Quick Answer
Say the more senior or more honoured person's name first, then introduce the other person to them: "Dr Adeyemi, this is my colleague Sam Price."
Add one sentence about each person that gives them something to talk about. That sentence is the entire point of a good introduction.
If you forget a name, say so immediately and lightly. Everybody has done it and pretending is far worse than admitting it.
The Order of Names
To introduce people properly, the rule is simple: the person of higher rank, greater age or honoured status hears the other name first. You are effectively presenting one person to the other.
- Client and colleague: the client hears the colleague's name first.
- Senior and junior: the senior hears the junior's name first.
- Older and younger: the older person hears the younger name first.
- Guest and family: the guest hears the family member's name first.
- Peer and peer: order does not matter at all.
In practice, almost nobody outside diplomacy or formal business will notice if you get this wrong. Getting the names clearly said matters more than the order.
Add the Sentence That Starts the Conversation
The most common mistake is stopping at names. "Priya, Tom. Tom, Priya" leaves two strangers with nothing.
Give each person a hook: what they do, how you know them, or something they have in common. "Priya, this is Tom, he runs the cycling club I mentioned. Tom, Priya just moved back from Lisbon."
Pick the hook that connects them rather than the most impressive fact. The aim is a conversation, not a CV.
Then leave. A good introducer hands over and steps back rather than staying to narrate.
Introducing Yourself
Lead with your name and one line of context. "I am Marta, I work with Ade in the design team" is complete.
Extend a hand or offer a nod, make eye contact and say the name clearly. Mumbled names are the reason most people forget them within ten seconds.
If you are joining a group already talking, wait for a pause. Standing at the edge for a moment reads as polite rather than awkward.
Repeat the other person's name once when you hear it. "Good to meet you, Femi" both fixes the name in your memory and sounds warm.
Names, Titles and Pronunciation
Use titles where they are used. Dr, Professor, Reverend and military ranks are part of the name in professional and formal settings.
Use the name people use for themselves. Do not shorten Elizabeth to Liz or Muhammad to Mo on their behalf.
If you are not sure how to pronounce a name, ask before the introduction rather than guessing during it. Asking is respectful, mangling is not.
Pronouns can be included naturally where they are relevant: "This is Alex, they lead the research team." Follow the norms of the room rather than forcing it.
When You Forget a Name
Admit it fast. "I am so sorry, your name has completely gone" takes two seconds and is instantly forgiven.
The alternative, hovering silently while two people wait, is far more uncomfortable for everybody.
A neat rescue is to introduce the person you do remember and pause. Most people fill the gap with their own name automatically.
If you are the one whose name has been forgotten, help immediately. Step in with "Hi, I am Rae" rather than watching somebody struggle.
Handshakes, Hugs and Physical Greetings
A handshake remains the safe default in professional settings in the US and UK. Firm, brief, two or three seconds, eye contact.
Do not initiate a hug or a cheek kiss with somebody you have just met unless the setting clearly runs that way and they move first.
Some people do not shake hands for religious, cultural or health reasons. A nod and a smile is a complete greeting and needs no comment.
Stand up for an introduction where you can. Staying seated reads as dismissive in almost every culture.
Group and Event Introductions
Bring the newest arrival into a circle physically before you introduce them. Standing outside the group while being described is uncomfortable.
In a group of more than about five, do not go around every name. Introduce the two or three people they are most likely to talk to and let the rest happen.
As a host, this is your job all evening. Nobody should be standing alone at your event for long, and the fix is an introduction with a hook.
Rescue people gracefully. "Sam, come and meet Dee, you both spent years in Manchester" pulls somebody out of a stuck conversation without drama.
Email and Video Call Introductions
For an email introduction, ask both people first. Double opt in introductions are standard now and stop people being volunteered into somebody else's ask.
Write it short: who each person is, why you are connecting them, and one line on what happens next. Then move yourself to bcc so the thread is theirs.
On a video call, say names out loud when you hand over, because visual cues are weaker on screen. "Over to Nadia, who leads support" prevents the two people talking at once problem.
Ask people to set their display name to what they want to be called. It quietly solves the forgotten name problem for everybody in the meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whose name do you say first in an introduction?
The more senior, older or honoured person's name comes first, and the other person is introduced to them.
What do you say when you have forgotten someone's name?
Say it plainly and lightly: "I am so sorry, remind me of your name." It is over in two seconds and nobody minds.
Should you stand up when being introduced?
Yes, wherever it is practical. Standing signals attention and respect, and it applies equally to everybody.
Is a handshake still expected?
In professional settings, generally yes, but a nod or a smile is a perfectly acceptable substitute and should not be commented on.
How do you introduce two people over email?
Ask both first, then send a short note explaining who each person is and why you are connecting them, and move yourself to bcc.
Bottom Line
Say the senior person's name first, say both names clearly, and add one sentence each that gives them something to talk about.
Admit a forgotten name straight away, stand up where you can, and step back once the conversation has started.
