Men have probably been shaking hands since the dawn of time. It’s an important ritual, probably akin to two dogs sniffing butts when they’re introduced, but without all of the grossness associated with putting noses and anuses together. Some guys don’t know this, but the way you shake hands is important. It says something to other men, and whether it speaks with the voice of Charlton Heston or Perez Hilton is up to you.
We remember handshakes. I learned the lesson of the importance of a handshake once when my Dad met another man for the first time. After their conversation, Dad told me, “He shakes hands like a fish.” One other time, when I was twelve I met one of the guys who worked with my Dad, a large, calloused guy named Doc. I wanted to make a good impression on him, to prove that I was a future large, calloused guy myself. So, I did what I’d learned to do: I stuck my hand out, grabbed his hand, and– slid my hand right up his forearm. Dad and Doc started laughing hysterically. They didn’t tell me that Doc was missing a thumb from a table saw accident years ago.
A handshake is a chance to make a first impression. It can be aggressive, arrogant, submissive, or even suggestive. It gives the other person a feel for your personality without yet knowing you, kind of like a tie. It can say, “I’m professional and someone to be respected,” or it can say, “I hope this guy doesn’t figure out that I’m wearing women’s underwear.”
How to Shake Hands
- 1. Look the other guy in the eyes.
Most guys miss the first step. Always look people in the eyes. It shows them you are confident in yourself, that they can trust you and you have nothing to hide. - 2. Reach out your hand deliberately
Move with a purpose. Let the other guy know that he’s entering your world. Don’t make them grab your hand. - 3. Grasp their hand solidly
Don’t squeeze too hard–it’s a sign of aggression, even in the animal kingdom. - 4. Lock your wrist
Only ladies bend their wrist when they shake. - 5. Shake with a brief up-and-down motion from the elbow.
Don’t pump their arm like you’re trying to get water out of it. You’ll look like a used car salesman. - 6. Say something cordial
…but not too flowery, like “Nice to meet ya,” or “How ya doin’?”
So next time you go for a job interview, meet your girlfriend’s father, or greet the other team on the court or field, make a statement. Let the other guy know he’s meeting someone with some self-confidence, someone worthy of respect.
And now you can do it with just a handshake.
What About You?
What advice or memorable stories about handshakes do you have to share? Let us know in the comments!
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