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

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Present the more senior or unfamiliar person first. "Margaret, I'd like you to meet James."

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Add one detail that opens a door. "James just moved here from Chicago" gives Margaret something to ask about immediately.

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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.

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Say the name back immediately when you meet someone, and use it again naturally within the next minute or two.

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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.