Lesson Four of Six — Free, and Open to All
The Art of Introduction
How to introduce two people so both feel honored, and how to remember a name you just heard.
The principle
An introduction should tell each person something useful about the other, not just their name.
How to do it well
✦
Present the more senior or unfamiliar person first. "Margaret, I'd like you to meet James."
✦
Add one detail that opens a door. "James just moved here from Chicago" gives Margaret something to ask about immediately.
✦
If you forget a name, own it plainly. "I'm so sorry, your name has completely left me" is far more graceful than an awkward trail-off.
✦
Say the name back immediately when you meet someone, and use it again naturally within the next minute or two.
✦
Attach it to something distinct — a detail about them, anything memorable and private to you.
What actually matters
People forgive a forgotten name. They remember, for a long time, whether you made an effort to connect them to someone else in the room.