THE HANDSHAKE By Aaron West History of Handshake

THE HANDSHAKE By: Aaron West

History of Handshake The handshake was first used as a sign of peace. It demonstrated that the hand did not hold a weapon. Antiochus I Theos of Commagene, shaking hands with Heracles 70– 38 BC, Arsameia.

What TO do Know when to initiate the handshake Stand look the other person in the eye before shaking hands Offer a greeting before and during the handshake Your handshake should be firm Typically you handshake with your right hand Shake hands in an up-and-down motion

What NOT to do Do not make your handshake too firm Do not place your hand downward because this shows that you are trying to be dominant The ‘double-handed’ handshake is inappropriate during a formal handshake

Other Cultures Most parts of the world handshake more than people in the United States In Europe, shake hands with everyone present every time you meet them If you are shy of shaking hands, people will think that you can’t be trusted or you think you’re better than others In France, the handshake is quick and crisp. A firm handshake is considered impolite. In South Africa, the handshakes are better if they are stronger.

People with Disabilities If someone is visually impaired, you should verbally greet them. Missing or non-functioning right hand, you should offer to shake their left hand. If someone isn’t able to shake at all, you greet them verbally and don’t try to shake their hand.

When to Shake Hands Greeting someone Saying goodbye to someone

What do you do if… Someone offers you their left hand… Tell them that it is more appropriate to shake with your right hand offer them your right hand. They have sweaty palms… Don’t shake their hand because it can make both parties uncomfortable. Someone doesn’t shake when you offer… Take your hand away Your hands are full… Verbally greet the other person.

Introduce Yourself 1. 2. 3. Look at the person you are greeting in their eyes Say an appropriate greeting as you extend your arm Shake the person’s hand with a firm grip

Technique Always have a dry hand Make eye contact Firm grip Don’t overextend it

Handshake Styles (4) 1. 2. 3. 4. Bone Crusher Hand Wrestler Finger Vice Brush Off

Style 1 Bone Crusher The message of squeezing your hand until you cringe is clearly designed to intimidate you. Even when the person may not know how strong they are, there is still a message of intimidation and power behind the grip. You don’t have to pretend to be a wimp with them, and, in fact, they may respond positively to you if you present yourself with strength. Just don’t get into a hand-squeezing contest when you shake because then it becomes a competition and even if you win, you’ll lose.

Style 2 Hand Wrestler Your hand is taken normally and then twisted under the other person’s. This is usually done aggressively. Be very careful in your own presentation as this person is absolutely committed to being on top, regardless of what they say they want.

Style 3 Finger Vice When someone grabs your fingers and not your entire hand it is meant to keep you at a distance. These people are often insecure. If they also crush your fingers they are adding a show of personal power, which is also designed to keep you at a distance or at least create some fear of challenging them. I wouldn’t recommend becoming submissive, however it will serve your purpose to be somewhat deferential to them.

Style 4 Brush Off This handshake type is a quick grasp and then a release that feels like your hand being shoved aside. Listen first to what the person wants before talking about your ideas for them.

Examples Finger Vice Handshake Brush Off Handshake

Sources https: //jobs. theguardian. com/article/the-top-10 handshakes/ http: //www. quickanddirtytips. com/relationships/ etiquette-manners/the-art-of-the-handshake http: //www. boston. com/jobs/news/jobdoc/2012 /05/to_shake_hands_or_not_to_shake. html https: //www. wisc-online. com/learn/socialscience/psychology/phr 3102/shaking-handsaround-the-world