Use good posture when shaking someone’s hand. This will make you look confident. If you’re sitting, rise before shaking someone’s hand. [2] X Research source
Smile while you extend your hand. [4] X Expert Source Sheila A. AndersonCertified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon Expert Interview. 19 July 2021 Otherwise, you may come across as aggressive. If the person’s right hand is injured, offer your left hand instead.
Your fingers should be completely curled around the other persons hand. Don’t grab the end of the person’s fingers. Otherwise, you’ll shake their limp fingers instead of shaking their hand.
Avoid swinging their hands around in a large back-and-forth movement. Don’t pump their hand more than 3 times. If you do, you may come across as creepy.
Resist the urge to wipe your hand after shaking someone else’s. They might notice and get offended.
“Hey, Robert! It’s been a while, how are you doing?” “Excuse me, Mrs. Becker? Hi, I’m Ian. I work in the Engineering department. It’s nice to meet you!” “We’re headed out, James. Thanks for the wonderful party! We had a great time!”
Practice with a friend if you need help gauging your handshake pressure.
If you experience chronic hand sweat, spray your hands with an antiperspirant once a day. This will help your hands stay dry.
“Hi, I’m Jane. It’s nice to meet you!” “Nice to meet you, I’m Jeremy. ” “It’s a pleasure. ” “Hi, how’re you doing?”
Greeting an older person or family member Greeting someone in a professional setting When arriving at or leaving a nice party When you haven’t seen a friend in a while
In Russia, men shake hands with other men, and depending on company culture women’s hands. In South Korea, the senior person initiates the handshake. Use a soft grip while shaking hands. In Morocco, people shake hands and then touch their hearts as a sign of respect. Use a gentle grip while shaking hands. If you are a man greeting a woman, wait to see if she offers her hand first. If she doesn’t, bow your head to her instead. [13] X Research source In Turkey, firm handshakes are considered rude. Instead, use a soft grip. In China, always greet the oldest person first. Bow slightly while shaking their hand. [14] X Research source
The Freemason handshake. This handshake is top secret and used by Freemasons to identify other members of their group. The Scout handshake. Both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts shake hands with their left hands when greeting other scouts. The Parent Trap handshake. This handshake, popular with movie buffs, is from the movie Parent Trap.