Have an Effective Handshake

For 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.

Steps

  1. Know when to use your 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 the end of a business, social, church, or other meeting
    • Whenever it seems appropriate within a business context, such as sealing a deal.
  2. Be 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.).
  3. Extend 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 exception to using the right hand is if you don't have one, if it is paralyzed or otherwise seriously injured.
  4. Take the other person's hand in a firm but not rock-hard clasp. Make sure that the web located between your thumb and fingers meets the web of the other person's hand.
  5. Keep your hand perpendicular to the ground. Do not roll it sideways for the handshake. Keep the fingers together with the thumb up and open.
  6. Shake up and down no more that two or three times, and avoid excessive pumping/shaking as it becomes annoying and distracting.
    • 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.
  7. When giving the handshake, make eye contact and state your usual greetings. Convey confidence in both your handshake and stance.



Tips

  • If you are shaking hands with an older person, don't grip their hand so hard.
  • Interpret 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.

Warnings

  • Don't offer handshakes for casual customers in a service industry like banking, or retail shop. Reserve it for special transactions and business deals between two business people, not private individuals who are just looking for services. Most Americans do not want to be touched by strangers without a very good reason.
  • 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
  • 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 shake too firmly; some people have fragile or feeble hands.
  • Don't overuse handshakes, they should be reserved for special occasions and certain settings and people.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  • Patsy Rowe, The little book of etiquette, p. 9, (2005), ISBN 1-74110-240-5 – research source
  • Teach Yourself, Etiquette, pp. 4-6, (2008), ISBN 978-0-340-95746-2 – research source
  • Lynda Goldman, How to make a million dollar first impression, pp. 18-19, (2001), ISBN 0-9694996-6-3 – research source
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