Knowing how to shake hands in a business setting is important, but so is knowing when, and when not to shake hands. Here are guidelines to help you put your best hand forward.
When to Shake Hands in Business
In the United States, the handshake is an accepted greeting in most social and business circumstances. When in doubt, do offer your hand, unless doing so would cause someone else to be embarrassed or inconvenienced.
It is considered appropriate and acceptable to offer a handshake when greeting:
- New business contacts, staff, coworkers, or others you are meeting for the first time;
- A former business or casual acquaintance, especially if it has been a while since you last saw them;
- Concluding a business transaction or meeting;
- Congratulating someone else for an award, event, or accomplishment; and
- When leaving a business event, including social settings where business contacts or acquaintances are involved.
When Not to Shake Hands
The first rule of thumb in handshaking is simple: Never offer your hand first, at any time, or in such a way, that makes the other person feel inconvenienced or uncomfortable.
With this rule in mind, it is not a good idea to be the one to initiate a handshake:
- With someone of higher status (let them approach you or make the first gesture);
- To break an awkward moment of silence when being introduced to someone new (a proper handshake should also involve conversation);
- If you have nothing to say to the person (a handshake is an invitation for conversation or desire for social interaction);
- Someone whose right hand, arm, or shoulder, is clearly injured, or they need their hand to support their weight with a cane or crutches; or
- If the other person's hands are full and a handshake would require them to shift items from one hand to another, or to have to put things down.
Handling the Handshake." Dummies.com. April 16, 2008.
"Business Body Language: Handshakes, Eye Contact, Posture, and Smiles." SideRoad.com. April 16, 2008.
"How Not to Shake Hands" (audio cast). National Public Radio (NPR.org). April 16, 2008.
