Good Etiquette, Good Relationships - A Modern Guide to Eloquence and Etiquette

Author: Chen Hui
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: Modern society is becoming increasingly open, with interpersonal interactions becoming more frequent. International exchanges, business interactions, and daily personal interactions have become indispensable parts of modern life. This requires people to strive to learn and master modern daily etiquette. By adhering to etiquette norms, individuals can be welcomed and respected in all aspects of social life, while rude behavior may hinder harmonious relationships with others. In social settings, introductions serve as the bridge for people to get to know and interact with each other. Forms of address are the terms people use to refer to each other in daily interactions, while handshakes are a universally accepted gesture of greeting and are frequently used in social settings. In interpersonal interactions, mastering the correct ways to introduce oneself, address others, and shake hands reflects one's upbringing and level of respect for the other person. When done appropriately, it facilitates smooth interpersonal communication.
1. Self-Introduction
Self-introduction is a common form of introduction in social settings. In many conversation or gathering scenarios, if you need to talk to someone you don’t know, you should first introduce yourself to identify your identity. During a self-introduction, the introducer is the person being introduced. The basic procedure is as follows: first, nod and greet the other person to get a response, then introduce your name, identity, and organization, while handing over a prepared business card in advance. Alternatively, you can first ask for the other person’s name, wait for their attention, and then briefly introduce yourself. If you can find a connection or similarity between you and the other person, it will be easier to communicate. If the meeting involves a host and a guest, the host typically takes the initiative to greet the guest, showing not only that they are aware of the visitor’s arrival but also expressing pleasure in meeting them. If you are invited to a banquet but arrive late and are not introduced, you should apologize while introducing yourself to facilitate conversation and avoid an awkward situation. In other social settings, if no one introduces the attendees and they are not very familiar with each other, the host or relevant individuals may suggest, “Everyone please do a self-introduction.” When introducing yourself to others, maintain a natural and confident demeanor to enhance trust and avoid creating barriers to communication. Currently, in most Western countries, the practice of self-introduction has become somewhat established to varying degrees. It can break the of no introductions, revealing warmth and sincerity. Self-introduction methods can be more vivid and diverse beyond the simple and basic ones mentioned above. A newspaper once introduced the following methods: starting with the meaning of one’s name, discussing one’s zodiac sign, highlighting one’s professional characteristics, or sharing one’s attitude toward work, etc. Of course, such introductions may seem lengthy in private settings but are quite suitable for formal introductions. When the other person is introducing themselves, pay attention to the following points: First, avoid being overly direct or impolite, such as asking, “What’s your name?” Instead, use more courteous and respectful language, such as, “May I ask your name?” or “What’s your surname?”