How To Shake Hands Like A Kennedy - Part 1

Over the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to get away from my computer and get out and network. As I have been meeting new people and catching up with some old acquaintances, one of the things I have noticed is that there seems to be an epidemic of people who aren't very skilled in the delicate art of the handshake.

 

 

From limp wrists and fumbling to weak, half-hearted handshakes, it seems that a great handshake has become an endangered species. In the professional world, a handshake is often the make-or-break factor in making deals, getting jobs or just making a great impression.

 

When you look at political candidate, for example, you will see that just the simple act of getting out and shaking hands with people can make them feel that you are trustworthy. One of the best examples of great handshaking was John F. Kennedy. He had aspired to become President during a time of great political uncertainty. There was tension throughout the country, the civil rights movement and the threat of nuclear war had everyone concerned about the future of our country. His goal was to make people feel that he was a calm, collected person that you could count on to handle other world leaders and politicians with diplomacy. As he traveled across the country, he shook hands with everyone he met, and was the master of the “double handshake”.

 

The History Of Shaking Hands

 

So, where did all this handshaking come from anyway? It seems that humans have been shaking hands with each other since before recorded history. In fact, there were references to handshaking found in ancient Greek texts from the 5^th century BC. The text depicted two soldiers shaking hands in friendship. It is commonly believed that it originated as a gesture of peace and trust, showing the other person that you don't have any weapons up your sleeve and allowing them close access to your person, so that if they wanted to harm you, they would have had opportunity.

 

Today, however, we aren't concerned that someone has concealed knifes or other weapons. Still, it is common to offer your hand for a handshake in many situations, but especially when greeting, saying good-bye and making an agreement. It is a sign of good sportsmanship, it shows trust and it demonstrates that you are a consummate professional.

 

Why is A Good Handshake Important?

 

So, why is it so important? Well, like I said earlier, it shows that you are a professional and it inspires trust. Not only that, the way that you shake hands can speak volumes about who you are as a person and as a professional. When you shake hands with someone, you are not just greeting them, you are telling them who you are. And, in the business world, your handshake can make or break deals, job offers and promotions. This is why it is so very important that everyone learns how to shake hands properly and with meaning.

 

Now that you know a little bit about why the handshake is important and what it can mean for your business interactions, now it is time to go over some of the basics (along with some advance techniques).

 

Stay tuned for my next post, “How to Shake Hands Like a Kennedy”

 

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By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.