Making introductions can be a cause of great distress for some people because they may worry that their introduction might be handled incorrectly. Here are some helpful tips that, if followed, should aid you in making introductions in most any situation.

Introducing one person to another

• The last should be first. Remember that when making introductions the younger of the two or more being introduced should be introduced to the elder. Using the elder's name first you might say something along these lines: "Mr. Riley, this is my friend Louise." or "Grandmother, I would like for you to meet my favorite teacher Mrs. Daggs."What if you don't know who is older? Great question. If this is not apparent, definitely do not ask either of them his or her age. Just make a guess and introduce them using the same formula as above.

• Pronunciate. Whenever you are making an introduction you should be confident and clear in your speech. Use an adult's title and last name when and if you know it. For instance, you would make the following introduction in a meeting of your mother and your baseball coach. "Mom, this is my baseball coach, Mr. Herman." You might even want to add a bit of extra descriptive information that will help people make the connection. In the scenario above you might add: "He is the one I told you about who gave me his signed Babe Ruth baseball." This will also enable them to have a talking point between them that is independent of your introduction. This principle applies to business introductions as well. Introduce your unemployed brother to the accounting manager at your dinner party adding a little extra information so that they might strike up a potentially beneficial conversation.
• Introduce anyway. There will undoubtedly be times when you are in the uncomfortable predicament of having to introduce someone whose name you have forgotten. In this case you should first re-introduce yourself and then your acquaintance. This introduction should go something like this: "I am sorry, I know that we met last year at the New Year's Eve ball but I can't seem to recall your name. My name is Grace and this is my sister Hazel."

What about when I am being introduced?

When you are being introduced to another person you should follow the same rules that you would during self introductions.

• Remember these basic rules.
• Whenever you are being introduced you should stand, or face the person if you are already standing.
• If you are being introduced to someone who is seated, for instance and elderly person or someone in a wheelchair, you should lean down making yourself as level with the person as possible.
• While you are being introduced you should always be sure to make eye contact. That means look him or her in the eye and smile. If you want to make friends, show yourself friendly.
• Extend your hand and be sure to give a firm shake. This is a hand extended in friendship. In the medieval times it was difficult to know who was friend and who was foe. This was because the men were often covered in armor from head to toe. A right was extended in order to show the other person that there was no weapon in it and that this person was willing to be friendly. The gesture would then be returned and the greeting of friends would be completed.
• In response to your introduction, it is appropriate to say something simple and straightforward. You might try:"I am pleased to meet you Mr. Blair."

Make a great first impression

Here are some last thoughts on how to avoid making a bad first impression. These are your takeaway don't do moves.

• Don't avoid eye contact. This action communicates confusing messages. It may leave the person wondering if you are trustworthy or you might even appear weak, lacking confidence.
• Return the handshake. Refusing someone's hand is rude. If you are wearing gloves, remove the one on your right hand out of respect.
• Offer a firm shake but not one that leaves the person wincing in pain. Neither should you offer a limp handshake that communicates weakness.

Making introductions is a very important part of etiquette both at home and in the business sector. Whenever you make someone's acquaintance you should take the time to do so properly so that you are remembered fondly and perhaps called upon to enjoy parties, attend functions, serve on committees or render a service. An introduction can either make or break a relationship.