Host On The Run Blog

The Art Of The Introduction

by Leigh Clements 

Most of us think nothing of introducing two people who don’t know one another. “Ringo, this is Cookie. Cookie - Ringo.” That’s it, right? Actually, there is an entire art to the making a proper introduction that only the savviest of hosts know.

 

A proper introduction can have a great effect on those you are introducing - it can spark conversation and make both of them feel comfortable, ensuring they have a better time and you, the host, receive the party fame you deserve! Your guests probably won’t notice your technique, but they will notice how great they feel, and look upon you as the perfect host!

 

When your guest arrives, ensure that you introduce them to one other person, or to a group of two or three people before you leave them to greet other guests. Avoid walking your newly-arrived guest to a large group and saying “Cookie, this is everyone!” Chances are this will make your new guest feel uncomfortable, and will leave the introductions up to them. If your guests are all gathered in a big group, pick one person to pull aside to introduce to your new arrival. Choose someone who either has something in common with your recently-arrived guest or a co-conspirator, who you’ve asked ahead of time to help you with the introductions.

 

Now you have two people you are about to introduce. Did you know there is a proper order in which you should make your introduction? Yes indeed! The rules are as follows:

 

 

Men Meet The Women

 

Introduce the man to the woman. For example, “Cookie Masterson, I would like you to meet Ringo Clown.” Leave it at that - don’t continue with “Ringo, this is Cookie”. Add a thoughtful detail, such as “Cookie is an avid dessert chef. Ringo eats a lot of pastry”.

 

 

Age Before Beauty

 

Let’s say you want Cookie to meet your older friend, Stacie. Because Stacie is older than Cookie, you should introduce Cookie to Stacie. For example, “Stacie Chalmers, may I introduce my roommate from college, Cookie Masterson.” Your thoughtful detail could be “Cookie majored in Horse Whispering in college. Stacie is an animal intuit.”

 

 

Prominence Leads

 

In our politically-correct day in age, the following introductory rule may be a bit of a touchy subject, but in situations where tact is paramount, make sure you abide by this guideline. Introduce the less-prominent person to the more-prominent person. For example, “Judge Steward, meet Cookie Masterson”.

 

 

A Family Affair

 

You should always introduce family members to other guests, regardless of their age, status or gender. For example; “Cookie, I would like you to meet my Aunt Gertrude.”

 

 

This may seem like a lot to remember, but to keep it easy, simply remember this: The person receiving the introduction will most likely be better known. It would go without saying that Cookie would already know The Queen of England. You would not need to say “Cookie, this is The Queen of England”, but would say, “Your Majesty, this is Cookie Masterson. Use the same idea when introducing those in your circle.

 

A final closing note: Always use last names as well as first names when you can. Follow these guidelines for introductions and you’ll be sure to create the comforting environment that will keep your guests at your party and get you the rave reviews you crave!

 

 

by Leigh Clements 

I am often asked what makes a great party great and a horrible party - well, a “Hindenberg”. People tend to ask me this with the expectation of one simple, yet brilliant answer that will guarantee party success.

 

Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as cutting the crusts off your little sandwiches to ensure everyone has fun and stays, but there are 4 very distinct elements each great party - elements the bombs have lacked.

 

While defining these oh-so-important elements of a fabulous party, I focused on two events I recently facilitated. Both took place in similar venues, and both included a custom murder mystery game. One was a raging success and the other was a downright “Hindenberg”. The following four elements stood out as the defining factors between the successful party and the bomb. Take these suggestions into consideration and you’ll be sure to host a party your guests will enjoy - and won’t want to leave!

 

1. Limit the “No-Fun” to “Fun” Guest Ratio

Of course, no one wants Joe-I-Hate-Fun at their party, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. One Joe-I-Hate-Fun is one thing, but if Joe brings Dennis-Doom-And-Gloom, things can turn gray. And no, two negatives don’t make a positive! Chances are, at your party two negatives will make five negatives.

 

When we bring a group together, everyone shares the energy in the room. With enough Joes and Dennises, even the most positive, fun, upbeat person would have trouble having a good time.

 

Successful Party: At the successful party, out of 17 people there was one Joe-I-Hate-Fun who sat in the corner with his arms crossed and his chin so low it looked like he was wearing a turtleneck. The other 16 were fun, upbeat people who wanted to have fun and were excited to try something new.

 

“Hindenberg” Party: At the “Hindenberg” party, out of 28 people at least ¾ of the guests were clearly just making an appearance. A better positive to negative ratio would have ensured most people would have had a good time, as at least 1/2 of those ¾ could have been turned around had the atmosphere been more positive.

 

 

2. Chose the Correct Theme

A theme can make or break a party - whether you think your party has a theme or not, it does. A theme can be determined simply by what the guests wear - think of a formal dinner party vs. a kegger. Although there will most likely be drinking at both, chances are you will not find someone passed out in your deep freeze at your dinner party. That may seem like an extreme example, but imagine inviting your friends from bowling to a black and white cocktail party, or friends you met at a cocktail party at a backyard pig roast.

 

Make your theme appropriate for all of your guests, and more will enjoy themselves.

 

Successful Party: A bunch of fun-loving Occupational Health employees from all over the world breaking out of a conference for an entertaining evening. The custom murder mystery game went down like a barn on fire! They loved it!

 

“Hindenberg” Party: A group of interior designers gathered for a formal Christmas party, who were surprised with a custom murder mystery party. Getting them up from their seats in their tuxes and high heels was like pulling teeth with this high-brow group, who were only there for the free food and the open bar.

 

3. Chill Out, Dude and be a relaxed host!

Nothing sets the tone of a party more than its host or hosts. Holding a gathering can be stressful, but if your guests feel your stress when they arrive, rest assured they will become uneasy. Two uneasy people quickly turn into four, then six and the next thing you know you have a venue full of anxious people! Regardless of how you feel before your guests arrive, take five minutes to relax and banish any stressful or uneasy feelings.

 

Fabulous Party: The hostess was excited and ready to have fun. She dressed up and got fully-immersed in the mystery - and was completely stress-free. Everyone else looked to her and followed suit.

 

“Hindenberg” Party: The hostess put the party on for her employees, not herself. She planned to be an observer at the party, and left half of her mind back in her office, where all hell was breaking loose. She could not relax, and her employees couldn’t wait to slip out the door.

 

4. Create A Great Ambiance!

Ambiance is so important when you host any sort of gathering. To illustrate, humor me for a moment and picture a large, cool room with all-white furniture. Now picture a country cottage with deep wood and a fire burning in the fireplace. Which place would you rather visit for a party? Most of us would say the country cottage - it’s cozier, more inviting and far more welcoming. Chances are you won’t be entertaining in a warm country cabin, but you still have control over the ambiance where you entertain; the music, scents and lighting all contribute to the ambiance. Create the correct ambiance and your guests will be more comfortable, stay longer, relax and have a great time!

 

Fabulous Party: The successful party was held in a smaller room at a classy private club. The room was decorated with Christmas lights (t’was the season) and a Christmas Tree in the corner, soft linens and comfortable chairs. Elevator music played softly in the background - unnoticeable until you listened for it, but so important.

 

“Hindenberg” Party: This party took place in a large, cold-feeling, utterly silent room with hard chairs and pretentious carpet. No wonder the guests were as stiff as their napkins!