Home Business Tips

Steps to a Great Handshake

Are you aware of the importance of a good handshake and its’ power over the first impression? Learn how to project confidence and power in just 3 seconds with a few simple steps.

Types of Hanshakes to Avoid

• The Wet Handshake
  There are many handshakes that are repulsive, the wet one most likely is the worst of them all, try to keep you palms dry. People get nervous when greeting and meeting new people. Make sure to keep you hands as dry as possible.
  • Wash your hands before meeting people, using warm water, drying with a towel. Keep you palms open until it is time to greet with a handshake.
  • Wipe you hands before a handshake. Keeping a Kleenex in your pocket will help absorb and sweat on your hands and give you a dry shake.
• The Soft handshake
  Demonstrating weakness, the soft handshake lacks confidence, interest and masculinity. These are the opposite traits most want to portray. To portray an image of power and strength, firm up the handshake. Pay attention to the amount of pressure that the person is applying, and adjust accordingly.
• Tipsy of the Fingers Handshake
  This has happened to everyone; they take your fingers and squeeze them, not the entire hand. If by accident or because you are in a rush, there is not reason for this. Ask them if you may try again with a proper shake. May seem awkward, but they will remember and appreciate the respected derived from the second firm handshake.
• Squeeze me Handshake
  The classic… just as large as the male ego and equally painful. Don’t get us wrong here, there is nothing better than a firm handshake, just don’t take it over the edge. Save your lifting for the gym and keep a moderate grip with your handshakes.
• Homey Handshake
  Although fun when you where 9 years old, the secret handshake should be bypassed. Replace it with a simple firm handshake.

Create the best first impression
A simple gesture when greeting, a handshake is still very important in most cultures. A handshake can be a determining factor in both business and social gatherings. We hope these simple tips will help you make the best impression.

Steps to the perfect handshake:

1. Extend your right hand to meet the other person’s right hand.
2. Point your thumb upward toward the other person’s arm and extend your arm at a slight downward angle.
3. Wrap your hand around the other person’s hand when your thumb joints come together.
4. Grasp the hand firmly and squeeze gently once. Remember that limp handshakes are a big turnoff, as are bone-crushing grasps.
5. Hold the handshake for 2 to 3 seconds.
6. Pump your hand up and down a few times to convey sincerity. (This gesture is optional.)

Tips to a great handshake:

• A two-handed handshake is not for first meetings. It is a sign of real affection, and you should reserve it for friends and intimates.

Warnings, watch out!:

• Handshakes are not appropriate in all cultures. Investigate local customs if you will be visiting a foreign country. All cultured great differently; doing some research up front will keep you from embarrassment.

Etiquette 2005-12-09 Home Business Tips