Q: I'm often confused on how to shake a woman's hand in business situations. Should I wait until she extends her hand first before offering mine? Should I shake her hand as firmly as I would shake a man's hand?
Ted B.
A: Handshaking is often the first connection you make with a person. You may have been taught that in social situations, a man should wait for a woman to extend her hand before he shakes it, and that is correct. However, business etiquette has an entirely different set of rules. In a business setting, a man or a woman can initiate a handshake. Although a man may mean well, a woman may feel that he is being condescending if he shakes her hand delicately and gently or grasps only the tips of her fingers rather than holding palm to palm.
Here are some tips for the perfect handshake: All introductions, regardless of gender, should be accompanied with a firm handshake. Stand and shake. Standing is more powerful than staying seated and it shows respect for yourself and the other person receiving the handshake.
A handshake should be short and sweet, accompanied with a smile and good eye contact. Some people experience some uneasiness when a handshake lingers for more than a few seconds. To show your sincerity when meeting another person, shake then pause briefly before releasing your hand.
The type of handshake you extend speaks volumes about you and your intentions. It should be warm, friendly and sincere. A handshake that is too firm or too weak can create a negative impression.