How to Make a Good Impression With a Handshake

Following the pandemic, it might feel like the age of handshakes is over – but the chances are we will go back to using this greeting technique at some point.

Whether in business meetings or interviews, the handshake is one of the most professional and well-known forms of greeting someone – even if it is accompanied by a lot of sanitizers these days.?

Unfortunately, many people have no idea how to make a positive impact with a handshake.?We get ourselves stressed about things like how long to shake for, how firm the grip should be,?and even whether our hands are too sweaty beforehand.

Don't be stressed out about the potential re-emergence of handshakes into your everyday life, don't panic.

Here are some tips on making a good impression with a handshake:

1. Know when to start the shake.?This first tip is a little insight into handshake etiquette.?Typically, when you approach a person or the older person in the meeting should be the person to extend a handshake.?

● For instance, if you're prospecting, it's good to reach out to a potential client and take the lead.?

● Some people will appreciate a person with the confidence to reach out and offer a handshake, and it can seem polite and friendly.

2. Stand up and make eye contact.?If you're sitting and someone walks into the room to meet you, stand up before they even extend their hand for a shake – it's good manners, and it shows you're ready to connect.?

● If someone extends a hand to you while you're sitting, you should still stand up – it's a sign of respect.

●?When shaking hands with someone else, look them in the eye to show them they have your full attention and smile at them.

● Try not to look as though you're desperate to leave the situation by pulling your hand back too quickly or turning away from the other person.

3. Be firm, but don't be crushing.?Don't make the mistake of thinking a crushing handshake is better than a weak one. Trying too hard to exert force during a handshake can set a negative tone for the rest of the meeting.

● Your handshake should be firm to show interest in the greeting, but keep it light enough that it will not be uncomfortable.

● If another person gives you a slightly limp handshake, a good tip is to provide them with a little squeeze, and this will let them know to tighten their grip a little.

4. Give it time.?As tempting as it might be to get a handshake over and done with as quickly as possible, particularly in these cautious times,?most shakes should last between 3-5 seconds.?Most people will prefer a shorter handshake, so if someone starts to loosen their grip, follow their lead.

● Letting go of someone's hand too quickly can make it look like you're desperate to get away from them or find them distasteful. If the other person continues holding your hand for longer than you think is reasonable, smile and withdraw your hand gently.

5. Be aware of the rest of your body.?Sometimes, people get so caught up worrying about the impression they're making with their handshake that they forget to think about the rest of their bodies.

● Think about what's going on with your stance and your other hand when you're shaking.?The other hand should generally be visible and in an open position by your side, and having?a hand in your pocket looks defensive.

● You can even use your hand to touch the other person's arm in an intimate setting – but this is less common in a business environment.

●??Remember to stand up straight, maintain eye contact, and smile?to show the interaction is positive.

6. Stick to the up-and-down motion. It?might sound like an apparent last piece of advice, but you'd be surprised how easy it is to forget. Your shake should go up and down, not back and forth or side to side. It would be best if you only shook around three times. Otherwise, the greeting can start to feel a little uncomfortable.?

Following a handshake, don't be upset if someone applies hand sanitizer – this is likely to be natural these days. If someone offers a fist bump instead of a handshake, touch your knuckles to theirs gently and give them the same welcoming smile.

Keep these tips in mind and make a positive first impression every time!

For more Networking Tips, connect with?

Dr. Tandra Price

www.uconnetit.com