A handshake is the most powerful form of communication between two people. The handshake acts as the first and last form of a powerful personal contact. It is when two people break their personal bubbles making that one contact that mentally prepares them for the communication.
The handshake is the perfect opener to a communication link and it leaves a subliminal message after you have left.
The 10 Commandments of the Handshake are:
1. The Nail Rule:
Clean hand, well trimmed nails for men and neatly manicured for women. It is suggestive to have it professionally done before a big interview or meeting. Besides the fact that a professional manicure is a blissful experience it also leaves a lot more talking about you as much as it would avoid communicating annoyance.
Please note: They shouldn't be too short, bitten off or chipped either. They don't leave a good message either.
2. The Slip not Rule:
Sweaty Palms is the biggest taboo when it comes to handshakes. If you have hands that can water plants then take immense care to keep them dry. Don't ever try talcum powders, there's a good chance they may fail and make an excellent lubricant. A good way is to keep your hands open at all times even if fear grips. Keep your hands in the open and keep them busy with gestures as you talk. Keep simple gestures though, if you do not have the practice of doing it.
3. The Side Wipe Rule:
The biggest put-off before shaking your hand is the Side Wipe. The worst thing to do before shaking your hand is swiping it on your sides like a credit card you might leave that uneasy where-was-that-before feeling and you'd usually receive a half-baked handshake in result to it. Make sure your hand is clean and dry even before you enter the scenario.
4. The Ring Rule:
A single ring is most ideal for a man and maybe 2 for a woman. If your hand is heavy enough to sink a ship, you cannot and should never make a firm shake. Avoid a heavy bracelet, bangle unless they were looking for Rudolf's replacement.
5. The Stretch Rule:
Keep a clear distance when you are near so you can give about more than half a hand's length to stretch. This rule is very important in the case of varying heights. Offer your hand heartily and not thrust it or crawl it into the space. This would mean a perfect speed of pushing your hand forward too. Step forward if you have to and try avoiding the gymnasium-pose to reach for their hands. They would come forward too.
6. The Clip Hold Rule:
The 3rd most important commandment is the perfect hold. This holy rule is to make the right contact before enveloping your fingers into a grip especially when it comes to giving your hand to the opposite sex. The best way to do this is make sure the point of connection of your thumb and fore finger meet the same point of your acquaintance's hand. Don't hit it too hard. Make a soft landing not too soft either. This is to make sure your hands are at evened out lengths and ready for the Big Grip.
7. The Pull Back Rule:
Removing your hand from the shake is as important as giving it and the shake itself. You could destroy the complete procedure if you did not pull back right. Pulling back your hand too fast could communicate a showing of disgust. Pulling them too slow could leave an eye raiser. Keep a normal pace just a little slower than the speed your hands approached. One more thing about removing your hand, dragging or tracing along the inner palm isn't the best thing to do and the same time do not do a vertical lift off. A small rub less than an inch and pull off at a relaxed pace.
8. The Hesitancy Rule:
It's a sacrilege to forget that a halfhearted shake is a half-baked cookie. It makes no sense offering a limp hand, clear your mind of inhibitions before your offer your hand. This is a classic mess-up you find when it comes to the opposite-sex handshakes. A good communicator would clearly be able to know what's on your mind by just feeling your handshake.
9. The Shake Rule:
The most abused and confused part of the contact is the shake itself. The golden rule is the 2-and-a-half Shake. Two firm shakes of both hands traveling an up and down distance of say not more than 2-and-a-half inches and a half shake. Making it 2-and-a-half shakes in total. Sometimes you might be in a hurry then it could be one and a half but most cordial feeling is achieved from the 2-and-a-half Shake.
10. The Big Grip Rule:
The most important commandment is The Big Grip Rule. The main crux of the handshake is to know your hand as much as you should know your partner's. The first shake when you meet needs to be a firm but not too firm hold. Don't get squishy... you aren't handling tomatoes. Gentlemen! Please don't show your strength on the women's fingers. There are other ways. Women! Lets put in some grip on it; you aren't offering your hand for a ball dance. Don't force yourself though.
Best would be to test and practice a few handshakes with your friends before affirming on one by yourself. Try and practice for a neutral handshake. Not too firm not too soft and with a perfect speed of offering.
Written by: Felix (ClickJobs, Editorial)
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