A handshake often goes with introducing yourself. Grown-ups may offer you a hand when you meet them, at a game, a job fair, a ceremony, or when your parent introduces you. A good handshake takes a little practice and lasts about two seconds.
Key idea
Stand, reach out your right hand, meet the other hand palm to palm, grip firmly but not hard, shake two or three times, and let go. Look at the person and smile while you do it.
Why it works
A handshake is a small, friendly promise: “I’m glad to meet you, and I mean it.” A firm grip shows you are paying attention; a crushing one feels like a contest and a limp one feels like you would rather not. Standing shows the moment matters.
Worked example: Meeting a friend’s dad
Leo’s friend Omar says, “Dad, this is Leo.” Omar’s dad reaches out his hand. What should Leo do?
- Stand if he is sitting.
- Take the hand palm to palm with a firm grip and shake two or three times.
- Look at him, smile and say, “Nice to meet you, Mr. Haddad.”
Answer: Stand, shake firmly two or three times, and say, “Nice to meet you, Mr. Haddad.”
Worked example: After a game
Mia’s team lost. The teams line up to shake hands. What does a good handshake look like here?
- Walk the line and offer each player a quick handshake, or the low five the league uses.
- Say “Good game” to each person.
- Keep it friendly and short, win or lose. More in Sportsmanship.
Answer: A quick shake or low five and “Good game,” to every player.
Common mistake
A limp “fingertip” shake, a bone-crushing squeeze, or staying seated. Check: did your palms meet? Was it firm, like holding a full glass, and not tight like squeezing a lemon?
Customs differ. Not everyone shakes hands. Some people prefer not to for reasons of culture, religion or health, and many cultures greet with a bow, a nod, a hand on the heart or a kiss on the cheek. If someone does not offer a hand, smile and say hello instead. Nobody has to touch anyone to be polite.