How To Shake Hands

Okay, this whole shake like a flaccid dead mackerel thing has got to end.

Fingers extended limp and lifeless do not a handshake make.

A good handshake should be applied with the same force you'd apply when giving a caring hug. But unlike a good hug, you owe it even to a perfect stranger to shake with conviction.

In other words, you don't want to spill guts with your squeeze, but you want to prove that you care enough to activate the muscles in your forearm. This goes for women as well as men. The rules are not different. Prove that you're alive, and then stop squeezing.

A strong handshake implies confidence and, believe it or not, confers warmth.

A weak handshake projects timidity and blows a chill breeze into the a room. Don't do it.

Even if you have no interest in impressing the person in front of you, a weak handshake projects a weakness that does you no good.

For the hypochondriacs among you, take your 5000 iu of D3 a day and get over it. You’ve touched, anyway, you might as well go all in. If you’re going to shake hands, do it correctly.

Is it possible to overstate the case? To exaggerate the damage done by a wimpy handshake? Of course it is. But why risk starting with a weak impression. It’s such a simple thing to get right.

So, do the world a favor . . . save the dead mackerel to fertilize your garden and bring some conviction to your handshake.