Comments on: How to Shake Hands

on 11/22/2005 A successful hand shake feels good and never closes on the fingers. Make sure the web of the hands are contacting before gripping. Look or feel that the hands are properly aligned before making a firm grip. Too quick to close will result in grabbing the fingers and a desire for a premature release.

on 11/22/2005 If you are at a party or any place where you may happen to be milling around with a beverage in your hand, be sure to hold it in your left hand. This avoids a potentially cold and clammy (disgusting) handshake.

on 11/22/2005 Extend your injured hand, if it is able to rise to the occasion. At the same time, clasp gently the other person's hand with your left hand to reassure that the other person is not hurting you. If you are unable to shake with your right hand, extend your left and shake whichever hand is extended back to you. Do not worry, the other person will see quickly why you could not offer your right hand.

on 11/22/2005 Get a friend to help you practice your handshake so you can gauge your grip. Be gentler when shaking hands with older people.

on 11/22/2005 Every time I am greeted with one of these forearm grabbing shakes, I feel like I am about to be sold a used car. Unless you are familiar with that person, or are conveying sympathy, you are likely to come across as a fleabag.
Don't do it.

on 11/22/2005 According to old Naval etiquette, a man should never extend his hand to a woman first. A smile and a nod will do. If she wants to shake, a gentleman takes her hand as if to kiss it and shakes it by holding it (not gripping it).

on 11/22/2005 You should have a firm (yet comfortable) handshake, or else your hand will feel like a limp fish. People will think that you have low self-esteem!

on 11/22/2005 For some reason, there are those who love to crush the fingers when shaking hands. As a guy, this got old quick. It seemed like it was more of a contest than a friendly gesture. I have learned a little trick that defeats the bone crushers. When you shake someones hand, make sure to fully commit your hand. Push your hand fully into theirs so that the web between your thumb and index finger is all the way into their's. When you do this, it prevents the bone crusher from getting a good squeeze on your fingers. It has nothing to do with strenght. You are just taking away their leverage on your hand. Practice with a friend to see how it works.

on 11/22/2005 You reach for his/her hand and you only see 2 1/2 fingers and a thumb. What to do? Brace yourself and shake it as if everything is fine and dandy. Whatever you do, don't hesitate or jump back.

on 11/22/2005 There is one best way to shake hands. While hands are in contact, always stand straight up, look the other person in the eye, and smile. It will go over very well with old and young people.

on 11/22/2005 When a gentleman wants to shake a hand with a lady,it is much better that the lady extends her hand first.

on 11/22/2005 How to shake hands with someone who is missing their right hand? There is divided opinion on this one but if you do notice that someone does not have a right hand (either because of an injury or a congenital problem), then extend your left hand to shake left hands.

on 11/22/2005 When shaking a person's hand for the first time, it is often wise to let them determine the length and firmness of the handshake. Follow suit, and maintain pressure until they release.

on 11/22/2005 I heard that interpretation of handshakes is useful. If a person's hand is on top of yours, he thinks he's better than you. If below, then it's the opposite. If equal, you are considered equal. I just heard this ...

on 11/22/2005 Studies show that the impression made when you shake hands is a lasting impression, and that looking directly at the other person is one of the most important factors in making the impression. So, look at the person (and smile).