How to Have an Effective Handshake

The handshake is the most universal greeting, which spans across a wide variety of social situations. An effective handshake expresses a feeling of warmth, enthusiasm, sincerity and confidence. If done correctly, it is a valuable way to stand out in a crowd. Whether you are meeting someone for the first time, interviewing for a job or saying hello to an old friend, an effective handshake is the best way to open the doorways of communication.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Assess the social situation to determine the appropriate level of intimacy for your handshake. Greeting an old friend should be much friendlier and less rigid than interviewing for a job.

2. Assess the person with whom you will be greeting to determine the appropriate level of force. Shaking hands with an elderly person should be less firm than with that of a business colleague.

3. Stand up with a smile on your face and approach the person you intend to greet.

4. Look your recipient in the eye and maintain eye contact through the entire handshake.

5. Lean toward the recipient and gradually extend your right hand at a slight angle across your chest while pointing your right thumb upward.

6. Exchange pleasantries while using the recipient's name. For example, "Hello, Robert. I am John. It is a great pleasure to meet you."

7. Lock hands firmly, making sure your thumb joint touches that of the recipient.

8. Close your grip with enough force to control the handshake, but not enough to crush the recipient's hand.

9. Guide your hand in an up-and-down motion 2 to 3 times while applying consistent pressure.

10. Release your grip within 2 to 3 seconds.

Tips & Warnings

• Place your left hand at your side or behind your back when meeting someone for the first time or in formal business situations. In more familiar social settings where intimacy is appropriate, engage in the two-handed shake, sandwiching the recipient's hand between yours.
• Keep a handkerchief near to maintain a dry palm. You can also rub your hands together to warm up a cold, clammy hand.

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