Etiquette Tip of the Month

Making Introductions

When a mutual friend makes an introduction between two strangers, it should mean something. An introduction means that the mutual friend vouches for the integrity of the person to whom you are being introduced. This mutual friend also believes that the two have something in common and will get along. Therefore, use good judgment when making introductions to your family, friends and professional colleagues. There is nothing more upsetting as to find out that the two people you introduced are now at odds with each other and further, are angry with you because of having met the other person in the first place. You can see the responsibility with introductions!

When making introductions, use these pointers as guidelines:

• Do not introduce those who you do not like or respect.
• Do not introduce those who you hardly know.
• Do not introduce those with whom you are trying to end a relationship, whether personal or professional.

But once you have established that two people should meet, introductions can be fun. Here are basic rules to introductions:

When introducing yourself:

• Remember to smile.
• If you are seated, stand to greet the other person.
• Always shake hands. Failure to do so is considered rude. Grip hands firmly, meeting at the crux between the thumb and index finger, then shake twice from the elbow.
• “How do you do? I’m Molly Jones.”
• Then say something about yourself. “I’m Gretchen’s cousin from Chicago.”
• Please note: You should never say, ‘Pleased to meet you,” because you don’t know the person yet. Although “How do you do,” is not a pop greeting, it is the standard and will hold up if your manners are ever scrutinized.

When introducing others:

• The person of lower rank gets introduced to the person of higher rank.
• Children get introduced to adults. – “Mrs. Williams, I’d like to introduce my youngest sister, Kim. Kim is home from college. Kim, this is Mrs. Williams, my piano teacher.”
• Friends get introduced to parents. - “Mom, Dad, I’d like to introduce Jeremy. Jeremy and I are going to research our reports together. Jeremy, this is my mom and dad, Mr. and Mrs. Sanchez.

When you are in a group:

If you are in a group and you're making many introductions, include a bit of information about each person. This will encourage further conversation amongst the strangers.

Program Happenings

Let’s Get Fit!

Club members went to a fitness center as part of their exercise week. They were greeted with a physical fitness specialist, who gave them thirty minutes of information and demonstrations on appropriate exercise routines for teenage girls. An effective exercise work-out consists of a warm up, at least 20 minutes of sustained movement, strength training on all major muscle groups, stretching for flexibility, and a cool down. The physical fitness specialist explained their thirty-minute circuit system and how one can fit a good routine into one’s day for continued good health. The girls got a lot of good information, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the visit.

Community Involvement

Class Time Presentation

The girls in this etiquette club are giving a presentation on respect. At the same time, they are honing their social leadership skills. Learning how to present oneself in public takes practice, but as they interact with their peers in this way, it becomes easier. Teaching their classmates about respecting others while showing them poise and grace, these girls will develop skills that will serve them well now, as well as in the future.

What Our Clients are Saying

“... Dageanna feels proud every time she tells family & friends about dressing proper & baking, etc. I noticed how she wants to set the table, how she sits straight. She takes her time now when she talks, and she even puts the proper words when needed.”

Anonymous- Parent of student

“ It teaches you how to speak, it made me more independent, responsible, how I talk, oh, actually how I speak, how I dress, how I present myself in front of certain people, how not to look stupid in situations and to use for everyday life. ”

Destinie - Previous Student

“ This club, the etiquette club (Ms. Whitaker) has taught me how to dress on different occasions. Whether business, formal, casual...Even when I’m at home my etiquette skills play a roll when I’m setting the table, making my tea (stirring my tea), I can go on and on. In brief this club has made a physical, and mental change in me from Day one. ”

Marzina - Previous Student

Feedback

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Contact Us

Thurston Whitaker Information Services
PO Box 271743
West Hartford, CT 06127
860.404.0339, office
860.404.0571, fax
sy@thurstonwhitaker.com
www.ThurstonWhitaker.com