odds & ends item from AUGUST 2006 ISSUE
Enriching God’s Creation
The Handshake
There is a custom that individuals are involved in probably at least once a week, if not every day. This custom is a sign of respect, and the presentation of this custom can mean many different things. Do you know what it is?
It is the age-old custom of “proffering up our palms”—a handshake!
In many cultures around the world, the custom of greetings and handshakes varies. For example, in Benin, young men snap fingers while shaking hands. In Botswana, people touch hands with a slight grazing of the palms and fingers. Other countries hug, kiss, bow, or some combination of the three. While it is accepted in most cultures, the handshake varies, depending on where a person is in the world.
In northern Europe, it is firm, curt and one pump; in southern Europe and Central and South America, handshakes are firm, but slightly longer and warmer—meaning the left hand touches the shaking hands, or the elbow, or even the lapel. In Islamic countries, men never shake the hands of women to whom they are not related. Finally, in the United States, Canada and other Western nations, the handshake is to be firm with direct eye contact; and men are to shake a woman’s hand only when she offers it.
Let’s find out how to properly shake hands.
The steps of a handshake:
• Extend your right hand to grasp the other person’s right hand. Your thumb should point up and your arm should be at a slight downward angle. Be aware of the other person’s space, which should be about 18 inches from you.
• When the webs (thumb joints) meet, firmly grip the other person’s hand.
• Gently squeeze and hold the hand for two to three pumps (movement from elbow not shoulder), or for two to three seconds. You should be looking the person in the eyes and smiling.
When shaking a person’s hand, be aware of how much pressure you are applying. You do not want to establish the reputation of being a “bone crusher!” Make sure you offer your whole hand, not just your fingers—this type of handshake is called “Limp Fingers.” Ladies have a tendency to offer this type of handshake. Be sure to offer your full hand, even if your grip is light. And be sure to stand when you are introduced to someone so you are able to shake hands at an even level.
Be aware of what is in your right hand, because you never know when the opportunity to meet someone new or to greet a friend or old acquaintance may arise. If you are at a dinner and have a drink in your hand, the glass may be wet, so you should carry it in your left hand to keep your right hand dry. Or, if you have a tendency to have clammy palms, make sure you occasionally wipe your hand on a cloth to ensure it is dry when you shake someone’s hand. If you happen to have cold hands, put them in your pockets to warm them up.
During an introduction, the person of higher social status initiates the handshake and sets the appropriate pressure, so follow his lead. Always stand when being introduced to someone, and extend warm, shakable hands. If you are unsure of your handshake, practice with a friend to find the right balance of pressure, length and pumps. Like everything else, practice makes perfect!
Source: www.careerbuilder.com; www.sideroad.com; www.brucevanpatter.com