Handshaking – Master This Form Of Welcoming

The personal and professional demands that are being placed on executives and employees are more than ever experienced before. You need to know how to explore new markets, create new opportunities worldwide, develop yourself and others within your organization, and master the skills that will outshine the competition. Corporate etiquette intelligence here in America is a valuable tool that will improve your professional status. Projecting confidence and authority will project a positive image, and etiquette knowledge is mandatory in distinguishing yourself from the rest.

While your people skills, posture, and eye contact are very crucial, the ultimate greeting starts with your handshake. The handshake is the initial form of communication/interaction when you first meet, and often serves as your first impression. It is a very important aspect of the business world, and a person would be unwise to overlook its significance. You are being judged on your handshake whether consciously or subconsciously, so you need to put effort into it and make it count. A few items to consider are: Watch are how you extend your hand, the amount of pressure you apply, and the length of time you continue to shake. There is strategy to it, but it only takes a small amount of practice and awareness to give the type of impression you want.

A correct handshake is “web to web” and includes two pumps from the elbow, not from the shoulder or wrist. It is firm but not a bone crusher, as that can signify anger. In business, a handshake should only occur with one hand; do not put your other hand over the connection, as this shows overconfidence. In general, you see that type of handshake in personal relationships, as well as often in religion. The fingertip handshake can portray weakness and nervousness. In the United States in is unimportant who offers their hand first, but by extending yours first you now have a distinct advantage of not conducting a fingertip grip. Doing this also establishes control and represents initiative – two key ingredients in business. Posture is also important during your handshake. You should stand square across from the person, maintain eye contact, and smile.

You should always shake hands whenever you are introduced to a person, as well as when you are saying goodbye. When someone enters your office space, offer your hand as a form of welcoming. Not standing or offering your hand is a negative greeting which can imply that you are too busy for them or they are unimportant, both of which can ruin your company’s image. Always be ready to initiate or receive a handshake. Avoid wearing bulky jewelry on your right hand and wrists. A large ring on your right hand normally leads to a bone crusher handshake that will ward off others. Having bracelets that dangle will cause an uncomfortable handshake. For men, having your shirts and suit coats tailored ensures your counterpart is not grabbing your sleeve as your perform a handshake. You never want to apply lotion containing fragrances when you know you will be going to an event where you will be shaking hands with a lot of people. This type of awareness betters your chances on projecting the right image.

A handshake is the most powerful form of nonverbal communication. The type of handshake you present can convey a great deal of information about you. When you shake hands easily and often, you create an impression that is positive and creates a distinct advantage over others. In business you should feel comfortable with shaking hands with each person you meet. Remember this the next time you shake a hand and pay attention, because it means more than you think.