You can simply start with “Hello.My name is Betty” or “I’m Betty (or Sally Churchill)” or “I’d like to introduce myself.I’m Betty” to introduce yourself to a new person.A handshake with your name is acceptable in a group.

People you don’t know are not a big,amorphous group of strangers.Although in a group they might seem as an imposing solid brick wall,it may be better if you regard a crowd as a wall of individual windows that each of them can offer you a different view of life.Even self-introduction can be a pleasure,if you follow the small strategies and many tips contained in this book.

Never use your title when you introduce yourself by saying your own name.Introduce yourself as Helen Field or Helen,even if other people call you Mrs.Field.But if children who need help want to know how to call you,you can introduce yourself as Aunt Helen or Grandma Helen if you want them to call you that.

If you are a teacher,you may introduce yourself to the students with the title you would like them to use—Mr.Longman or Dr.Longman,for example,but you should write your whole name on the board: Simon Longman.An inverse snobbery restrains professors from injecting their titles into introductions (“Hello,I’m Simon Longman.”) in intellectual circles,though others may add the titles (“Hello,Dr.Longman.”).

You will be on safe ground if you address both current and retired ambassadorial,military,judicial,and clerical people by their professions (Ambassador Brown,Colonel Smith,Justice Brown,Reverend Brown,Father Brown) or “ma’am” or simply “sir” until you are very sure of protocol in their worlds.If you are not sure,ask.

You may hope to expand on your introduction with pleasantries such as “Nice to meet you”,“Good to see you” or “Nice to see you again” after you have said hello and your name.

Don’t forget to make eye contact and offer to shake hands when you are being introduced.Repeat your name clearly for your new acquaintance,if your introducer has mangled your name.

If you are unclear of the other person’s name,say the name again as you say something along the lines of “Nice to meet you”,with an inquiring expression to let him/her correct what you think you heard.The other person might repeat his/her first name if he/she wants to start right on a first-name basis.

Use the person’s title and last name (e.g.,Mr.Brown) until you are invited to be on a first-name basis,once the other person has introduced himself/herself.

Say“Hello.My name is ______.” to reintroduce yourself to a brief former acquaintance (if you forget the person’s name).Then the person will most likely respond with his/her name.But if he/she doesn’t,you can say “You may not remember me; I’m Simon.” Or “I remember you,but I’ve forgotten your name.” Always reintroduce yourself to young children,because they may have already forgotten which one of grown-ups you are in the interval since they saw you last.

If you want to introduce yourself to the senior or someone with greater status,simply use good manners: “Good morning,Sir.My name is Simon Longman; I’m your wife’s student.”

Pay attention to the person who has made the effort to introduce himself/herself to you,if you are the person with higher status.You should also use your best manners and be civilized.Do not let a seemingly unimportant person turn you into a snob.A truly great man never commits cruelty by being uncivil to a person with lesser status.Give everyone the opportunity to meet at least three minutes of your time and attention.Be kind.

The following are some tips for self-introduction:

◇Look people straight in the eyes.Eye contact is so important because it shows your care and self-confidence.Begin with “I’d like to introduce myself” in order to have the other person’s attention when you say your name.

◇Smile.Keeping a nice,bright smile (and fresh breath too) is also important.Smile is kind of icebreaker; it makes you look like a happy,stable person and draws people to you.

◇Handshake.A firm handshake,once again,reveals your self- confidence.But make sure that you don’t break the other person’s arm or hand (try squeezing slightly with your fingers rather than your thumb).You will definitely gain your confidence through a squeeze and control handshake.

◇Say your full name and immediately asking for others’.Then repeat their names while saying—“Nice to meet you John” or “It’s a pleasure to meet you Jane”.Repeating the person’s name will help you remember his/her name and again,and will show your care,too.Have a great conversation.Make sure you introduce your full name.

◇Giving a nickname is absolutely OK,but it is inappropriate to say your name is your nickname.If you consider it a joke,it is an awkward one.Always give notice it’s a nickname,i.e.“My name’s Jack,but they call me ‘Gorilla’”.

◇Telling a little bit of your background is helpful to start your conversation.

◇In conversation,never forget to talk on topics in which the other person is interested in.But avoid criticizing.You may tell your positives,but don’t tell your negatives unless you are asked to.

◇Concentrate on the person you are meeting—give them the respect you would like to receive.

◇Keep a tissue or napkin nearby to avoid shaking with a sweaty hand.

◇Present yourself with confidence but without a negative attitude.