How to Shake Hands?

You can tell a great deal about people by how they shake your hand. In addition, your handshake can reveal your true feelings about the other person. The looser and less firm your handshake, the more you will be perceived as weak, timid, or tentative. All too many men, especially large men, use a soft and wimpy handshake in an attempt to minimize themselves and not appear so threatening. The other extreme, a handshake that is too strong or tight, might express the attempt to dominate in the interaction and compete for control.
On the other hand (no pun intended), a firm handshake, lasting about three seconds, indicates self-confidence, especially when you meet a person for the very first time. In order to shake hands with self-assurance, follow these steps:

1. Be the first one to extend your hand. Do so enthusiastically.
2. Clasp the others person's palm firmly with your palm so that both of your palms are touching one another.
3. Look directly at the person's face using the “face contact” approach discussed later in this chapter.
4. Give their hand about three firm shakes.
5. Then release your grip.

If you really like the person, especially after you meet and get to know one another, you can convey positive feelings toward the other person by using the “cupping shake.” For this handshake, cup the other person's hand in both your hands, while placing your left hand over your right hand.