Shake it Up!

You probably don't think twice when shaking someones hand, but a handshake can say a lot about you. Here are a few tips that can make your handshake a step above the rest.

1. Make Eye Contact

2. Smile

3. Extend your hand with the four fingers together; your thumb extended upward; the "web" of your hand making contact with the "web" of the other person's hand.

4. Close your hand firmly around the other hand...not too tight and definitely no too loose...just firm; this applies to both men and women. A man should be careful not to squeeze a woman's hand too tightly.

5. Say "Nice to meet you (the other persons name.")
Example: "So nice to meet you Mr. Smith."

6. Give several shakes and then let go of the hand.

7. It is proper to exchange a handshake when meeting AND when saying goodbye.

8. It is proper for women to exchange a handshake for social and business introductions.

9. A woman may offer a man her hand first to shake.

Taken from www.yourmanners.com