The next time you are introduced to someone, instead of saying, "I'm pleased to meet you," or "It's nice to meet you," try saying, "How do you do?" It's a more polished response and it makes the introduction about the other person instead of about you.
Make an effort to repeat the person's name back to him or her: "How do you do, Mr. Haskell?" This is flattering to the other person and it helps you with name recall. (Okay, sometimes it is about you.)
The answer to, "How do you do?" is, "I'm fine, thank you."
How do you know when to call him, "Mr. Haskell" or when to call him, "Eddie?"
The safest thing is to use honorifics (Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.) until one gives you permission to call one by one's first name. In general, if someone seems old enough to be your parent, use the honorific.
We give credit and a thank you to the Culture and Manners Institute for sharing their tip this week.
