When you introduce two people, you’re providing each person with an opportunity to connect with someone new. This can open doors to various social and professional opportunities. A well-done introduction shows respect for both parties and demonstrates your ability to facilitate positive social interactions.

Imagine you’re at a networking event and you bump into a marketing guru you’ve known for years. Across the room, you see a young entrepreneur who’s new to the scene and eager to learn from experienced professionals. In this case, an effective introduction means creating a bridge between the two individuals.

You might say something like, “Mark, I want you to meet Jenna. She’s an up-and-coming entrepreneur whose fresh take on digital marketing has been getting a lot of attention. Jenna, Mark is someone I’ve worked with on several successful campaigns, and I think you two could have a lot to share.”

In a social setting, introductions can be less formal but still benefit from a personal touch. If you’re introducing a friend to your book club, you might base the introduction on shared interests to kick-start the discussion.

You could say, “Alex, this is Sam, our newest member and a fellow mystery novel enthusiast. Sam, Alex’s book recommendations never disappoint, and he’s a brilliant plot guesser. I thought you two might enjoy comparing notes on your favorite authors.”

Related: Introducing Yourself to a New Team: 9 Inspiring Examples

You’ll want to introduce people whenever you’re in a social or professional setting and you’re engaging with two or more individuals who haven’t met. Think of a work conference where you’re with a colleague and encounter a client, or a dinner party where your friends from different circles are mingling. The goal is to make everyone feel comfortable and included.

Timing is everything. You’re looking for a natural lull in the conversation or when a new person joins the group. It’s important to be considerate of the ongoing activity and not to interrupt a deep conversation or critical moment. For example, if you’re at a networking event, you might introduce your peers while waiting for a speaker session to start, rather than during a presentation.

When you’re introducing people, your aim is to respect social hierarchies and avoid awkwardness. Typically, you should mention the name of the most senior or elderly person first. For instance, if you’re introducing a long-time colleague to someone you’ve just met, you would say to your colleague, “This is [New Acquaintance’s Name],” then turn to the new acquaintance and continue with, “and this is [Colleague’s Name], who I’ve worked with for several years.”

Begin by clearly stating each person’s full name. If they have a title that’s relevant to the setting—like Dr., Prof., Mr., or Ms.—include it. This shows respect and helps set the level of formality.

Example: “Dr. Jane Smith, I’d like you to meet Mr. John Doe. John, this is Dr. Smith.”

Explain how you know each person and why you think they should meet. Giving context helps them understand the relevance of the introduction and often sparks the first topics of conversation.

Example: “Dr. Smith is my mentor from university and an expert in renewable energy, which I believe aligns with your current projects, John.”

Offer a few pieces of information that could lead to a mutual topic of interest. This ensures that you’re not just introducing names, but also fostering a connection that can potentially grow.

Example: “Jane, John recently started a project on solar power, and I thought your insights into sustainable energy innovations could be incredibly beneficial to him.”

When you find yourself in a situation where you need to introduce people who haven’t met before, it’s important to make sure everyone feels comfortable. Here’s how you can effectively introduce colleagues at work, friends in social settings, and acquaintances at networking events.

In a professional setting, you want to start by using formal titles unless you’re certain everyone is comfortable with first names. For example:

Keep it simple, and mention something that relates to how they might work together, like:

With friends, you can be more informal and personal. Share a little about their interests to spark a conversation:

When at networking events, your introductions should facilitate connections that could benefit both parties professionally:

Frame the introduction by highlighting their professional compatibility:

Sometimes you’ll encounter awkward moments during introductions. Knowing how to navigate them smoothly can keep everyone comfortable.

If you notice someone has forgotten a name, a subtle approach is key. For example, “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name,” allows the forgotten name to be shared without embarrassment. Alternatively, if you’re hosting the introduction, you can reintroduce the person forgotten, “This is John…”

Correcting misinformation during introductions should be done gently and quickly. For example, if someone introduces your friend with the wrong job title, a light-hearted correction works well: “Actually, Lisa just became the lead graphic designer at her firm!” This conveys the correct information without putting the other person on the spot. It’s important to address any incorrect details promptly to prevent confusion later on.

When making introductions, you need to be mindful of the dynamics and contexts of the groups or individuals involved. Different scenarios require tailored approaches to ensure that the introductions are respectful and appropriate.

When you’re introducing one group of people to another, it’s important to find common ground. Start by mentioning what each group shares, which can be a project they’re working on or a mutual interest. For example, “Group A, meet Group B. You all have a passion for renewable energy, and I think you’ll have a lot to talk about.” Make sure to keep the introduction fair, giving equal importance to both groups.

When you’re introducing people over email or social media, you should give a clear context for the introduction. Write a message that includes why you think they should connect, and then allow them to continue the conversation. An example email might begin with, “Jane, I’d like you to meet Sam. Sam’s expertise in market analytics aligns well with the project you’re leading.” (Always ask for permission before sharing contact information to respect privacy.) Related: Introducing Two People Over Email: 7 Warm and Inviting Examples

You might start with what they have in common; for example, “Mike, meet Jenna—both of you have hiked the Appalachian Trail! Jenna, Mike’s also a photographer.” This not only introduces them but immediately gives them a topic for conversation.

You could say, “I have the pleasure of introducing a close friend and a true inspiration—Sam. His dedication to community service has changed many lives.” This acknowledges your friend’s accomplishments and shares your personal connection.

In professional email introductions, clarify your relationship with the people you’re introducing. For instance, “Alex, I’d like you to meet Jordan. Jordan is our lead graphic designer and your creative insights might align for the upcoming project.” Include relevant context that identifies potential mutual benefits.

A casual introduction can be effortless; you might say, “Taylor, this is Jamie. Jamie’s the one who makes those amazing murals downtown. Jamie, Taylor’s the friend I surf with on weekends.” This simple exchange connects them through your shared interests.

When you’re introducing yourself in a group, be concise but share a personal tidbit or interest. For example, “Hi, I’m Avery, the new social media strategist. When I’m not crafting campaigns, I’m usually out trying new sushi spots!”

Related: Effective Self-Introductions (Inspiring Examples and Scripts)