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
When I was in high school, I was instructed how to shake hands as you describe. I have had many people tell me I have a 'good' handshake. I will also sometimes, while shaking hands, cover the handshake with my left hand to show extra care to someone. I find many people have either a limp or crushing handshake. Is this a sign of personality traits, or have most people never learned how to properly shake hands?
ReplyDeleteDear Kirsten,
DeleteThank you for your question and your interest in this subject. I believe it is very important to shake hands properly. And, yes, you are correct in thinking this is a personality trait. The way a person shakes hands is an indication of his or her personality. A welcoming and firm handshake indicate self assurance and a weak handshake translates into weakness.
In a perfect world all children or students would be trained in social graces. When I am teaching etiquette, I cannot stress enough to my students how first impressions make such a difference in their relationships especially in the workplace.
Thank you again,