How to Introduce Yourself
and Others

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Knowing how to introduce yourself and others is a small social skill that makes a big difference. You might be walking into a networking event, a neighborhood potluck, or your first day at a new job. In each case, a confident introduction sets a warm tone and puts everyone at ease, including you.

The good news is that introductions follow a few simple guidelines. Once they become second nature, you’ll find yourself stepping into the role of host wherever you go: the person who brings people together.

How to Introduce Yourself

In most social settings, like a networking event, a birthday party, or a gathering at a friend’s home, you’re bound to see someone you don’t know. Don’t wait for someone else to make the first move. Make the most of the moment by introducing yourself.

A self-introduction can be as simple as: “Hi, I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Jordan Ellis.” Offer a smile, make eye contact, and extend your hand for a handshake.

If you already know the other person’s name, use it. It adds instant warmth: “Mr. Robinson, I’m Jordan Ellis. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

A few tips for introducing yourself well:

Use your first and last name. It’s more memorable and gives the other person something to hold onto.

Add a little context. “I’m Jordan Ellis. I work with Sarah in marketing.” Now the conversation has somewhere to go.

Re-introduce yourself freely. If you’ve only met someone once or twice, offering your name again is a kindness. Most of us struggle to remember names!

How to Introduce Others in Social Settings

Introducing two people to each other may feel like more of a stretch, but a simple framework makes it easy. The general idea is to say the name of the person being honored first.

Similar age, same gender: It doesn’t matter whose name you say first.

Similar age, different gender: Traditionally, the woman’s name is said first.
“Claire, this is my coworker, Troy. Troy, this is Claire.”

Different ages: Say the older person’s name first.
“Uncle John, this is my friend Marilyn Mims. Marilyn, this is my uncle, John Pike.”

A VIP is present: The guest of honor, an elected official, a judge, or a military officer is named first.
“Mayor Smith, I’d like to introduce Emma Gold. Emma, this is our mayor, Tita Smith.”

Notice that a social introduction has two parts, one sentence to each person. Let the introduction finish before anyone jumps in.

Small Touches That Make a Big Impression

Give full names for relatives. Your friends won’t want to call your parents “Mom” and “Dad,” so share their names.

Use first and last names in business and formal settings.

Offer a conversation starter. “Troy, this is Claire. She loves horseback riding, too!” You’ve just given them an easy place to begin.

Smile, shake hands, and make eye contact. A warm, friendly greeting wins people over every time.

How to Introduce Others at Business Events

In the professional world, introductions are based on rank and position rather than age or gender. Say the name of the highest-ranking person first:
“Ms. Johnson, may I introduce Bill Sable, the head of our production department.”

Clients come first. When introducing a client, sponsor, or benefactor, say their name first, even if a colleague from your own organization outranks them.
“Sally Jacobs, I’d like you to meet Dr. Richard Strong, our founding director.”

Equal rank? When two people hold similar positions, say the name of the person you know better first, then introduce the one you know less well:
“John Kelly, I’d like you to meet Gretchen Smith.”

A few more professional pointers:

Keep using Mr. or Ms. until you’re invited to use a first name.

At formal business functions and dinners, the host usually greets guests and makes the introductions. At networking events, it’s up to you to introduce yourself.

If someone stops by your office and introduces himself as Bill Smith, “Welcome, Mr. Smith” is always a gracious response. A touch of formality shows respect.

Make the Most of Every Introduction

Meeting someone new is a bit like opening a gift. You never know whether your new acquaintance will become a close friend, a valued client, or someone who changes your life in ways you can’t yet imagine.

Now that you know how to introduce yourself and others, those opportunities are waiting. And don’t worry about getting every detail perfect. The only real misstep is not making an introduction at all.