In cultures that value the handshake, a lot of significance is given to the way in which the hand is offered and that of the other person is shaken. Some people make instant judgments about the person based on how they shake hands, so it's worth making sure you convey what you want.
Steps
Step 1. Know when to use the handshake
The appropriate times to shake another person's hand include:
- When you are introduced to someone
- When you say goodbye to someone
- At the beginning or at the end of a business meeting, a meeting between people, in church or in other gathering circumstances
- Whenever it seems appropriate within a business context, such as when concluding an agreement.
Step 2. Be the first to extend your hand
This will give a great impression that will last a long time to the person receiving the handshake. It's also about control: by offering your hand first, you show that you lead the situation. This applies to both men and women. Don't be reluctant for reasons of shyness or lack of ease.
The only circumstance in which you don't have to be so affable enough to shake hands first is within a structure in which there is a certain hierarchy to respect. For example, if there is a higher-ranking employee in an important social, occupational, or business setting, follow the lead of the person in the most important position (president, governor, chief executive, etc.)
Step 3. Extend your right hand before shaking hands
Don't put your palm facing up or down, but make it meet the other person's.
The exception regarding the use of the right hand is contemplated in the event that you do not have one, you are paralyzed or seriously injured
Step 4. Grab the other person's hand in a firm but not rock hard squeeze
Make sure the space between your thumb and fingers meets the same space in the other person's hand.
Step 5. Keep your hand perpendicular to the ground
Do not turn it sideways as you tighten.
Step 6. Shake vigorously once, or at most, twice
Avoid pressing; if you make more than two squeezes, it becomes annoying and distracts the other person's attention from the purpose of the greeting.
Don't linger too long. According to Wikipedia, a normal handshake takes about 5 seconds. If you hold someone's hand for too long, it can get awkward in various social settings
Step 7. While shaking hands, make eye contact and send your usual greetings
Try to convey confidence through both the handshake and the attitude of the body.
Advice
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Interpret the handshake as follows:
- A squeeze or a pushy grip will make them think you are aggressive.
- A weak handshake will make them think that you are weak.
- Too much pressure or shaking will make them think you are clingy or pushy.
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Make sure your hands aren't sweaty or dirty.
- Rub the palm of your hands, if excessively sweaty, on your pants, shirt, or a tissue or paper handkerchief. However, avoid wiping your sweaty hand excessively and noticeably, as it can be embarrassing.
- Wash your hands. Nobody will want to shake your hand if your hands are visibly dirty.
- If you squeeze an older person's hand, don't do it too hard.
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Be nice if the other person doesn't let you go. Don't make faces and don't try to free yourself. It is rude to disengage before the handshake is over, albeit a long one. Accept it with polite resignation! Be patient and gracefully wait for the contact to end spontaneously, then quickly release your hand and place it on your side.
Have an Effective Handshake Step 8
Warnings
- Avoid a flaccid handshake. Indicates that you have no interest or consistency; it also shows a lack of confidence.
- Don't force the other person to shake your hand if they seem terrified or politely refuses. It may be that it is a culturally inappropriate gesture for her or it may even annoy her for some reason. Don't go beyond what for others may be impassable limits, but smile and nod as a sign of approval of the situation.
- Don't shake your hand too hard. Some people have brittle or weak hands.
