What Does Your Handshake Say
What does your handshake say about you?
A handshake is not just a polite way to say hello. It is an opportunity to show what kind of person you are.
If you just stick out your limp hand and look down at the floor you are essentially saying “I am weak”, “I lack confidence”, “I have something to hide”, “I don’t care to meet you”, and “I’d rather be somewhere else”.
A good handshake says “I am confident”, “I am honest”, “I’m pleased to meet you”, and “I am a smart, driven individual who is willing to engage”.
As you can see, your handshake conveys a lot of information in just a few seconds. This is huge for someone wanting to make a good first impression.
How then can you be sure your handshake is up to par?
1. Posture- Stand up straight, shoulders back, arms relaxed.
2- Eye Contact- Look the other person square in the eyes.
3- Smile- Your smile should be genuine (not forced).
4- Firm grip- Don’t try to break the others hand but be firm. If you are unsure of the proper amount of pressure get an average size (round) bottle of shampoo that is about half full. Then squeeze the bottle right side up, lid open until the air is out and the shampoo is right at the top (just before it spills out).
5- Let The Other Person Determine The Timing- Within reason; if this lasts beyond verbal introduction, feel free to pull your hand back.
Don’t be surprised if others make a comment about your handshake (especially if you are a woman). Be proud of it. I have been told many times that my hand shake was the deciding factor that what won the deal.
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July 5th, 2007 @ 11:00 pm
Nice post. It is so surprising that many people do not know how to properly shake hands. I cannot count the number of times I almost lost the use of my hands and the other times when I wonder whether the handshake took place or not!
July 7th, 2007 @ 12:23 pm
Thank you, Calvin.
September 17th, 2007 @ 6:29 pm
Very nice post. I feel very much the same way you do about handshakes. Someone once told me, many years ago, that you can learn a lot about a person by their handshake and it has stuck with me ever since. I, too, am often told that I have a great handshake for a woman, as if they expected mine to be limp and forgettable.