"The poise and cordiality shown at this time will set the tone of the meeting for local Brethren and visiting Brethren alike.  The ease   and smoothness with which it is done will be a direct reflection on the preparation and forethought given this pleasurable duty."

This admonition is found in our Washington Masonic Lodge Officers Handbook. ("Conducting Regular and Special Meetings:  Accommodation of Visitors"), and serves as an invaluable guide to the smooth reception and introduction of visitors. It continues  with sound advice:

"The Senior Deacon, working with the Tyler, should see that the Worshipful Master is advised of the presence of Masters of  Lodges, Grand Lodge Officers, and any others to whom special recognition should be given.

"The Senior Deacon should provide the Worshipful Master with a list of visiting dignitaries.  The Worshipful Master should not  have to undergo the embarrassment of having to ask a visiting dignitary to introduce themselves."

(NOTE: by the same token, the Senior and Junior Wardens should consult with the Senior Deacon and Tyler for a list of visiting  Wardens, thus avoiding embarrassment to themselves as well.)

After ascertaining whether there are any visiting Wardens, you no longer have to ask, "Are there any Senior/Junior Wardens here  tonight?   You are now in position to state with confidence, "Would the visiting Senior/Junior Wardens join me West of the Altar?"

(Should there by any, try to be West of the Altar before they arrive, so that you may be there to greet them - not vice versa.)

Presentations should commence from the visitor's left, visiting Wardens starting from their left.   Name badges and Lodge number will be readily visible from this side.  (And for the visiting Wardens, be sure that your badge is in position so that it can be read  with "subtlety."  Don't take it off and hand it to the Warden - that's a little too obvious.)

After you have presented them to the Worshipful Master, you should inquire something to the effect of: "Worshipful Master, what  is your pleasure?"

(NOTE: The Lodge Officers Handbook clarifies that "... visitors are "presented" at the Altar; the Worshipful Master "introduces" visitors from the East")

As an additional courtesy, if you are the one visiting a Lodge, you might arrive a little early and seek out the Senior or Junior  Warden when you arrive and let him know that you are there so that he will be aware that he will have an introduction to make.

In doing so, even if it is the first time that you have ever met, the introduction in the Lodge Room at the Altar will go a little  smoother, and the introduction will appear more "cordial" to the Brethren.)

Remember, from our Washington Monitor and Freemason's Guide. "The Reception of visitors with the honors due their rank is an   ancient custom of the Fraternity."  However, "The Worshipful Master of the Lodge is the sole judge of what honors, if any, shall be tendered to visitors."