As human beings, we have lots of rituals to choose from when greeting each other, but one ritual is remarkably consistent across cultures, The Handshake.
A handshake is a brief greeting or parting tradition in which two people grasp one of each other’s like hands, in most cases accompanied by a brief up-and-down movement of the grasped hands.
The handshake is believed to have come from ancient history when people used swords for fighting. These swords were carried in a case called a scabbard, on their left side which meant they could draw their sword with their right hand, if need arose.
Shaking hands, which is traditionally done with your right hand, then became a friendly greeting because it was proof that you came in peace and weren’t holding a weapon. It was also a sign of trust that you believed the other person wasn’t going to take their sword out to fight you either!
Today, using the right hand is generally considered proper etiquette and a sign of respect with customs specific to cultures. Different cultures may be more or less likely to shake hands, or there may be different customs about how or when to shake hands.
Its believed that during negotiations, a handshake before, can have a surprisingly strong effect on the outcome and a handshake after is meant to seal the agreement. Before sports matches, players usually shake hands with each other, as well as other officials like referees. Business people will shake hands with each other before and after meetings, and to agree business deals. But sometimes people make a point of not shaking hands, which can be seen as unusual or as power play.
Below are some useful tips for shaking hands, especially at a formal setting:
- Introduce Yourself – Tell the person who you are before you reach out and shake their hands.
- Dry Hand If Necessary – If you have sweaty palms, air them out and wipe them down before you initiate the handshake.
- Initiate Appropriately – It’s almost always appropriate to initiate a handshake during a greeting. Never leave an extended hand hanging.
- Use The Correct Hand – Most people shake with their right hand, but be prepared to shake with your left hand if circumstances require that. Pay attention to your non-shaking hand. Keep it visible and open.
- Stand Up – Stand up out of respect for the person you are greeting. For ladies, this applies if you are a younger woman and an older woman comes over to greet you (or possibly a very distinguished gentleman), but only if they are coming to greet you personally or if the group is rising as a whole.
- Make Eye Contact – Look a person in the eyes as you shake hands.
- Smile – A smile goes a long way to establishing that you are a confident, friendly, genuine person.
- Grip Firmly – A firm and consistent grip is perfect. Too tight and you could injure the other person’s hand. Too weak and your handshake will feel like a dead fish.
- Pump 2-3 Times – Shake from the elbow 2 to 3 times.
- Time it for 2-3 Seconds – Don’t linger while shaking hands. Keep it short and sweet.
- Repeat Their Name – Saying something like “It’s great to meet you, Tom” during the handshake can help you remember their name later on.
There you have it. Remember, average handshakes don’t stick in our memories, but bad ones do! First impressions matter.
Drawn By; Geoffry Obatch Wasonga
Relationship Officer S.M.E Banking
Mombasa Branch