You can simply start with “Hello.My name is Betty” or “I’m Betty (or Sally Churchill)” or “I’d like to introduce myself.I’m Betty” to introduce yourself to a new person.A handshake with your name is acceptable in a group.
People you don’t know are not a big,amorphous group of strangers.Although in a group they might seem as an imposing solid brick wall,it may be better if you regard a crowd as a wall of individual windows that each of them can offer you a different view of life.Even self-introduction can be a pleasure,if you follow the small strategies and many tips contained in this book.
Never use your title when you introduce yourself by saying your own name.Introduce yourself as Helen Field or Helen,even if other people call you Mrs.Field.But if children who need help want to know how to call you,you can introduce yourself as Aunt Helen or Grandma Helen if you want them to call you that.
If you are a teacher,you may introduce yourself to the students with the title you would like them to use—Mr.Longman or Dr.Longman,for example,but you should write your whole name on the board: Simon Longman.An inverse snobbery restrains professors from injecting their titles into introductions (“Hello,I’m Simon Longman.”) in intellectual circles,though others may add the titles (“Hello,Dr.Longman.”).
You will be on safe ground if you address both current and retired ambassadorial,military,judicial,and clerical people by their professions (Ambassador Brown,Colonel Smith,Justice Brown,Reverend Brown,Father Brown) or “ma’am” or simply “sir” until you are very sure of protocol in their worlds.If you are not sure,ask.
You may hope to expand on your introduction with pleasantries such as “Nice to meet you”,“Good to see you” or “Nice to see you again” after you have said hello and your name.
Don’t forget to make eye contact and offer to shake hands when you are being introduced.Repeat your name clearly for your new acquaintance,if your introducer has mangled your name.