We encounter handshakes almost everyday of our lives, especially in the business or professional setting, but some people may consider handshake as less important part of life. You bet, it is as important as talking!
These three tips might give you the confidence for your next handshake.
Eye contact
When making a handshake, squarely face the person, make eye contact with him and smile. Your good eye contact will make the receiver feel that you are sincere. If it is difficult to establish the eye contact first, like when you are seated, rise before you extend your hand. When you are walking parallel to each other, you may stop before extending your hand.
Firm grip
Your personality can be reflected through the handshakes that you give, well, even without you uttering any word. A weak handshake reveals insecurity, while firm handshakes reflect confidence. You can try practicing this with your family members or your friends until you get used to it.
When giving a handshake, your palm should be open, fingers should be together, and your thumb up so that the receiver can slide his hand and the web of thumb and forefingers touches yours. Squeeze firmly, but please don’t crush the other person’s hands.
If the other person offers a weak grip, give him a gentle squeeze so that he will know that he needs to grip more firmly. Well at least you give him that cue.
How long?
After you have given the firm grip and have “pumped” once, you may think “now what? Should I let go or should I hold a little longer?” That creates an uncomfortable moment if you are unsure on how long should a handshake last.
A proper handshake lasts for about 3 seconds while maintaining eye contact. If the other person holds on for more than five seconds, you may gently withdraw your hand but keep a smile so that he may know that you are being polite.
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This article was written by Kareen Defensor.
Kareen is the team’s communications and research assistant who also works on Akubo’s other projects, including a new, growing resource portal for local nonprofits called NGO:PH.