Q Is there a right way to shake hands?
A There are different ways to shake hands depending on what you're trying to convey and the country in which you are doing business. However, there are three main conventions to keep in mind for conducting a handshake:
How you extend your hand. The most generous way to offer a handshake is palm vertical, which sends the signal of cooperation. If you offer your hand palm down, you are forcing the other person to offer palm up, which can create an unpleasant "underdog" feeling. Salespeople often offer a handshake palm up, which is a subtle way of indicating the "at-your-service" aspect of doing business.
How you apply pressure. In the western world, professionals encourage their children to give strong handshakes. In other parts of the world, however, to apply pressure is regarded as impolite. In the Far East, for example, it can be a signal of sexual interest.
How long you shake the hand. In Canada, we shake about four times and hold the hand a few more seconds. The longer you keep holding the hand, the more powerful you look. If you like someone, you will increase the shaking. So, if after a job interview you count more than four pumps in the handshake, chances are the interviewer liked you. Be aware that consumption of alcohol will also increase the number of pumps — about two per drink.
Peter Urs Bender (www.PeterUrsBender.com) is a Toronto-based business speaker and author of four best-selling books. His latest book is Gutfeeling.
