How To Give A Great Handshake

Step 1: Origins

It is believed that the handshake derives from ancient times, as friendly greeting to confirm you had no weapons in your dominant hand - the right. To this day it's the norm to shake with your right. Unless you are in a secret society - or the boy scouts.

It's customary to shake when; meeting, departing, to congratulate, or to seal a deal.

Step 2: First contact

Never grab someone's hand without warning, that would be strange. Ensure the receiver is aware of your presence, approach from the front, make eye contact and smile.

Step 3: Reach out

Step in towards them with your right hand enthusiastically outstretched, fingers together, thumb slightly separated. Your elbow should be at a comfortable angle, too straight and you will look stiff and over bearing.

Step 4: The web

This is the fleshy section between your thumb and forefinger. As you go into to the shake slot your hands together until the webs are interlocked. This is the secret to a good handshake - gripping before web contact makes for a weak, unconvincing hand shake.

Step 5: Cup

Once in this position, cup your fingers underneath, meanwhile your thumb will touch the back of his hand. Hold firmly but don't use a vice grip - as this may cause your shakee some pain and implies that you are trying too hard. Equally don't just let your hand loll about creating the much derided 'wet fish' handshake.

Step 6: Shake

Move your hands up and down two or three times, more if you feel it is appropriate. Don't move your hands in a back and forth motion, you are not sawing wood.

Step 7: Release

Let go as soon as the shake has stopped. Hanging on for dear life is a no-no, it will make the other feel embarrassed.

Step 8: The two hander

This plays out exactly as the basic, but clasping with your left hand too. Essentially sandwiching the recipients hand.

This increased physical contact should only be used when you have a personal or emotional bond with the shakee, otherwise it appears insincere and controlling. For this reason it is also known as the politicians handshake.

Step 9: Power plays

The handshake can often be a telltale sign of a power struggle. Tilting the palm downwards implies taking control, while tilting the palm up is a submissive gesture - literally giving the other the upper hand. Keep you hand vertical for a good, equal handshake.