Shake Like You Mean It!

Shake Like You Mean It Shake Like You Mean It The handshake is a lost art. We fist-bump, high-five, chest-bump, give thumbs up, kiss cheeks, hug, and wave but our etiquette has so devolved that shaking handsis now rare.The handshake may be forgotten by many, but its not obsolete,nor is it extinct by any means. It is still the way professionals greet each other. Its also great when youre making a first impression to convert a stranger into a boss, mentor, colleague, companion, friend, or acquaintance.The handshakecan be traced all the way back to Greece in the fifth century B.C., if not earlier.Some theorize it began as a gesture of grabbing one anothers forearm to prove that neither person was carrying a weapon.A person giving a weak handshakemay be likewise perceived as weak, whereas afirm handshake connotes confidence. A crushing grip turns off everybody, as does a limp, cold fish handshake. Grasping only someones fingers is awkward. Equally awkward are wet hands, which could re sult from nervousness or a sweating condition known as palmar hyperhidrosis.If you obsess over the approach, angle, grip, firmness, pumping, duration, and undocking, you may never want to meet anyone.Advanced handshaking includes leaning in patting the top of the other persons right hand with your left, or resting itunder their forearm, or using it to tap their shoulder or back and asserting dominance by pulling the person into you ( la Trump). Its very complicated, but dont stress its not necessary. Just keep your left hand at your side, not in your pocket.For now, the basic handshake should look and feel natural. That naturalness comes with practice, and thats what friends and family are for.Business professionals expect that they will be greeted with a handshake, so be preparedSmile, look the other person in the eyes, and say your name as you extend your right hand, with the thumb pointing upward and fingers pointed ahead. (Sorry, southpaws, but using your left handcan be consid ered disrespectful unlessyour right hand is disabled or holding something).Couple the crook of your hand with theirs.Continue smiling and looking at the other person while you apply grip pressure equal to theirs. Makethe handshake firm, not crushing. During the grasps 2-4 second duration, your hand can remain steady, or you can move it up and down slightly but not side to side.A handshake isnt a tug of war or cheerleading routine. That said, even the pros get it wrong occasionally. If a handshake happens to turn into a Three Stooges bit, laugh and have fun with it. Be self-deprecating so the other person doesnt feel embarrassed. Youll both do better when saying goodbye.Lightly touching knuckles is not yet the norm, so lookyour new professional contactin the eyes and shake like you mean it.Ferris Kaplan is founder of Best Of You Resumes.