How to master the handshake
In a world dominated by virtual meetings, it’s always good to brush up on those IRL customs. Here’s a fundamental one to get right…
Words: James Somper
Deal day: the zenith of your professional life. Election victory: it’s time to greet the good people. Meeting the in-laws for the first time: prepare yourself for Jack Byrnes. As a result, you haven’t slept properly in recent times and, if your stress toll is pretty low, you’ve been surviving off a diet of Huel and espressos. The odour of stale smoke clings to you like a limpet. You can’t quite remember what your partner looks like and you could do with a bit of a scrub – but, all too soon, the big moment arrives. Everything is teed up. There’s just one final trial: the handshake.
If you’ve got this far, the last thing you want to do is ruin it all with a limp clasp. So, here’s our advice...
01. Keep things dry
You finally look immaculate and you’ve properly groomed – so why ruin things with perspiring palms? You’re not in an Eminem track. Keep a soft cotton handkerchief in your pocket to wipe away the excess nerves.
02. Be the first to offer your hand
This is your moment. You’ve worked for it – you’ve done the yards, the homework and, perhaps, you’ve talked up a big game. Set the tone by displaying confidence, so make the first move.
03. Friendly, but firm
So far, you’ve done just about everything right. Don’t throw it all away by ripping their wrist off, bicep and all. This isn’t Fist of Fury. Equally, do not go in with a relaxed hold. A firm, solid, yet not overly clamping handshake will seal the deal: shake from the elbow, not the wrist; keep that forearm solid, like German engineering; clasp as though there’s a door handle there.
04. It’s all in the eyes
Keep those pupils firmly in contact with theirs – this connection conveys a sense of trust. Look away and it’ll seem a touch shady. Lock for one or two seconds – any longer will seem a touch Hannibal Lecter-y. Then, you’re good to go.
Want more etiquette content? Here’s how to manage jet lag…
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