The ABC of handshakes

People often underestimate the power of a simple handshake. But this simple gesture can go a long way in communicating what just words or other action may not.

Handshakes are universal physical greetings that accompany the verbal exchange of pleasantries. In today's business world, the handshake has emerged as the only physical contact betweent professionals. We often evalute people through non-verbal and handshake reveals a great deal about their 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
• Congratulating a business associate
• Inking a business deal or at the end of negotiation
• Departing after business meeting / at a networking event/ social gathering
• Offering condolence

Power points on Handshakes:

• Always handshake 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 thumband 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 on 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 anxirty, 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, and especially older women and men. 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 stokes
• Indonesia- Nodding, accompanied with the handshake
• Middle east- Limp and lingering, slight up and down movement with plent of eye contact, accompanied with the traditional verbal greeting
• Hong Kong: Less firm than its western counterparts. Socially older persons before younger and women before men
• Singapore: soft, light touch
• Philippines-US style handshake accompanied by a pat on the back

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

R.Ramakrishnan

26th Aug 2008