posted
Oh, I say, old chap! I was invited to dinner by my professor the other day, and brought my girlfriend; the two hadn't met before. As I was trying to figure out whether a professor takes precedence over girlfriend, and thus who should be introduced to whom, they took matters into their own hands and introduced themselves! Dear me! How can I show up at work tomorrow if my professor is going to make an exhibit of himself in this way? Not Done, you know!
Posts: 10645 | Registered: Jul 2004
| IP: Logged |
quote: As I was trying to figure out whether a professor takes precedence over girlfriend, and thus who should be introduced to whom...
Is that really the proper way to figure out who to introduce first? I had no idea! *learns something new*
Posts: 486 | Registered: Feb 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
If the professor is significantly older you would present your girlfriend to the professor, if in the same general age range and male present the professor to your girlfriend, and if in the same general age range and female, tough call, but I'd present girlfriend to professor, as a sign of respect.
Or, ya know, just let them work it out.
Posts: 7954 | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Well, the professor is middle-aged, male, and quite good at physics, while my girlfriend is a mere liberal arts major, so if she were just some random acquaintance, no contest. But on the other hand, she's worthy of being my girlfriend, which clearly gives her quite a bit of rank, yes?
Posts: 10645 | Registered: Jul 2004
| IP: Logged |
quote: When introducing two people to each other, you do need to remember precedence (the order in which people are addressed, greeted, introduced, referred, seated and served.)
In both formal and informal social settings, women have precedence over men; older people over younger (as long as they are the same gender); smaller groups usually over larger groups.
Senior executives have precedence over Junior executives. If there are two of the same rank, defer to the one with seniority.
Clients and customers have precedence over fellow associates, regardless of rank.
When making introductions always remember to:
1. Determine the order of precedence. 2. Say the most distinguished person's first and last name or title and last name, first, while looking at him or her. Use appropriate names and titles. 3. Choose appropriate introductions, for example: Formal - "Rev. Jones, may I present...Mr. Smith", Business or social - "Ms. Green, may I introduce...Mr. White"; or "Mr. Client, I would like to introduce...Mr. Co-Worker"; Casual - "Susan Smith,this is...Bob Jones", may appear unsophisticated, especially in a business setting. 4. Always stand for introductions and make eye contact. 5. Always introduce people by their preferential name.
Most of the time, I can't remember one party's name or the other, so I introduce the person I do know and make a joke - the other person usually rolls their eyes and finishes the introductions for me.