handshake - business etiquette

The Three Step process of Handshake

A handshake is a short ritual in which two people grasp each other's right hand, often accompanied by a brief up and down movement of the grasped hands

A depiction of two soldiers apparently shaking hands can be found on part of a 5th century BC tomb on display in the Pergamon Museum, Berlin (their reference SK1708).

The handshake is thought by some to have originated as a gesture of peace by demonstrating that the hand holds no weapon.

It is commonly done upon meeting, greeting, parting, offering congratulations, expressing gratitude, or completing an agreement.

In sports or other competitive activities, it is also done as a sign of good sportsmanship. Its purpose is to convey trust, balance, and equality

Individuals involved with the scouting movement specifically use a left handshake, as a convention instituted by Lord Baden-Powell. The idea came from a legend Baden-Powell heard while he was in West Africa.

Two warring chiefs confronted each other, wanting peace. He dropped both his weapon and his shield. Not only was his right hand empty of a weapon he could attack with, but his left was empty of a shield of which to defend against the weapons of others with.

Shaking with the right hand while delivering a certificate with the left.

Player and Referee shaking hands during the match.

A Friendly Handshake

A Political Handshake!!

An Angry Handshake

A Personal Handshake

A handshake is more than just a greeting. It is also a message about your personality and confidence level. In business, a handshake is an important tool in making the right first impression.

While the art of handshaking does vary within cultures, in the United States the “rules” are pretty universal.

HOW TO DELIVER A GOOD HAND SHAKE

A good handshake

Does a handshake really matter? Think back to the last time you got a limp handshake or a bone crusher. Because a handshake is used universally in business, knowing when to shake hands and how to shake hands confidently is vital.

A handshake that’s too limp or weak can convey weakness or lack of self-confidence , while one that’s too strong or crushing can convey hostility. A well executed handshake is one that conveys self-confidence, trust, and a genuine interest in the other party and fosters a lasting relationship. Read on to know what can make or break an impression.

What's important for a good handshake?

Eye contact

Once your hands have met, you should make eye contact and maintain it throughout the handshake. Make eye contact prior to the handshake, and maintain it for the duration.

What's important for a good handshake?

Grip

Grip with your whole hand, not just the fingertips or just the thumb. Make it firm, but not crushing. A good help for learning this would be asking a friend to help you practice your handshake grip. In most situations, you should only use one hand. Using both could convey hostility, or intent to overpower, or romantic intentions.

What's important for a good handshake?

Position

Your body should be approximately two cubits (distance from fingertips to elbow) away from the other party. Your shaking arm should be bent so that the elbow forms a 135?? angle, and the forearm is level with the floor. Your hand should neither be on top, nor underneath the other person’s hand. Both parties? hands should be straight up-and-down, even with each other. The web of your hand (skin running between the forefinger and the thumb) should meet the web of theirs.

What's important for a good handshake?

Shake

Should be smooth, not limp or over-enthusiastic. Shake from the elbow, not the wrist or the shoulder.

What's important for a good handshake?

Flow

Before the handshake, establish eye contact. Break eye contact, if needed, to extend your hand to meet theirs. When the web of your hand meets the web of theirs, re-establish eye contact and engage your grip. Shake two or three times, for a duration of 1-3 seconds, breaking off cleanly and smoothly before the introduction is over. A firm handshake with good eye contact communicates self confidence.

What's important for a good handshake?

When to shake hands?

Shaking hands is appropriate when: Renewing an acquaintance Acknowledging someone who enters your office, cubicle , or home Greeting a client, new coworker, host, or others you know or are meeting for the first time Meeting someone you already know outside work or home. Concluding a transaction Leaving a business or social event

Knowing how to shake hands in a business setting is important, but so is knowing when, and when not to shake hands.

Here are guidelines to help you put your best hand forward.

In the United States, the handshake is an accepted greeting in most social and business circumstances.

When in doubt, do offer your hand, unless doing so would cause someone else to be embarrassed or inconvenienced.

It is considered appropriate and acceptable to offer a handshake when greeting:

New business contacts, staff, coworkers, or others you are meeting for the first time;

A former business or casual acquaintance, especially if it has been a while since you last saw them;

Concluding a business transaction or meeting;

Congratulating someone else for an award, event, or accomplishment; and

When leaving a business event, including social settings where business contacts or acquaintances are involved.

The first rule of thumb in handshaking is simple: Never offer your hand first, at any time, or in such a way, that makes the other person feel inconvenienced or uncomfortable. With this rule in mind, it is not a good idea to be the one to initiate a handshake:

With someone of higher status (let them approach you or make the first gesture);

To break an awkward moment of silence when being introduced to someone new (a proper handshake should also involve conversation);

If you have nothing to say to the person (a handshake is an invitation for conversation or desire for social interaction);

Someone whose right hand, arm, or shoulder, is clearly injured, or they need their hand to support their weight with a

cane or crutches; or

If the other person’s hands are full and a handshake would require them to shift items from one hand to another, or to have to put things down.

Begin With an Oral Introduction of Yourself

Before extending your hand, introduce yourself.

Extending your hand should be part of an introduction, not a replacement for using your voice.

Extending your hand without a voice greeting may make you appear nervous or overly aggressive.

Pump Your Hand Only 2-3 Times

A business handshake should be brief and to the point.

Consider a handshake a short “sound bite” greeting, not a lengthy engagement.

Holding on for more than three or four seconds can make other people feel uncomfortable.

Shake From Your Elbow

If you shake from the shoulder, using your upper arm instead of just your forearm, you risk jolting your handshake partner.

The idea is to connect, not be overbearing.

Do Not Use a Forceful Grip

A handshake should be a friendly or respectful gesture, not a show of physical strength.

An uncomfortable handshake is never a pleasant experience for anyone.

Imagine you are opening a door handle and use about the same level of grip in your handshake.

Avoid Offering a “Fish Hand”

A limp hand is never a good idea when it comes to a business handshake.

Do return the grip, but do not get into a power struggle, even if the other person squeezes too hard.

Forget “Lady Fingers”

This is not a Southern Cotillion, this is business. Offering only your fingers to shake may be appropriate in some social settings, but in business settings you are an equal, not a “lady.”

Extend your entire hand, and be sure to grasp using your entire hand as well.

One Hand is Better than Two

Avoid the urge to handshake with two hands. It is always better in business introductions to use only one hand – your right hand – for the shake.

The use of two hands with strangers is seen as intrusive, and too personal. In fact, a two-handed shake is called the “politician’s shake,” because it appears artificially friendly when used on people you barely know.

Shaking a Sweaty Hand

If you shake hands with someone who has sweaty palms, do not immediately wipe your hands on your clothing, handkerchief, or tissue.

This will further embarrass the other person, who is probably already aware they have sweaty hands.

You can discretely wipe them on something after you are out of site, and wash them later.

Ending a Handshake

End the handshake after 3-4 seconds, or 2-3 pumps.

In order to avoid creating an awkward moment, your shake should end before the oral introduction exchange does.

Without conversation taking place during the entire handshake, it becomes too intimate, and can feel more like hand holding.

Covering Your Mistakes

Even if you make a mistake, do not panic. There are many ways to save the moment.

If you are worried that your handshake did not convey the right message about yourself, simply change the focus of the moment by offering a quick compliment or asking the other person a question.

For Internal Purposes only For VEDA, Mysore