THE PROPER HANDSHAKE June 28 is National Handshake

THE PROPER HANDSHAKE • June 28, is National Handshake Day • Historically used to show that both people were unarmed • The only physical contact people have when conducting business • Important gauge of confidence, trust, sophistication and mood

HANDSHAKE (cont. ) • Surveys show that prospective employers more likely to overlook visible body piercings and tattoos than an ineffective handshake. • Twice as likely to be remembered than no handshake (good handshake)

HANDSHAKE • When to shake hands: Introductions, start or end of meetings, offering congratulations, expressing gratitude, completing an agreement. In sports, conveys a spirit of good sportsmanship. MECHANICS • Extend right arm slightly angled across chest with thumb up • Lock hands, web to web contact (thumb joint to thumb joint) • Apply firm, even pressure (follow their lead) • Pump hand two to three times (2 to 3 sec)

HANDSHAKE TIPS (cont. ) • Stand up • Make eye contact. • Repeat other person’s name once or twice while smiling. • Lower ranking individual should not initiate handshake. • Avoid limp and bone crushing pressures (women’s handshake should be firm and it’s okay for man to extend first. Not so years ago)

HANDSHAKING (Cont. ) • Don’t attempt to “shift” the grip if position is wrong. • Hold handshake for 2 to 3 seconds. • Keep left hand down. In some cases, okay to put under elbow or on shoulder of person. • Be familiar with customs in other countries. Middle East, very firm= rude, Japan = frequent/bow, China= vigorous, Kuwait= inappropriate to shake hands with unrelated female.

SIMPLE KEYS TO SUCCESS 1. Show up on time 2. Do what you say 3. Finish what you start 4. Say please and thank you

THANK YOU !