Effective Introductions

Bukola Olupona

Hello ladies, I 'm so sorry this is just coming. ETIQUETTE

Today our focus shall be on Effective Introductions

Introductions are important because we want to make good first impressions. We all want to make friends and be liked:we want to be remembered.
May I ask you, how would you rather be remembered?
Awkward or confident?
Shy or outgoing?
Lonely or friendly?
Nervous or relaxed?

Why else are Introductions so important? because people are important. Introductions are the first glimpse others see of us -and let's face it. When you first meet someone, you want to communicate to them that they are important. When you say, "Glad to meet you, " you want them to know it's true.
Here are some basic guidelines for introductions:
1) Stand-even if you are in a seated position when you are introduced to someone, always make the effort to stand. Standing immediately expresses respect and says to the person "you are important enough to make me get out of my seat" On the other hand, if you simply remain seated when you greet someone, you are saying the opposite, "you don't mean much to me: you 're not worth the energy it takes me to stand up. " This may seem like a small matter, but it's not. This is where relationships begin, sure we want to begin on the right foot.

2) Smile- I'm sure you'll will agree with me, most of our communication is done without words. A smile on your face says to others. "It's my priviledge to meet you", it's also a way to make others comfortable in your presence. A genuine smile is the best way to show someone acceptance, favour and respect.

3) Look the person in the eye- The eye is the window into the soul "Eye contact is crucial for an effective introduction. When you look someone in the eye, you re communicating interest, attention, and confidence. Failure to look people in the eye can also also indicate insecurity or nervousness. If you have trouble maintaining eye contact, be sure to diagnose the cause and work to overcome it.

4) Shake hands firmly- Every culture has a physically expression of greeting. Each is a form of respect and friendship. some people bow, others kiss on each cheek, in our Africa context, for an elder, you knee, for official purpose or same age bracket - hand shake is just fine. Make your handshake friendly but firm.

5) Listen carefully - Specifically listen for the person's name and work to remember it. If you don't hear the name clearly, ask for it to be repeated. Don't ever be embarrassed to ask for clarification, it shows that you have respect for the person and that you want to remember their name.

6) Greet the person using their name- Using someone 's name when you greet them immediately puts them at ease and let's them know you value them. Learning and using a person' so name is another way of saying, "you are a significant person to me"

Remember manners matter and do to others as you would like them to do to you.

Credit - Fred Hartley and Andrea Have Smith. Have great weekend.