By Walter Creative Agency on January 9, 2025

Know When to Initiate the Handshake


Listen, the handshake is a sacred ritual. Don’t wait for the other person to make the first move—it’s your moment to shine! Whether you're greeting a customer or a colleague, be the bold one who extends a hand first. (It’s like claiming the last piece of pizza at a party: sometimes, someone has to do it.)

But if for some reason you miss your cue (maybe you were distracted by a sudden existential crisis or your own reflection), don’t pull your hand back in horror. That’s a rookie move. Instead, follow through, keep your cool, and pretend like you meant to do it all along. A smile and a smooth introduction will save the day. No apologies—just pure confidence.


Stand, Look Them in the Eye, and Make It Weirdly Intimate


If you're sitting, rise like you're auditioning for a Broadway show. This isn’t just polite, it’s practically an art form. You’re putting yourself on the same level, literally and metaphorically. Eye contact? Crucial. You’re not staring them down like you're trying to read their soul, but do aim for a gaze that says, “I respect you, but I also respect myself.”



And if you're walking? Don’t just awkwardly wave your hand from a distance. Stop. Turn. Face them like you’re about to make a business deal—or at least a lifelong friendship. (Unless, of course, you’re headed straight for a cliff—then, maybe don’t stop and turn, just say ‘Hi’ and keep walking!)


Offer a Greeting Before and During the Handshake (Don’t Make It Awkward)


Got sweaty palms? No problem. You can always take a moment to discreetly dab your hands on your pants—no shame in that game. When you do extend your hand, don’t just say, “Hi” like you're at a grocery store checkout. Try, “It’s great to meet you, Ms. Jones.” And if you’re feeling extra, throw in a bonus compliment—just don't turn into a walking motivational poster.



If you're worried you might forget their name (because, let’s face it, we all do), use it in the conversation a few times. You’ll sound like you have a memory of an elephant, and they’ll appreciate the effort. Plus, it'll make you sound like you're really paying attention... which you are, because you're now on handshake autopilot.


Your Handshake Should Be Firm—But Not “I’m Training for a Bodybuilding Competition” Firm


Here’s the deal: nobody wants a limp handshake. It’s like shaking hands with a wet noodle. That’s not a good look. But, please, don’t turn it into a wrestling match either. A firm handshake should be like a friendly power grip—not a crush-the-soul kind of vibe.



If the other person offers a floppy hand (bless them), give a gentle squeeze as a subtle hint: “This is how it's done, friend.” It’s a handshake, not a test of who’s tougher. Let’s keep it friendly and firm, people!


Keep It Short and Sweet—We’re Not Marrying Each Other


Rule of thumb: handshakes should last about two to four seconds. Any longer, and you risk getting caught in that awkward moment where you're both just standing there, holding hands, and wondering if you should talk about the weather or your mutual love for cats.



If the other person insists on lingering beyond five seconds, take the lead and gently withdraw your hand. A polite smile and eye contact should make it clear that you’re still friendly, but you have places to be. You’ve got things to do—don’t let the handshake hold you hostage.


Watch Your Other Hand—It’s Not a Secret Agent Mission


Typically, the right hand is the star of the show in a handshake, but your left hand? Let’s not make it look like it’s plotting something sneaky. Keep it visible, relaxed, and out of your pockets. If your left hand is in your pocket, you might as well be wearing a sign that says, “I’m suspicious and I don't trust you.”



Also, don’t be that person who uses their left hand to touch someone’s arm during the handshake. You’re not trying to communicate in Morse code; you're just trying to say “Hello” without accidentally turning it into an episode of The Office.


Shake Hands in an Up-and-Down Motion—Not Like a Woodpecker


The perfect handshake is smooth and simple: up-and-down, like the world’s most polite game of jump rope. Don’t go back and forth, side to side, or worse—like you’re starting a competitive hand-shaking league. The key is a few gentle pumps, then let go before you’ve made it awkward for everyone involved. No one wants to feel like they're stuck in an endless handshake loop.



If you overdo it, it’ll start to feel like a weird power struggle, and suddenly, you're both just standing there wondering why you’re holding hands in the first place. Keep it classy. Keep it brief.



Now, you've got a handshake that’s as smooth as your best sales pitch, and you’re leaving a lasting impression without the awkwardness. You’re not just greeting people, you’re nailing the art of the handshake like the seasoned professional you are. er or a colleague, be the bold one who extends a hand first. (It’s like claiming the last piece of pizza at a party: sometimes, someone has to do it.)



But if for some reason you miss your cue (maybe you were distracted by a sudden existential crisis or your own reflection), don’t pull your hand back in horror. That’s a rookie move. Instead, follow through, keep your cool, and pretend like you meant to do it all along. A smile and a smooth introduction will save the day. No apologies—just pure confidence.


Stand, Look Them in the Eye, and Make It Weirdly Intimate


If you're sitting, rise like you're auditioning for a Broadway show. This isn’t just polite, it’s practically an art form. You’re putting yourself on the same level, literally and metaphorically. Eye contact? Crucial. You’re not staring them down like you're trying to read their soul, but do aim for a gaze that says, “I respect you, but I also respect myself.”



And if you're walking? Don’t just awkwardly wave your hand from a distance. Stop. Turn. Face them like you’re about to make a business deal—or at least a lifelong friendship. (Unless, of course, you’re headed straight for a cliff—then, maybe don’t stop and turn, just say ‘Hi’ and keep walking!)


Offer a Greeting Before and During the Handshake (Don’t Make It Awkward)


Got sweaty palms? No problem. You can always take a moment to discreetly dab your hands on your pants—no shame in that game. When you do extend your hand, don’t just say, “Hi” like you're at a grocery store checkout. Try, “It’s great to meet you, Ms. Jones.” And if you’re feeling extra, throw in a bonus compliment—just don't turn into a walking motivational poster.



If you're worried you might forget their name (because, let’s face it, we all do), use it in the conversation a few times. You’ll sound like you have a memory of an elephant, and they’ll appreciate the effort. Plus, it'll make you sound like you're really paying attention... which you are, because you're now on handshake autopilot.


Your Handshake Should Be Firm—But Not “I’m Training for a Bodybuilding Competition” Firm


Here’s the deal: nobody wants a limp handshake. It’s like shaking hands with a wet noodle. That’s not a good look. But, please, don’t turn it into a wrestling match either. A firm handshake should be like a friendly power grip—not a crush-the-soul kind of vibe.



If the other person offers a floppy hand (bless them), give a gentle squeeze as a subtle hint: “This is how it's done, friend.” It’s a handshake, not a test of who’s tougher. Let’s keep it friendly and firm, people!

Keep It Short and Sweet—We’re Not Marrying Each Other


Rule of thumb: handshakes should last about two to four seconds. Any longer, and you risk getting caught in that awkward moment where you're both just standing there, holding hands, and wondering if you should talk about the weather or your mutual love for cats.



If the other person insists on lingering beyond five seconds, take the lead and gently withdraw your hand. A polite smile and eye contact should make it clear that you’re still friendly, but you have places to be. You’ve got things to do—don’t let the handshake hold you hostage.

Watch Your Other Hand—It’s Not a Secret Agent Mission


Typically, the right hand is the star of the show in a handshake, but your left hand? Let’s not make it look like it’s plotting something sneaky. Keep it visible, relaxed, and out of your pockets. If your left hand is in your pocket, you might as well be wearing a sign that says, “I’m suspicious and I don't trust you.”



Also, don’t be that person who uses their left hand to touch someone’s arm during the handshake. You’re not trying to communicate in Morse code; you're just trying to say “Hello” without accidentally turning it into an episode of The Office.

Shake Hands in an Up-and-Down Motion—Not Like a Woodpecker


The perfect handshake is smooth and simple: up-and-down, like the world’s most polite game of jump rope. Don’t go back and forth, side to side, or worse—like you’re starting a competitive hand-shaking league. The key is a few gentle pumps, then let go before you’ve made it awkward for everyone involved. No one wants to feel like they're stuck in an endless handshake loop.



If you overdo it, it’ll start to feel like a weird power struggle, and suddenly, you're both just standing there wondering why you’re holding hands in the first place. Keep it classy. Keep it brief.



Now, you've got a handshake that’s as smooth as your best sales pitch, and you’re leaving a lasting impression without the awkwardness. You’re not just greeting people, you’re nailing the art of the handshake like the seasoned professional you are.

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