The Handshake: A Key to Effective Communication Skills

You are at a networking meeting, a job interview, or just meeting someone for the first time. Of course, you want to make a great first impression. Do you know that the basis of effective communication skills is the way to approach another individual as you first meet them?

Individuals from different cultures may be unsure how to greet someone in the American workplace. A former client from Spain assumed she should kiss the male who was going to interview her. Wasn’t it fortunate that this came up in our discussion before the interview?

Our handshake is critical when making a first impression and lasting impression. Should you squeeze hard to show your power? Should you pump the other person’s hand up and down with vigor? Or should you gently take the hand of the other person?

The firm and confident handshake meets the other person half-way and the hands meet web-to-web with equal pressure from each party. You should make eye contact and smile as you shake the other person’s hand. Shake it approximately three times and then let go.

Watch this video to see some examples: