How Do I Introduce An Ambassador?

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How Do I Introduce An Ambassador?

2 Answers

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Answer 1

You would normally introduce an ambassador or high commissioner as "His/Her Excellency." For example, if the ambassador's name was John Smith, he would be addressed "His Excellency, John Smith." In writing, this title can be abbreviated as "HE." In the case of the Apostolic Nuncio (the representative of the Vatican) you would introduce him as "His Most Reverend Excellency."

This form of formal and respectful address is called an honorific and variants of this would be used when addressing monarchs, judges, Members of Parliament, cabinet ministers and Prime Ministers, as well as religious leaders.

Whenever you introduce an ambassador at a formal event--such as when you are inviting him/her to give a speech--you should use the appropriate honorific. If you are speaking with the ambassador in private, or even at a dinner party or formal event, you can simply call him "Mr./Ms.," in lieu of the honorific.

Answer 2

Just like any other person! Lets presume, you are at a reception together with a business-colleague called Charles, you know the Ambassador (lets presume his name is George Smith) already from some previous encounter, then you will say: Mr. Smith, meet my friend and colleague Charles. Charles, this is Mr. Smith, the Ambassador of XY Country and his wife, Linda.

As a general rule, a person of higher rank is always being introduced first to a person of lower rank (like in this example, to your colleague Charles). In the same way, ladies are treated, regardless of their rank, when they appear alone. Like in the example above, however, when in company of their husband, you will make the introduction as described above.

Since an ambassador meets a lot of people and may not remember you and your name, but approaches you at the reception, you will approach the Ambassador with your friend Charles in tow, wait until he stretches out his hand, then shake it, and say: Hello Mr. Smith, nice to meet you again.

Centrepiece I'm Paul Brown (you may add your position in your company) and we met at xy occasion 2 months ago, if you'll remember. This here is my friend and colleague Charles. Charles, this is Mr. Smith, the Ambassador of XY to (mention the country to which is is assigned to).