We spend considerable time and money on our business cards because they represent us and our company. You wouldn’t think of handing someone a bent, tattered or smeared business card. The same thinking applies to how you shake hands.
The handshake is one of the most important things we do. It is at the core of our personal development. How we shake hands speaks volumes about who we are and how we feel about ourselves, and how open and available we are to others. It’s not just our handshake that’s revealing, but also how the rest of our body takes part in this act.
Have you noticed some of these less-than-effective handshakes?
A terrific handshake can confirm or cement a relationship – or start one! Practice these techniques to enhance your personal and professional image:
What Makes a Great Handshake?
1. Face the person with your whole body, standing squarely on both feet, if possible.
2. Lean slightly towards the person—remember, you are extending yourself.
3. Offer your whole hand, even if they offer a “halfer”.
4. Make solid eye contact
5. Bring your personality into your handshake
7. Smile!
8. Extend a sense of confidence, security and warmth.
Physical contact is at the core of the handshake and needs to be re-examined by many businesspeople as a part of the way they conduct business communication. This classic gesture of greeting is a physical exchange of who you are. Men and women alike need to be present and offer a firm, full-contact handshake.
Remember, when you extend your hand, you are extending yourself and showing that you want to connect with someone – Make the contact a favorable one for both of you!
There are times when a job or a deal can depend on this one gesture. All things being equal, which person would you hire: the one with the great handshake, who is energetic and warm or the one who offers half a hand, has low energy and is rather reserved?