THE HANDSHAKE: Small Moment with Big Impact – 5 Tips

By Rachel Wagner
From The Savvy Professional, April – May 2009

A great hand shake shows you are a polished professional. It’s part of your body language that speaks before you do—and you want it to give an impression of professionalism, confidence, and credibility.

You judge others by their handshake, and you, too, will be judged by your handshake.
If the hand is damp, lifeless, shaking vigorously like a water pump, or is too warm or cold, it can send a negative impression. Clammy hands convey nerves or tension. A lifeless ‘wet fish’ hand conveys lack of confidence.

For a great handshake in the U.S. business arena, follow these five tips:

1. Either a man or a woman may initiate a handshake. The one who extends his or her hand first establishes control. An exception: if meeting someone who is quite elderly or disabled, let them initiate the handshake.
2. A firm handshake is appropriate for both genders. A man does not give a woman a softer handshake.
3. Give 2 firm pumps. Shake from the elbow, not from the shoulder.
4. Engage the full hand. Touch palms firmly, but not to a bone-crushing degree. Avoid a ‘fingertip’ grip.
5. Always stand to shake hands. This shows respect to yourself and the other person.

In addition, make sure you have good eye contact when shaking hands. And shake often—when you meet and depart, when you meet someone on the street on your way to lunch, when you congratulate someone, and with those at your table before you sit down at a business meal.

Knowing how and when to give a good hand shake truly sets you apart. It gives others a positive impression of you and your company—and that’s more important than ever in today’s business arena.

Rachel Wagner is a certified corporate etiquette and international protocol consultant and founder of the business etiquette firm, Rachel Wagner Etiquette and Protocol. She trains leadership teams on the topics of business and dining etiquette to polish their professional presence and the image of their company. Rachel is active with the American Society for Training and Development and the National Speaker’s Association. She is author of a popular e-zine, The Savvy Professional, and is frequently quoted in the media. She can be reached by phone at 918.970.4400 or by email at Rachel@EtiquetteTrainer.com. Website: www.EtiquetteTrainer.com.