How to Do a Hand Shake

Whether in a business setting or personal, male or female, it is generally expected and considered polite in the United States to give a hand shake when you meet someone new. Styles differ slightly by person, but there are general accepted rules you can follow to assure you are shaking hands correctly.

Instructions

1. Stand up when sitting and if appropriate in the situation you are in. This especially applies to men when meeting women.

2. Extend your right hand to the other person, who will also extend their right hand.

3. Press the flesh of your hand that is between your thumb and forefinger to the same part of the other person's hand. There should not be space between the palms when giving a hand shake.

4. Grip the other person's hand firmly. Use about the same amount of pressure they are using, although it is okay to grip slightly stronger.

5. Make eye contact and smile. You want to convey to this person that meeting them is a happy event for you.

6. Talk with the person briefly and convey that it is nice to meet them. Then go about your business!

Tips & Warnings

• There are cases when giving a handshake is not necessary when meeting someone new. For example if you are too far away from each other in a crowd of people, or when multiple people are being introduced to each other during a meeting.

• Closing the shake with your left hand briefly is acceptable if that is what you are comfortable with, but it is not very common and some people may not like it.

• Never squeeze strongly when shaking hands as this is considered impolite.

• Don't leave your hand limp in their hand. This is a mistake most commonly made by women.

• It is considered inappropriate to reject a handshake. An acceptable reason for this would be if you are sick or have something on your hands. If this is the case be sure to make it clear why you are not shaking hands.