THE A B C OF BUSINESS HANDSHAKES

Handshakes are the universal physical greeting that accompanies the verbal exchange of pleasantries. In the business world today, handshake has emerged as the only physical contact between professionals. We notice people non-verbally and a handshake reveals a great deal about our inner traits, personality, feelings and levels of motivation. A well-executed handshake is a critical component in creating a great first impression.

YOU SHAKE HANDS WHEN:

• Introduced to a person
• Entering a meeting / boardroom room
• Congratulating a business associate
• Inking a business deal or at the end of a negotiation
• Departing after a business meeting / at a networking event/ social gathering
• Offering condolence

POWER POINTS ON HANDSHAKES:

• Always with the right hand
• Extend your hand with the thumb up and fingers out, as it helps the other person connect better with your hand.
• Web-to-web: A well-executed handshake is one where you connect with the person’s web (the area between the thumb and the index finger).
• Shake from the elbow - moving the shoulder muscle makes the handshake too firm and moving the wrist muscles make it too dainty.
• Although dependent upon the culture, two smooth pumps has emerged as the universally accepted handshake.
• Maintain shoulder-to-shoulder stance as it projects confidence and conveys positive body language.
• Offer a dry hand, as we associate clammy hands with nervousness and anxiety, all negatives in the business arena.
• Shake hands with everyone - there exists no hierarchy when shaking hands in business.
  Be mindful if someone has a disability, especially with older women & men and wait until they offer their hand.

ACROSS THE WORLD:

• AUSTRALIA/ CANADA / USA: Firm grip and two smooth strokes. In the US, it can sometime extend to three strokes.
• CHINA / JAPAN: Light grip, three to four gentle strokes.
• INDONESIA: Nodding, accompanied with the hand shake.
• MIDDLE EAST: Limp and lingering, slight up and down movement with plenty of eye contact, accompanied with the traditional verbal greeting.
• HONG KONG: Less firm than their western counterparts. Socially, older persons before younger and women before men.
• SINGAPORE: Soft, light touch.
• PHILLIPINES: US style handshake, accompanied by a pat on the back.
  

FAQ:

Q: What should I do if I extend my hand for a hand shake and the other person does not reciprocate?

A: Nothing! Just move on and pretend it never happened - etiquette is about putting other people at ease.

Q: What are the gender rules about handshaking?

A: Globally, business has become gender-neutral. Any one who offers their hand first, man or woman, has an advantage. A quick handshake helps eliminate the initial hesitation, a common fear that grips most people in the first few seconds of meeting a new person.