Tina Pestalozzi is the author of Life Skills 101: A Practical Guide to Leaving Home and Living on Your Own, available at www.TheLifeSkillsBook.com. She is the director of Global Protocol and Etiquette Services; presenting seminars on civility and business etiquette to corporate, government and educational organizations.
You’ve heard how small things can be tremendously important; well a simple handshake is one such example. Such a small thing but potentially so very powerful! Like it or not, an improper handshake will most likely leave a negative impression. A correct handshake can certainly be to your advantage both in your working and social worlds.
For both men and women a good handshake is firm, connecting the space between your thumb and forefinger with the same space of the hand you are shaking. Be sure not to grab just the fingertips. As well, make sure you don’t bend your hand and extend just your fingertips. Fully connect and shake, once or twice, using a gentle up and down motion from the elbow. Be mindful not to squeeze too hard or shake too long.
Do not hesitate in extending your hand. Regardless of gender, shaking hands is the acceptable greeting and should be done again when you say good-bye. If you extend your hand and the other person doesn’t offer their hand in return, just withdraw yours and assume they didn’t see your gesture. If you think your hand might feel wet or “clammy,” take a quick, inconspicuous swipe to your pants or skirt. If you are in a social setting, for instance at a cocktail party, hold your drink in your left hand so your right will remain both warm and dry.
If you are unsure whether or not your handshake is what it should be, practice with a family member or friend and ask for their input. It may feel silly, but a skill you will have all your life is definitely worth getting right.
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