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Handshake Etiquette • Make no mistake: You are judged by your handshake!! • Handshakes are the physical, non-verbal greeting that go along with your words. • A firm handshake with good eye contact shows self- confidence. • Far more than you may realize, we unconsciously judge others by their handshake. • A handshake reveals a great deal about our inner traits, personality, feelings and motivations. Most of all, handshakes convey our attitude towards others. • When a person shakes easily, they create a favorable impression. As an overall part of first impressions, handshakes are important because they are the accepted greeting for both men and women. In both business and social situations, you will need to feel very comfortable shaking hands. • What does a firm handshake convey? It conveys power! One simple gesture that says not only, "I’m happy to make your acquaintance" but also “You interest me more than anyone else at this moment.” That's a very powerful message and one that shows respect. Can't you determine from a person's handshake a lot about them? • Handshakes also reveal our basic attitude towards others as well as ourselves and again, it's your one big opportunity to shine and shake firmly!! • You should always shake hands. When: you're introduced/ or say goodbye; someone comes into your office or house from the outside; you run into someone you know outside of your office or home; you enter a room and are greeted by those you know and don't know and when you leave a gathering. • To avoid a wet/ cold handshake, always hold your drink in your left hand. Remember that we shake with our right hands; this way you won't shock anyone with a cold hands. The Perfect Handshake • A proper handshake is done from the elbow not the shoulder. You want to be relaxed enough and not too stiff. The handshake should be firm and last about 3 - 4 seconds. Avoid holding on too long. Practice for optimum results!! The Nightmare Shakes and Cures • Most handshakes are firm and brief, but when they’re not, try using these techniques to remedy. • Web-to web. This is used for people who do not have firm hand shakes. Simply take the web of your hand and slide it into the web of another without looking at the hand. This will non-verbally tell the shaker to be more firm. It’s worth a try. • Release. When someone will not let go or is crushing your hand, simply release. Don’t back away, which non-verbally says you do not wish to shake. But if you simply release, the other shaker will have no choice but to let go. It really works. • Limp/ Cold fish. This says you don't impress me and is frankly is not an impressive first greeting. It's also quite boring. How to correct: Apply web-to-web technique. • Bone Crusher. This means please don’t hurt me. And avoid wearing rings on your right hand if you plan to shake, shake, shake. How to correct: Apply release technique. • Gratitude Handshake. This is when someone shakes with two hands on top of yours, and is trying to express their gratitude for a job well done (perhaps a boss) How to correct: Go with it! • Sympathy Handshake. This expresses deep concern over another's loss and says I know what you're going through. This handshake is often followed by words and is deeply personal. Both hands are used but should only be used to express a condolence. How to correct: Go with it! • Pumper. Who needs arm weights when you have a water well. How to correct: Apply release technique. • Gripper. This is when they won't let go. How to correct: Apply release technique. Happy shaking!!
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Lisa M. Grotts |
