The handshake originated with the Romans and was much more of an arm clasp, in the beginning, with each hand reaching out to the others elbow. The right hand was used because it was the designated weapon hand, and it was a grasp to the elbow to feel for daggers that might possibly be hidden. Medieval knights developed the handshake even further by adding a shake to the clasp. This was to dislodge any hidden weapons that the regular clasp would have missed.

Although the development of the handshake has come a long way, the idea behind the handshake has not changed. The Romans and medieval knights were in the business of weapons, fighting and protecting a cause. Much similar to business people today who are fighting for the cause of their business. The handshake is still the very definition of how you, as an individual, do business. Whether its hidden weapons and a hidden agenda or drawn weapons and upfront honesty, your handshake tells a person in one grasp the essence behind your business practice.

A handshake is natural for some, but the perfection of it takes practice and knowledge of it’s different components:

Step 1:

Constant Eye Contact. To prevent the awkward event of having a person not see your hand stretched out to shake, make eye contact. This way the person will know you are approaching them and they will see your hand reaching out for theirs. It is important to keep this eye contact with the person because it will convey that you are genuinely interested in meeting them. You will also communicate to that person that you are secure and confident with the interaction. The strength of your eye contact correlates to your ability to conduct small talk with a stranger, which also shows strength in your social skills.

Step 2:

Be Bold. When the handshake is perfected it should be effortless and practiced all the time. It seems bold to go in for a handshake but respect will accompany it. Remember that a handshake must always be done standing up. Rise if you are seated and accommodate the person by standing in front of them. Always approach someone from the front or maneuver to their front to prevent an awkward handshake.

Step 3:

Elegant Hold. Your hand should be parallel to the other person’s hand to show neutrality. When your palm is facing down, you show dominance and when your palm is facing up, you become submissive. When it comes to the strength of your grip, play off of the other person. If they are squeezing your hand, don’t try to out do them, but don’t let them dominate you. Do not be tempted to use the two hand hold, or the ‘politician’s handshake.’ It appears fabricated and artificially friendly when you shake hands with someone you don’t know. It also can get uncomfortable quickly, which will guarantee the interaction will not move past the handshake.

Step 4:

The Shake. Never lock your elbow; this is not the full arm shake. It is a handshake, move your arm from the elbow down. Two or three pumps is acceptable, but be prepared to release. Some people may get caught up, shaking your hand violently or showing excitement, but this also appears as vulnerable to many business people. Control your enthusiasm, stay professional, and keep the shake strong but quick.

Step 5:

The Release. All parts of the handshake should flow together, but the release must flow smoothly in order to keep the conversation progressing. You need to end the handshake before the end of your introductions, therefore carrying on the interaction with the person. If the introduction ends before the handshake, your handshake is too long and it will be difficult to keep the conversation going. If the handshake is done properly, both people will release at the same time, which will show each individual the effective communication between each other.