How to Shake Hands
Whenever you’re meeting someone for the first time or every time you’re introducing yourself to another person, there’s one very important gesture you must do: shake the other person’s hand. This simple, but essential act is a sign of trust, confidence, sophistication and appreciation. If you are unsure of how to do this, here’s a simple guide to help you.
What You’ll Need:
Right hand
Another person
Procedure:
First impressions matter. There are people who base their first impressions about another person on their handshake. If this is your first time to meet the other person, you have to make sure the hand you extend won’t be unsavory. If it’s sweaty, greasy or wet, wipe it with a handkerchief first. Make sure it’s clean, right down to the nails. Don’t hold anything in it.
Introduce yourself or wait to be introduced. The initial interaction can be either of these three: you introduce yourself, the other person introduces himself or herself, or a third person introduces the two of you to each other. If you’ve already met before, and you just want to reacquaint yourself, don’t hesitate to extend your hand and introduce yourself.
Extend your right hand to the other person, in a perpendicular angle. This shows neutrality and equality between you and the other person. Your palm must be parallel to the floor and to the hand you’re about to shake. Point the thumb downwards to the direction of the other person’s arm, extending your arm at a slight downward angle. As your joints come together, wrap your hand around the other person’s.
Be firm, but not too powerful. Don’t go overboard when you grip the other person’s hand, or you might squeeze to hard and crush it. It’ll appear as if you’re trying to hard. It should be firm, but not uncomfortable. Imagine holding a little bird. Your grip must be firm enough so it won’t move, but must not be too tight to crush it.
Pump the other person’s hand. Two to three pumps will do. Any longer than that, and it would be really awkward.
As you shake the other person’s hand, maintain eye contact. Avoid shifting your eyes and looking at other people, or it will show that you’re not sincere enough.
Greet the other person. It can be as simple as “hello” or “how do you do” or “pleased to meet your acquaintance”. You can also mention the other person’s name, as long as you’re sure it’s the right one. Another tip: smile. This will show that you’re sincere when you said you’re pleased to meet him or her.
Hold the handshake for two to three seconds then let go. If the other person’s hand is wet or sweaty, do not make a move to wipe it; it’ll be very humiliating for them.
Continue chatting with the other person and maintain a friendly conversation.
Some Tips
Two-handed handshakes are more appropriate for intimate people and friends.
Although shaking hands is a universal gesture, there are some conservative cultures that don’t practice it. For example, Japanese give a little bow when greeting another person for the first time.
The right hand should always be used for shaking hands. Left handshakes are only for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
Show your appreciation and pleasant nature with a simple, but sincere handshake. You’ll certainly earn the respect of the other person.