Make sure your path is CLEAR.
- For example, don’t hold a plate of food in one hand and a wine glass in the other – you will not have an easy way of shaking someone’s hand.
- If you are sitting down and someone approaches you, stand up and shake their hand. If you remain sitting, this may be seen as disrespectful, and it makes the handshake awkward.
Make sure your hand is CLEAN.
- Clean your hands before interacting with others.
- If you have been eating food at an event, make sure you use a napkin to clean off any residue and then throw the napkin away – do not put it in your pocket or leave it in your hand.
- Do not hold a cold beverage in your dominant hand because your hand will be freezing cold, or worse, wet, when you go to shake someone’s hand.
- If your palms tend to sweat, try wiping your hand off on a cocktail napkin before approaching someone. If you are sitting down, discreetly wipe your palm on your pants or skirt before shaking hands. You can also keep your hand in your pocket and wipe your hand on the inside of your pocket before shaking hands.
CONNECT with the other person.
- This tip is courtesy of my grandfather – as you go in to shake someone’s hand, look them directly in their right eye ONLY. Doing this allows you to give them the appearance you are making eye contact, but enables you to focus on one spot and can help your handshake be in better alignment.
- Remember to smile genuinely.
- Repeating their name back to them can also help you remember it.
- “Welcome, Shannon, my name is Claire, and I am head of the recruiting program here.”
- “Great to meet you, Claire.”
CONFIDENCE is key.
- Have confidence as you shake hands with someone – no limp noodle or dead fish shakes, but you do not want to give a death grip either.
- When shaking hands, pump your hand up and down (not side to side or back and forth), and the handshake should last 2-5 seconds. Do not count the seconds in your head, but let the handshake flow naturally. Practice makes perfect!
- Keep in mind there will be an occasional “imperfect” handshake along the way, but do not let that rattle you. The more you practice, the more confident you will be!