This article was co-authored by Sheila A. Anderson. Sheila A. Anderson is a Certified Image Consultant, International Branding Icon, and the Founder of Image Power Play, an impression management and personal branding company. With over three decades of experience, she specializes in empowering corporate professionals to raise their personal image to meet the value of their brand. Sheila is a Certified Image Consultant with The Image Resource Network and a Certified Universal Style Consultant with The Universal Style International. Sheila is a member of the C-Suite Network Advisors and the author of the book, I.C.U., The Comprehensive Guide to Breathing Life Back Into Your Personal Brand.
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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
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1Know 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.
- When you’re in charge and you meet a new team member.
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2Be 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 one exception is if you’re visiting someone’s home or office. Wait for them to reach out first when you’re on their home turf.
- The other 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.).
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3Extend your right hand straight before the handshake. Do not have your palm facing either up or down; keep your hand perfectly vertical with your thumb raised in the air.
- The exception to using the right hand is if you don't have one, if it is paralyzed or otherwise seriously injured.
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4Take 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.
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5Keep your hand parallel to the ground. Do not roll it sideways for the handshake. Keep the fingers together with the thumb up and open.
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6Shake up and down 3 times. Avoid excessive pumping or shaking as it becomes annoying and distracting. Just move your hand up and down a few times.
- Don't linger for too long. A normal handshake lasts about 3-5 seconds. If you hold someone's hand too long, it can become an embarrassing social faux pas.
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7When giving the handshake, make eye contact and state your usual greetings. Convey confidence in both your handshake and stance. If this is your first time meeting them, this would typically be the first time
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat does "firmly" mean when referring to handshakes?
Community AnswerFirmly means that you're ensuring your hand is not limp, but at the same time not hurting the other person. -
QuestionHow do I gauge a person by their handshake?
Community AnswerThe key way to gauge a person by their handshake is by their body language. A firm handshake will display confidence and exude dominance. -
QuestionHow can I impress someone just by shaking their hand?
Community AnswerMake good eye contact and have a good grip.
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.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Don't shake too firmly; some people have fragile or feeble hands.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- 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⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Don't overuse handshakes, they should be reserved for special occasions and certain settings and people.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Avoid floppy handshakes. A floppy handshake is not only an indicator that you lack interest or substance; it also shows a lack of confidence.⧼thumbs_response⧽
References
- 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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