Handshakes are an extremely powerful tool to establish first connection with someone you are not acquainted to, or know very little of. A handshake can form a winning first impression in a few seconds, or ruin it. You may never realise its significance unless you experience a bad handshake! Experts say that handshakes convey a lot of information about you as a person – whether you are confident, trustworthy, competent, and sound minded. A perfect handshake should not be too strong or too weak.
One etiquette expert had said “One must squarely face the other person, extend their hand with the thumb up and fingers out until they are web to web – touch the skin web between the thumb and index of the person one is shaking hands with.” There was one article in the Times of India a few weeks back which correctly mentioned that there is more to a handshake that just the grip however – your posture, body language and appearance in general. Timing must be right too. A good shake should not take more than 2 seconds and should be accompanied with a nod of the head and eye contact – this exudes confidence. Letting go too early can make it seem that you aren’t interested in the other person.
May be, we all can take a leaf out of Bill Clinton’s book as someone globally renowned for a firm handshake. However, the great thing is that you do not have to reside in White House to master the art of leaving a lasting first impression.
One etiquette expert had said “One must squarely face the other person, extend their hand with the thumb up and fingers out until they are web to web – touch the skin web between the thumb and index of the person one is shaking hands with.” There was one article in the Times of India a few weeks back which correctly mentioned that there is more to a handshake that just the grip however – your posture, body language and appearance in general. Timing must be right too. A good shake should not take more than 2 seconds and should be accompanied with a nod of the head and eye contact – this exudes confidence. Letting go too early can make it seem that you aren’t interested in the other person.
May be, we all can take a leaf out of Bill Clinton’s book as someone globally renowned for a firm handshake. However, the great thing is that you do not have to reside in White House to master the art of leaving a lasting first impression.
