Advice on How to Properly Shake Hands with Someone (B)

Shaking hands is very common gesture nowadays, and because of this, we don’t even realize the impact it has on our lives. This might sound a little exaggerated, but it’s not! The way a man shakes hands is the first impression he leaves another guy!

The gesture itself has its origins many years ago, when men used to shake hands in order to prove each other that they are not carrying  guns. In some cultures, shaking hands is seen as a way of “exchanging luck”, something like wishing someone well.

Here’s a few things you need to know about shaking hands:

Shaking hands is common when you are introduced to someone, and it is rarely inappropriate to shake hands with someone. Generally, it’s not recommended to shake hands with someone when there is a table between you. Going an extra mile just to shake hands is not necessary.  You can say hello and nod. Speaking of tables, when someone is sitting at a desk, it is appropriate to stand up, go around the desk and only then shake hands.  Also, if you are carrying something, you should not go through too much trouble to shake someone’s hand.

The golden rule of handshakes is to always stand up when doing it! Unless it’s physically impossible, you should stand up. Also, the second golden rule is that the handshake must not be too hard or too soft. Just appropriate.

Your body should be approximately two cubits (distance from fingertips to elbow) away from the other party. Your shaking arm should be bent so that the elbow forms a 135-degree angle, and the forearm is level with the floor. Your hand should neither be on top, nor underneath the other person’s hand. Also, shake from the elbow, not from the shoulder or the wrist.

It is highly important that you establish eye contact with the person you are shaking hands with. It’s important to grip a man’s hand with your whole hand, not just your fingers or thumbs.

In case you don’t know a person that well, do not shake their hand using both your hands. It is considered too much. Also, never use both your hands at a business meeting.

Being a men’s gesture, it is not recommended to shake hands with a woman, unless she is the first one to offer her hand.

Needless to say that a handshake shouldn’t last too long or too little and that it should be done with confidence and power!

What you should also know is that the handshake is not the general rule all across the globe. In some countries people shake hands more than in others. It is said that people in Belgium and Russians shake hands most, while in France people shake hands very briefly and long handshakes are considered impolite. South Africans prefer strong handshakes, while in Arab countries, the handshake is long. In Saudi Arabia or Thailand, men are not allowed to shake hands with women.

In Japan, people usually bow when they meet. The way you bow depends on the situation, your age and your status. In business situations, it’s best to bow at a 15 degree angle, keeping your hands at the side. A more formal bow is done while keeping your hands together, the palms down on your knees while bowing at a 30 degree angle. The lower you bow, the more humble you are perceived as, and in Japan, being humble is important. Tip: you don’t necessary need to bow the way the person you greet bows.

The Chinese shake hands and also bow a little.

In India, people offer namaste. This is done by putting your palms together in front of your chest.

In Thailand, they have a way of greeting called wai (pronounced like “why”). This is done by putting your palms together, with fingers together and upward at chest level, close to your body. After getting on your mark, bow slowly. The higher you place your hands, the more respect you show. Generally, you can greet almost all the people you meet this way. However, the rules say that children, servants and workers are not to be greeted this way. You’re not expected to greet like this, but if someone does it, you should respond! It’s insulting if you don’t.

There are a lot of ways people greet, and knowing the right way will definitely open doors and who knows, maybe it will open some hearts as well! Always be open to learn, and if you do something wrong, apologize and try to do it better next time!

Fraquoh and Franchomme

P.S. How do you shake hands? What’s the greeting custom in your culture? Leave your contribution below!