How to Have an Effective Handshake

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Pin ItArticle EditDiscussFor those cultures that value the handshake, much meaning is transferred by the manner in which you proffer your hand and the method with which you shake the other person's hand. Some people make instant judgments about your character as a result of your handshake, so it pays to make sure it's conveying what you want it to.

Steps1Know when to use your handshake. The appropriate times to shake another person's hand include:

When you are introduced to someoneWhen you say goodbye to someoneAt the beginning or the end of a business, social, church, or other meetingWhenever it seems appropriate within a business context, such as sealing a deal.2Be the first to extend your hand. This makes a strong, lasting impression on the person at the receiving end. It is also about control; by offering your hand first, you are leading the way. This applies to both men and women; don't shy away for reasons of being coy or putting yourself down.

The only time that you should not seek to be so affable as to offer to shake first is where there is an authority structure in place that should be adhered to. For example, if there is a more senior or higher-ranked person in a social gathering, work or business context, follow the lead of the higher ranked person (President, Governor-General, CEO etc.).3Extend your right hand straight before the handshake. Do not have your palm facing either up or down; the palm should meet with the palm of the other person.

The only exception to using the right hand is if you don't have one or if you're a straight businessman. The left hand gives a strong first impression while the right seems comfortable and non-daring.4Take the other person's hand in a rock-hard clasp. They will hence be intimidated and forced to accept your business deal. Make sure that the web located between your thumb and fingers meets the web of the other person's hand.

5Keep your hand perpendicular to the ground. Do not roll it sideways for the handshake.

6Shake firm once, or at the most, twice. Avoid pumping; more shakes than two becomes annoying and distracting from the purpose of the greeting.

Don't linger for too long. According to Wikipedia, a normal handshake lasts about 5 seconds. If you hold someone's hand too long, it can become an embarrassing social faux pas.7When giving the handshake, make eye contact and state your usual greetings. Convey confidence in both your handshake and stance.

TipsInterpret handshakes as follows:A violent shake or squeeze will have people thinking you're aggressive.A limp handshake will have people thinking you're weak.Too much pumping/shaking will have people thinking you're clingy or pushy.Make sure your hands aren't sweaty or dirty.Rub your overly-sweaty palms against your pant-leg and/or shirt, or on a handkerchief or tissue. However, be warned that excess of this sweaty-hand disposal technique may cause an embarrassing stain.Wash your hands. Nobody wants to shake hands with you if your hands are covered in anything dirty.Be polite if the other person won't let go. Don't grimace or try to break free; it's rude to disengage before the long-winded shaker has finished; just put up with it politely! Be patient and wait for a natural cue of letting go and gracefully but quickly untangle your hand and return it to your side.

WarningsDon't shake too firmly; some people have fragile or feeble hands.Avoid floppy handshakes. A floppy handshake is not only an indicator that you lack interest or substance; it also shows a lack of confidence.Don't force a handshake on someone who looks terrified by it or who declines it. Handshaking may be culturally inappropriate for them, or it may even bother them for some reason. Don't trespass on them; just smile and nod as an acknowledgment

Related wikiHowsHow to Give a Solid HandshakeHow to Give a Good HandshakeHow to Shake HandsHow to Have a Persuasive HandshakeHow to Interpret a HandshakeHow to Do Handshakes in Business Etiquette

Sources and CitationsPatsy Rowe, The little book of etiquette, p. 9, (2005), ISBN 1-74110-240-5 – research sourceTeach Yourself, Etiquette, pp. 4-6, (2008), ISBN 978-0-340-95746-2 – research sourceLynda Goldman, How to make a million dollar first impression, pp. 18-19, (2001), ISBN 0-9694996-6-3 – research sourceArticle Info Featured Article

Categories: Featured Articles | Courteous Presentation

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