Read more about the perfect handshake - 'Shake it like Clinton' @

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2014-01-19/man-woman/46346395_1_firm-handshake-eye-contact-impression

Shake it like Clinton!

Shikha Shah, TNN Jan 19, 2014, 01.04PM IST

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(Shake it like Clinton! (Thinkstock…)

The former American president is a master when it comes to the art of a firm handshake. But you don't have to reside in the White House to do the same. Shikha Shah tells you how to leave a lasting first impression

You may never realise its significance unless you experience a bad handshake! Handshakes convey a lot of information about you as a person - whether you are confident, trustworthy, competent, sound-minded etc. A handshake can form a winning first impression within six seconds, or ruin it. It is, after all, the most primitive and powerful way of establishing initial connection with someone you don't know, or know very little of.

Experts say, a perfect handshake shouldn't be too strong or too weak. It's an art that former American President Bill Clinton has mastered well. He has shaken quite a few in his lifetime to know good from bad. But you don't have to meet heads of state to know the same. Studies show that a limp or awkward handshake can be a conversation stopper, and can negatively affect the behaviour of the person in front of you. Likewise, overly strong handshakes portray an inappropriate display of power and control.

Etiquette expert Shital Kakkar Mehra explains how to shake it like Clinton: "You must squarely face the other person, extend your hand with your thumb up and fingers out, until you are web to web (touch the web of skin in between your thumb and index of the person you are shaking hands with). If you make a conscious effort to do it, you'll never give somebody the finger shake. Follow this by just two smooth pumps with the shake coming from the elbow."

There is much more to a handshake than the grip; your posture and body language add majorly to your appearance. Timing must be right too. A good shake takes about a second and a half or two. "Letting go too early can make it seem like you aren't interested in the other person. A handshake should also be coupled with a head nod and eye contact; the combination of all of this exudes confidence. Remember, the next time you extend your hand for a simple formality of shaking hands, you're getting an opportunity to make a lasting impression!

What's your handshake personality?

The winner: A firm handshake with eye contact, smile and just the required amount of pumps provides the opportunity for a favourable first impression. It enables you to instantly establish a connection.
You are: Confident, assertive and a thorough professional.

The dead fish: The loose, floppy handshake. Apart from making you seem weak, it says that you are not fully committed.
You are: A passive personality.

The arm wrestler: This one can literally rip the arm out of the socket. It often conveys the idea that you are pushy and too eager to enhance a new relationship. It fails to inspire friendship.
You are: Immature and socially ignorant.

The Queen: Extending just the fingertips conveys to another person that you wish to maintain a certain distance. It's a way of saying that I'm superior to you, and I don't want to touch you.
You are: Arrogant and may be a little insecure.

The bone crusher: Squeezing the hand until the person cringes and his fingers are almost about to break. It's an attempt to prove that you are stronger than the person.
You are: Intimidating, over-confident and aggressive.

The lobster claw: Like the claw of a lobster, your thumb and fingers touch the palm of the hand and there is no palm-to-palm contact. This usually indicates insecurity and that you are trying to hide something.
You are: Timid and fear, connecting with someone at a deep level.

Handshake spoiler alert
Too many large rings on your right hand >Sweaty palms >Perfume/fragrance on your hands

The handshake history

During the presidencies of George Washington and John Adams, the traditional White House greeting was a bow, in order to avoid physical contact with guests. It was Thomas Jefferson, who did away with bows and mainstreamed the modern handshake as a common greeting. Till today, the handshake remains virtually the sole mode of physical contact among professionals and an important part of everyday business dealings.

Cool tip

By using your other hand; double clasp or touch the arm or shoulder of the other person with your left hand, to increase the the level of bonding. This will show you are focussing on the person. Moreover, keep in mind that everyone wants to be remembered. Say your name slowly while you shake hands, pause and listen to the name of the person you are meeting, and repeat their name saying, "Pleasure to meet you Mr ..." Speech adds an emotional element to the process. You may not necessarily do this when you're shaking hands with a woman for the first time. She may not appreciate this gesture.