Shaking hands creates a favorable impression and influences
others to do the same. The handshake is
important because it is the accepted greeting in almost all countries. Always shake hands when: introduced to a
person and when you say goodbye, when someone comes into your office to see
you, when you meet someone outside your office or home, when you enter a room,
when you leave a gathering, when you congratulate someone who has won an award
or given a speech, and when you are consoling someone. Hand shaking is not exclusively for
males. Women, too, are encouraged to
offer their hand when an introduction is made.
A firm but not overpowering
handshake is usually a good idea. Be
especially careful of how much pressure you exert if you are shaking hands with
an elderly person or if you are wearing heavy rings which might bruise, but be
sure your handshake is both firm and brief.
Count to three and let go.
From The Art of the Social Graces Book
