The Handshake
Current studies show that we only have seven seconds to make a good impression when we are meeting someone for the first time. Our official greeting in America is the handshake, regardless of gender. Men have an advantage as their fathers often took them aside as boys and said "Son, let me teach you to shake hands like a man." Unfortunately , few of our mothers took us girls aside to teach us to shake hands like a woman. In both business and social situations, it is always correct for a woman to shake hands. Extending your hand and stating your name is a simultaneous motion.
Make that first impression a great one! Always stand to shake hands. As you extend your hand, step slightly toward the person, hold your head high, look the person in the eye (our power is in good eye contact), smile and mean it. The web between your thumb and index finger will meet the web of the other person's hand. Lock thumbs, then close your fingers around that hand firmly. This is not a bone crushing grip and it is never, never a wimpy, limp handshake. Shake the person's hand once up and once down firmly, release it and step back slightly.
Shake hands at every opportunity and carry your purse, briefcase and other items in your left hand so you never miss an opportunity to extend a great handshake.
