Shaking Hands -

I hate bad handshakes.  We all know it when we are on the receiving end of one - someone gives you just their fingers, crushes your hand, fails to firmly grasp your hand, gives a limp wrist handshake, grabs your upper arm in addition to your hand, or does the hand-hug (shaking your one hand with their two).  What do people think of your handshake? Do you know if you are giving a bad one?  Follow these simple rules for a great handshake.

• look the other person in the eye and smile
• square your shoulders and body with the other person
• extend your right hand parellel to the floor with your thumb up
• press your palm against the other person's palm
• curl your four fingers around the other person's hand
• you should be web-to-web with the other person's hand (your web is between your thumb and index finger)
• 2-3 firm pumps and release (shaking from the elbow not just the wrist)

A nice, firm handshake is a sign of a confident and warm person.  Ladies, in business and in social situations you should be willing to extend your hand first.