USE OF TITLES IN INTRODUCTION

When there is a different in status or age between two individuals, formal titles and last names are usually used in introduction. The person of lower status is told to use the first name. For example: Bank Teller Bank Teller : Hello, my name is Susan Jackson. : Please, just call me Susan.

Student: Its nice to meet you, Ms. Jackson.

In informal introductions there is a tendency to decrease status differences by using first names. In more formal situations, calling someone with the title along with the last name is appropriate. For example, when a student introduces herself to a university professor, she might say: Hannah : Hello, Dr. McCarrick. My name is Hannah Swan and I would like to ask you about your course. Hannah used her professors title (Dr.) and his last name, while when she introduced herself , she used her first name and last name and no title.

EYE CONTACT AND HANDSHAKING IN INTRODUCTIONS Direct eye contact and strong handshaking during introductions are usually used in the United States. In introductions especially in general conversations, the speaker makes the frequent eye contact but if the eye contact turns into staring, most people will feel uncomfortable with the addressee. Meanwhile, when the people shake their hands in introductions, they will shake firmly and briefly and sometimes it makes the addressee thinks that people in United States are having a weak character. It is because prolonged handshaking is not usual there. From the explanation above, sometimes the problems can arise when these customs are unfamiliar to foreign visitors. When one of the foreign students remarked, Im beginning to

think that theres something wrong with me. I have the impression that people in the United States dont like me. When I shake hands with them, they always pull their hands quickly, So that was the reason why other countrys culture can cause the misunderstanding. Thats why we should learn about other countrys culture so that we will never misunderstanding with their culture.