Being that my social life/professional life has put me in a situation to meet and greet people on a regular basis, I have come to truly appreciate a good handshake. I also came across this CNN article from a couple years ago which only further emphasized my point. That point is that people really need to put more effort and thought into their handshakes.
You know how people are always saying how important a first impression is? I'm not sure how well I do that overall, but I know that I always give a good handshake - if that is the form of communication or greeting that presents itself. Never ever ever in a million trillion years would I want someone to remember me as the girl who gave them a dead fish. That's pathetic, awful, embarrassing and you should have trouble looking yourself in the mirror if this is the category you fall into.
And then there's the other end of the spectrum. Those of you (mostly men..sorry) who feel that it is completely necessary to shatter all of the bones in the person's hand you are shaking. What on earth does this prove? That you're just dumb...because that's what I'm thinking.
Here's a helpful hint: know your audience. If you a larger man and you are about to shake the hand of a small-framed woman...take it easy on her. Chances are - she has to write or type or even go to the bathroom in the near future with that hand...so take'er easy.
In many instances I would say that using the word average comes with somewhat of a negative connotation. Not when it comes to handshaking. Firm, confident and easy does it are words to live by. I just thought of those right this very second too - which I'm thinking is impressive.
Hopefully this helps a bit...not to say that anyone here needs help in this area; however, I can almost guarantee that you know someone who does...so please pass this along.
*PS- you can pass along the link to this blog if you want as well.
Goodnight :)
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I always go with the extended hug. It works amazingly well. Especially in interviews.
ReplyDeleteI work a guy at PF Chang's who always shakes my hand everytime he sees me, and every time he shakes my hand he tells me I have a great hand shake. He's been saying it for over a year now, but it never gets old. I always find it disappointing when "seasoned" professionals who have been in the business world for so long don't have a good handshake. It's somewhat of a let-down. (You have a good handshake, don't worry!)
ReplyDeleteI love Saul! Hahaha
ReplyDeleteRegarding the "small-framed woman" and handshaking, this was my problem for a while. The 'rents had taught me to give a good strong handshake, but I just no idea I was causing pain until a gal-pal told me. So do guys a favor and let 'em know if they need to ease the squeeze!
ReplyDelete