know one another. "Ringo, this is Cookie. Cookie - Ringo." That's it, right? Actually, there is an entire art to the making a proper introduction that only the savviest of hosts know.

A proper introduction can have a great effect on those you are introducing - it can spark conversation and make both of them feel comfortable, ensuring they have a better time and you, the host, receive the party fame you deserve! Your guests probably won't notice your technique, but they will notice how great they feel, and look upon you as the perfect host!

When your guest arrives, ensure that you introduce them to one other person, or to a group of two or three people before you leave them to greet other guests. Avoid walking your newly-arrived guest to a large group and saying "Cookie, this is everyone!" Chances are this will make your new guest feel uncomfortable, and will leave the introductions up to them. If your guests are all gathered in a big group, pick one person to pull aside to introduce to your new arrival. Choose someone who either has something in common with your recently-arrived guest or a co-conspirator, who you've asked ahead of time to help you with the introductions.

Now you have two people you are about to introduce. Did you know there is a proper order in which you should make your introduction? Yes indeed! The rules are as follows:


Most of us think nothing of introducing two people who don't know one another. "Ringo, this is Cookie. Cookie - Ringo." That's it, right? Actually, there is an entire art to the making a proper introduction that only the savviest of hosts know.

A proper introduction can have a great effect on those you are introducing - it can spark conversation and make both of them feel comfortable, ensuring they have a better time and you, the host, receive the party fame you deserve! Your guests probably won't notice your technique, but they will notice how great they feel, and look upon you as the perfect host!

When your guest arrives, ensure that you introduce them to one other person, or to a group of two or three people before you leave them to greet other guests. Avoid walking your newly-arrived guest to a large group and saying "Cookie, this is everyone!" Chances are this will make your new guest feel uncomfortable, and will leave the introductions up to them. If your guests are all gathered in a big group, pick one person to pull aside to introduce to your new arrival. Choose someone who either has something in common with your recently-arrived guest or a co-conspirator, who you've asked ahead of time to help you with the introductions.

Now you have two people you are about to introduce. Did you know there is a proper order in which you should make your introduction? Yes indeed! The rules are as follows:


Men Meet The Women

Introduce the man to the woman. For example, "Cookie Masterson, I would like you to meet Ringo Clown." Leave it at that - don't continue with "Ringo, this is Cookie". Add a thoughtful detail, such as "Cookie is an avid dessert chef. Ringo eats a lot of pastry".


Age Before Beauty

Let's say you want Cookie to meet your older friend, Stacie. Because Stacie is older than Cookie, you should introduce Cookie to Stacie. For example, "Stacie Chalmers, may I introduce my roommate from college, Cookie Masterson." Your thoughtful detail could be "Cookie majored in Horse Whispering in college. Stacie is an animal intuit."


Prominence Leads

In our politically-correct day in age, the following introductory rule may be a bit of a touchy subject, but in situations where tact is paramount, make sure you abide by this guideline. Introduce the less-prominent person to the more-prominent person. For example, "Judge Steward, meet Cookie Masterson".


A Family Affair

You should always introduce family members to other guests, regardless of their age, status or gender. For example; "Cookie, I would like you to meet my Aunt Gertrude."


This may seem like a lot to remember, but to keep it easy, simply remember this: The person receiving the introduction will most likely be better known. It would go without saying that Cookie would already know The Queen of England. You would not need to say "Cookie, this is The Queen of England", but would say, "Your Majesty, this is Cookie Masterson. Use the same idea when introducing those in your circle.

A final closing note: Always use last names as well as first names when you can. Follow these guidelines for introductions and you'll be sure to create the comforting environment that will keep your guests at your party and get you the rave reviews you crave!


Leigh Clements, the Shot In The Dark Mysteries / Your Date With Death Mystery Maiden, writes murder mysteries, non-murder mysteries and custom mysteries for Shot In The Dark Mysteries, and coordinates, hosts and facilitates local events both for Shot In The Dark Mysteries and Your Date With Death Murder Mystery Speed Dating. She can be contacted at mysterymaiden@shotinthedarkmysteries.com or mysterymaiden@yourdatewithdeath.com. Aside from plotting murder, she enjoys yoga, reading and hanging with her golden lab.