Movie/TV scenes (on the web) with Awful, Awkward, or Great Introductions

April 23, 2019 6:27 AM

I’m pulling together a training on how to make empowering introductions, and I’d love to find a few video clips to show as examples. Can you think of a a TV or movie scene where one character introduced another one in an effective — or deeply ineffective — way? I’m thinking the Office must have some...

My ideal clip would be a three-person interaction — one person introducing another to a third.

Empowering introductions would find some common ground between the two people being introduced, and recognize the leadership of another.

Awful introductions could run the gamut...

I’ve fallen out of pop culture - so thanks for any tips!

posted by rdn to Media & Arts (12 answers total)

There is a whole scene in the first Bridget Jones's Diary about this: youtube link.
posted by cpatterson at 6:42 AM on April 23, 2019

Bridget Jones has a bit about how to introduce people, followed by a rather funny execution, if I recall correctly.
posted by girlpublisher at 6:43 AM on April 23, 2019

I suppose Scott Pilgrim introducing Knives to Stephen Stills could be used to demonstrate the importance of preparing the ground if difficult personalities are involved.

I don't think there's much to be learned from it, but the introductions scene from Airplane II might serve as an ice-breaker.

Despite the dated and stilted style, this 50s educational clip covers the basics.
posted by Busy Old Fool at 8:25 AM on April 23, 2019

I want to say there are multiple Doctor Who episodes where the Doctor introduces someone to his companion or vice versa. For instance I'm pretty sure he introduces Queen Victoria to Rose in "Tooth and Claw" (season 2).

Actually the more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that Doctor Who is FULL of introductions.
posted by daisystomper at 8:27 AM on April 23, 2019

Inspired by this tweet, you could use Inigo Montoya, even though he's just introducing himself.
posted by Monster_Zero at 8:37 AM on April 23, 2019

Game of Thrones has the introduction of Dany to Jon Snow. Played for a spot of humour but more than gets the point across.

Missandei: You stand in the presence of Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, rightful heir to the Iron Throne, rightful Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Protector of the Seven Kingdoms, Mother of Dragons, the Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, the Unburnt, the Breaker of Chains.

Davos: This is Jon Snow.... *long uncomfortable pause* He's King of the North.
posted by humuhumu at 9:31 AM on April 23, 2019

Austin Powers: "Allow myself to introduce... myself"
posted by mhum at 10:37 AM on April 23, 2019

I'm thinking of the party scene in Greenberg.
posted by rhizome at 10:37 AM on April 23, 2019

You might be able to do a video riff along these lines: Inigo Montoya’s Guide to Networking Success
posted by churl at 2:23 PM on April 23, 2019

MeFi - love you all, as always. Great suggestions - thank you!!
posted by rdn at 7:46 PM on April 23, 2019

The Office definitely has a couple awkward introductions - The Pilot episode and The Job Fair episode both have scenes where Michael introduces Pam in awful ways. Sorry I can’t link at the moment, but hopefully that narrows down where to look.
posted by carlypennylane at 10:41 AM on April 24, 2019

Bugs Bunny introducing Little John and the Sheriff of Nottingham

Sheriff of Nottingham, meet Little John.

Little John, meet the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Sheriff, John. John, Sheriff.

Sheri, Johnny. Johnny, Sheri.

S of N, L J. L J, S of N.

posted by kirkaracha at 11:54 AM on April 24, 2019