You don’t realise how much you communicate through a simple handshake.
The Fail-Safe
Connect the web between your index finger and thumb firmly with the other person’s and pump two or three times. This is confident and always appropriate.
The Rubber Glove
While shaking hands, cover the other person’s hand with your left hand. A favorite of politicians and clergy, this should be used only with someone you know well.
The Dead Fish
A limp handshake conveys weakness and a lack of self-confidence.
The Terminator
Turning the grip so your hand is on top is a sign of aggression.
Tips:
Be Friendly
You should always be ready to initiate a handshake, demonstrating your eagerness to meet the person. Although etiquette rules once dictated that a man should wait for a woman to offer her hand, that’s no longer the case.
Show Respect
Make sure you’re standing when you shake hello or goodbye. It shows respect for yourself and the other person.
Be Direct
Look the other person in the eye. Don’t allow the handshake to linger too long, but you can show an extra bit of sincerity by holding their hand a second longer after the last pump.
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