HANDSHAKING

Outline A. General PointsB. StepsC. Typical types & InterpretationD. Factors affecting handshaking

interpretation

A. General Points1. Definition

2. Purposes

1. DEFINITIONHANDSHAKING: is

* a kind of nonverbal language used as a gesture of greeting or

congratulation.

*If you give someone a handshake, you take their

right hand with your own right hand and hold it

firmly or move it up and down, as a sign of

greeting or to show that you have agreed about

something such as a business deal.

2. PurposesWhy do people shake hands? – To…

- Introduce themselves- Congratulate someone- Agree to do something together

ON…- Initial meeting- Departure

B. STEPS1. Extend your right hand to meet the other

person's right hand.  

2.  Point your thumb upward toward the other person's arm and extend your arm at a slight downward angle.

3.  Wrap your hand around the other person's hand when your thumb joints come together.  

4. Grasp the hand firmly and squeeze gently once. Remember that limp handshakes are a big turnoff, as are bone-crushing grasps.  

5. Hold the handshake for 2 to 3 seconds.  6. Pump your hand up and down (2/3 times).

“You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.”Indira Gandhi (1917 - 1984)Indian prime minister.

C. TYPES AND INTERPRETATION

12 types

1. The All-American

“I’m honored to meet you”

2. The Lingering Handshake

The end of handshake pauses or lingers

Openness, sincerityExcellent candidate for a job or a promotion

3. The Push-Off

• Want to establish his/ her power

4. The Pull-In

• A controller who wants things done certain way

5. The Two-Handed Shake

“We're great buddies."

6. The Topper

"I'm in charge, I'm the Boss."

7. The Finger Squeeze

“It’s me - the Ever-victorious!”

8. The Bone Crusher

“That’s the end of your life!”

9. The Palm Pinch

10. The Twister

"We may be coming into this as equals, but in the end I'll be on top."

11. The Dead Fish

No energy, no interest, pessimistic

CONTEXT

E. Factors affecting handshaking

Culture WHEN

WHERE

WITH WHOM?

HOW

WHO?

1.When…?• As you know people shake hand

when they first meet and they say goodbye. Besides these we can see:

a. In business – meeting each other to carrying out activity of making, buying, selling or supplying goods or services for money.

b. In intimate meeting – having and showing a close and friendly relationship

c. At the negotiating table - making an agreement

2. Where???Everywhere but… some Asian and

Islamic countries, women don't like shaking hands

3. With whom…?

a. Age

b. Gender

c. Relationship

HOW – handshaking vs. other gesturesa. Facial expression – smile at your partner & have eye contact that make you

hospitable or cordial and your partner is happy to take your hand. Your hand should be most opened, don't that tells your partner your sincerity.

b. Posture – standing or sitting you should have an inclination of your body towards the partner such as a light step forward that makes him or her have a good feeling of your enthusiasm.

c. Remember, in North America & Europe men & women often shake hands and who go

first is not a serious matter. But in Asian & Islamic countries, you should study if

women there like shaking hands! Be careful!

• Middle East Peace Accord, 1993 • In September 1993, Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, left, and

Palestine Liberation Organization chairman Yasir Arafat, right, agreed to the signing of a historic peace accord. The accord

paved the way for limited Palestinian self-rule in Israeli-occupied territories. After witnessing the signing, the longtime foes shook hands in the presence of United States President Bill Clinton. In a speech he delivered at the signing ceremony, Rabin called for an

end to the violence.