NWR: Introductions

OurWildKingdom

We have my work picnic on Sunday, and I'm wondering about the protocol for introductions. Do I say, "FW, this is BigBoss," or "BigBoss, this is FW," for my boss and higher-ranking folks? What about my peers -- does it matter whom I present to whom?

charlotte989875

I have no idea about protocol for this. Thinking about it though I tend to address the introduction to who is connected to the event. For example if I was at a work function I would say, "boss this is H, H this is boss". If it was a party at my house and I was introducing a new friend I'd probably say "H this is new friend, new friend this is H". I have no idea if this is proper but it's what I tend to do. 

I also know know in my industry no one would care how the introduction is phrased, but this might not apply to every industry. 

Heffalump

I think technically, you start with the higher ranking person first: Mr. President, this is Congresswoman Jones. That said, I think only a true a-hole would keep track of who was introduced to whom, let alone take offense. I think normal people view it as a simple, brief exchange of information.

OurWildKingdom

What about peers? Do I introduce the older person first?

glasgowtolondon

I really wouldn't over think this. I think heffalump is right about seniority going first, but since I don't usually mix with presidents I can honestly say I have never noticed. 

LadyCatherineDB

Speak to the person you wish to honor first, and present the other person to the person you would like to honor. 

Example: "Lady Catherine, may I present my mother, Mrs. Bennett? Mama, I'd like you to meet Lady Catherine."

In business settings, honor clients first. If there are no clients, honor your boss or other higher-ranking employees. If, however, the picnic is being thrown in honor of someone, speak to that person first.

Examples:
"Client, may I introduce Ms. BigBoss? BigBoss, I'd like you to meet Dr. Client."
"BigBoss, I'd like to introduce Peer. Peer, I'd like you to meet Ms. BigBoss."
"PicnicHonoree, may I present FW? FW, this is PicnicHonoree."

When introducing peers, the order does not matter. Be sure to include first and last names. In business settings, gender and age do not matter, either. You would present a 75-year-old male intern to an 18-year-old female CEO.

Example:
"YoungCEO, may I present Mr. OldIntern? OldIntern, I'd like you to meet Dr. YoungCEO."

short+sassy

LadyCatherineDB said:

Speak to the person you wish to honor first, and present the other person to the person you would like to honor. 

Example: "Lady Catherine, may I present my mother, Mrs. Bennett? Mama, I'd like you to meet Lady Catherine."

In business settings, honor clients first. If there are no clients, honor your boss or other higher-ranking employees. If, however, the picnic is being thrown in honor of someone, speak to that person first.

Examples:
"Client, may I introduce Ms. BigBoss? BigBoss, I'd like you to meet Dr. Client."
"BigBoss, I'd like to introduce Peer. Peer, I'd like you to meet Ms. BigBoss."
"PicnicHonoree, may I present FW? FW, this is PicnicHonoree."

When introducing peers, the order does not matter. Be sure to include first and last names. In business settings, gender and age do not matter, either. You would present a 75-year-old male intern to an 18-year-old female CEO.

Example:
"YoungCEO, may I present Mr. OldIntern? OldIntern, I'd like you to meet Dr. YoungCEO."

I agree with the above for proper etiquette.

As for introducing your H to your peers, I'd introduce your peer first.  Especially because it is a work event.  But it's really splitting hairs and probably more falls under my personal preference.

lovesclimbing

I have always heard that you introduce the lower ranking person to the higher-ranking person. If peers, you introduce the man to the woman. If same sex, it doesn't matter. 

CMGragain

OurWildKingdom said:

We have my work picnic on Sunday, and I'm wondering about the protocol for introductions. Do I say, "FW, this is BigBoss," or "BigBoss, this is FW," for my boss and higher-ranking folks? What about my peers -- does it matter whom I present to whom?

This one.