Handshakes are the predominant, acceptable physical contact within business and within our culture.
They are the universally accepted business greeting. Hugs & kisses are taboo unless you are in Italy and even there, you have protocols!
- You are judged by the quality of the handshake, you will be judged on: level of confidence; power; friendliness and assertion to mention a few
so what makes a good hand shake?
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- A good handshake:
- keep the fingers together with the thumb up and open
- slide your hand into the other person’s so that each person’s web of skin between thumb and forefingers touches the other’s
- squeeze firmly
- A proper handshake:
- is firm, but not bone-crushing
- lasts about 3 seconds
- may be “pumped” once or twice from the elbow
- is released after the shake, even if the introduction continues
- includes good eye contact with the other person
- Extend a hand when:
- meeting someone for the first time
- meeting someone you haven’t seen for a while
- greeting your host(ess)
- greeting guests
- saying good-bye to people at a gathering
- someone else extends a hand
- Handshaking Tips:
- if your hands tend to be clammy, spray them with antiperspirant at least once a day.
- avoid giving a cold, wet handshake by keeping your drink in the left hand
- dont just offer the tips of your fingers!
- A good handshake:
Ivana Agapiou
Eather Recruitment and Labour Hire