Extend your right hand toward the
intended recipient of your handshake.
When the recipient of your gesture
offers his or her hand, engage this
completely with your own so that the
crotches of your hands touch.
Give their hand a firm yet gentle
squeeze, simultaneously
administering one downward shake
that travels about (2 cm).
The art of handshaking
Handshaking, along with the ‘social
kiss’ can be an uncomfortable
situation for some. I, personally, have
been left feeling as if my fingers are
broken and other times I really want
to wipe my hand on something, such
is the icky feeling a bad hand shake
has left.
Below are examples of bad
handshakes. The ‘limp fish’ and the
‘wimp’ top my list of the worst
handshakes to be on the receiving
end of.
The Dominator
Placing your palm downward when
offering your hand to someone is a
way of showing dominance. By
placing your palm downward, you
force the other person to place his
palm up, which is a submissive
position.
By grasping their hand from above,
you leave your partner in no doubt as
to who is boss. Unfortunately, you
also risk looking like you're
challenging them to an arm-wrestle.
If you find yourself the recipient of a
dominant handshake, there is an easy
correction that you can make. Take a
step to your left, and it will force both
of your hands to naturally straighten,
evening the playing field.
The Crusher
No one likes a limp grip, but don't go
too far the other way. A handshake is
a greeting, not a test of strength.
What are you trying to prove,
anyway? There’s no need to
demonstrate your physical strength
when shaking another person’s hand.
The Limp Fish
Limper than old lettuce, this slimy
shake suggests weakness,
nervousness, uncertainty, or
disinterest. If you are unsure whether
your handshake is limp, ask to
practice with a few friends until you
get your grip right.
The wimp
Is usually delivered by men who are
afraid to “hurt the little lady” when
shaking women’s hands. She in turn
thinks the male is weak.
Let go of their hand. The ideal
handshake lasts 2-3 seconds and
does not go on longer than the verbal
introduction. Any longer, and it can
seem like you are just holding hands.
The Double Hander
Using your left hand to cup your
partner's hand from above, or to
grasp their elbow, adds an extra level
of intimacy to the shake. Unless you
know the victim well, however, it can
be just as unwelcome as a kiss. Only
for good friends or acquaintances.
The “I won’t let go”…
Seems to go on for eternity because
the other person won’t drop his or her
hand. After two or three pumps, it's
time to let go.
Refrain from wiping your hand on a
pant leg.
The “ringed torture”…
Occurs when the person’s rings hurt
your hand. Try to limit the number of
rings you wear on the right hand to
only one or two and be mindful of any
that have large stones.
Practice your handshake with your
friends and leave a good impression
on other people.
22
No, No, No.