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A gentleman should never assume that those with whom he is talking know all of the other parties to the conversation. Furthermore, it is sometimes not wise to expect that the person with whom he is talking knows who is doing the talking. I am frequently embarrassed by my own weakness at remembering people and names. I am always grateful when a person with whom I am not intimately familiar comes to me and introduces himself at the beginning of the conversation. "Hello, Rick. I'm Randy Williams, we met at the Blake party last fall." What a relief that is. Additionally, it is always polite to introduce new parties to a conversation. "May I introduce Randy Williams. Randy is the Vice President of Information Technology at ABC Corporation. Randy this is Karen Johnson of Union Bank, and her husband William, and John and Nancy Smith, friends of ours from Louisiana." In a formal setting, it is always appropriate to present an introduction. In general, a woman should be presented to a man, ("Mr. Randy Williams, may I present Mrs. Karen Johnson") or a subordinate to a superior, ("Col. Wright, may I present Lt. Wilson") Beyond these simple rules, there are very strong and important procedures regarding introductions, and particularly, receiving lines. The depth of these norms is far beyond the scope of this website, however, there are excellent books on the subjects, particularly those related to weddings, that would help an interested party to become better prepared for this type of affair. |