Develop a Great Handshake

 

Develop a Great Handshake
By Laura Morsch, CareerBuilder.com

In any professional setting, a good handshake can be crucial to making a good first impression.

But don't just believe etiquette experts -- even scientists have found a connection. A University of Alabama study revealed substantial ties between the features that characterize a firm handshake (strength, vigor, duration, eye contact and completeness of grip) and a favorable first impression.

To help you decipher the technique and etiquette of the perfect grip, here are answers to some of the most frequently-asked questions about the handshake:

Q: When should I shake someone's hand?
A: According to the book Business Etiquette for Dummies, shaking hands is appropriate when you are: renewing an acquaintance, acknowledging, meeting or greeting someone, concluding a transaction, or leaving a business or social event.

Q: Are women expected to shake hands?
A: Yes! In today's professional environment, everyone is generally expected to shake hands, according to Emily Post's The Etiquette Advantage in Business. Women should shake hands with other women, and it's no longer customary for a man to wait for a woman to extend her hand.

Q: I'm left-handed... which hand should I extend?
A: Always extend your right hand. It's not only customary, but you also can avoid trying to attain an awkward grip.

Q: How tight should I grip?
A: According to Emily Post's book, your grip speaks volumes. Offer a limp hand and your partner will think you're hesitant or meek. Give a bone-crunching squeeze and you can appear overly enthusiastic or domineering – and it hurts! But when you shake with a medium-firm grip, you convey confidence and authority. Extend your hand and grip when the webs of your palms touch. Then, pump your hand a couple of times.

Q: Is the double-handed shake appropriate?
A: Clasping the outside of your partner's hand with your free hand is intended to portray warmth, according to the Emily Post book. But some see the move as presumptuous, insincere or, worse, intimidating. Bottom line: Skip the two-handed shake in a business setting.


Q: What do I do if my hands are sweaty?
A: Wet or clammy hands can be a real turn-off during a handshake. Here, an ounce of prevention goes a long way. If you are at a cocktail party, be sure to carry your drink in your left hand, leaving your right hand free to shake hands, according to Business Etiquette for Dummies. If you have no choice, quickly – and subtly – swipe your hands on your trousers or shirt to ensure your hand is dry before extending it.

Q: Is it ever inappropriate to shake hands?
A: There are plenty of times when it's actually more polite not to shake hands with someone. For example, if the person you are meeting has his hands full, politely nod instead of forcing him to rearrange or put things down. And, if you have recently sneezed or coughed into your hands, make a beeline to the bathroom before spreading your germs to others.

Q: What if the other person refuses to shake my hand?
A: If you extend your hand to someone and are snubbed in return, simply withdraw your hand and continue your greeting, according to Emily Post's book. Remember, your behavior is correct – the other person's is not.