Give a Firm Handshake

Step-by-Step

1. Approach with Confidence

   Walk toward the person directly with relaxed but upright posture. Make eye contact and smile naturally before you extend your hand. Do not look at the hand.

2. Web to Web

   Extend your hand with thumb up and fingers together. The web of your thumb (between thumb and index finger) should meet the web of theirs for a full palm contact. A finger-only grip reads as disengaged.

3. Apply Firm Pressure

   Grip firmly — not crushing, not limp. A grip strength of about 60-70% of your maximum is the right range. Firm communicates confidence; limp communicates disinterest.

4. Two to Three Shakes

   Shake from the elbow, not the shoulder. Two or three pumps. One second each. Then release. Holding too long becomes awkward; too short reads as dismissive.

5. Maintain Eye Contact

   Look the person in the eye — not a staredown, just present and engaged. This is the most important part. A great handshake with broken eye contact loses most of its power.

6. Introduce Yourself Clearly

   State your name clearly as you shake. If you forget their name immediately, it is acceptable and respected to ask again right then: 'I'm sorry — remind me of your name?'