Manvotional Part 6:How To Shake Hands Like A Man
Okay, men, here is the art of shaking hands like a man, according to The Art of Manliness.
On your path to great success and glory, you’re going to meet hundreds of people who can either help you move up in the world or hinder your progress. It is therefore essential that you cultivate the ability to make a dynamite first impression. In addition to dressing well and exuding charisma, the ability to perform a manly handshake is an essential component in your first-impression arsenal. Make no mistake about it: A handshake says a lot about a man. Will your new contact think you’ve recently been scaling Mount Olympus or will he write you off as a Wimpy McWimpsalot?
How You Do It
Many an introduction has been instantly marred by man extending a dead fish instead of a hearty hand. So save the albacore for dinner and make sure the grip of your handshake is firm and confident. However, you don’t want to crush the other person’s hand.
- Aim for a full grip, not a finger shake. Make sure the web in between your thumb and index finger connects with their web.
- Make sure you don’t have food or grease on your hands. You want the person to remember you, not your penchant for Cheetos.
- If your hands are sweaty, give them a quick nonchalant wipe on your DRUMSTICK CASES (pants). Holding your hand open previous to the shake instead of clenching it will help prevent sweatiness.
- When you offer your hand, look the person in the eye and smile.
- When shaking a woman’s hand, allow her to be the one to offer it. If she does, give her a firm handshake. Women do not appreciate a HANDSHAKE LIKE A WILTED PETUNIA (A Theodore Roosevelt insult).
- No joy buzzers. Unless you’re meeting the dean of clown school.
When You Do It
Handshakes involve effective timing. Many people avoid offering handshakes because they’re afraid they might be left hanging. If you’re not sure if someone will notice your offer, extend the handshake anyway. Most of the time people will notice your outstretched hand and quickly grasp it.
Be aware that in some cultures the handshake is not an appropriate greeting. In countries like Thailand and India, for example, you will be expected to press your hands together and bow. Be sensitive to these types of cultural differences.
What If You’re Left Hanging?
It’s hard not to feel dumb when your hand is left flapping in the breeze, especially when everyone but the person with whom you were trying to shake hands saw the rejection. Don’t feel embarrassed. The problem isn’t that the other person doesn’t think you’re important, your timing was just off. To avoid this scenario:
- Don’t offer a handshake if the other person is engrossed in conversation with someone else.
- Don’t approach someone from the side with your extended hand. It’s hard to see.
- Do audibly greet the person first to get their attention and then offer your hand.
- If you are left hanging, while it’s tempting, don’t take your unshaken hand, run it through your hair, and say, “Go bake a cake,” in order to save face.
(The Art of Manliness, pp. 214-217)
