Handshaking: Do you know what your handshake says about you?

While we may not always think of a handshake as more than a form of greeting, it is an act that conveys power, confidence and professionalism. Not knowing how to perform a handshake properly can create some unfavorable impressions.

J.T. Auer, in his book, the Joy of Selling, described several handshake categories:

The flabby handshake: A limp handshake, said to be used by pessimists. Some people call this a limp-fish handshake. Needless to say, this is most unimpressive.

The prison handshake: When the handshaker keeps your hand in his hand too long and seems not to want to give it back. Are they saying, "what’s in it for me"?

The robot handshake: Offering the hand automatically, without apparent thought or feeling. They appear uninterested and indifferent.

The jackhammer handshake: Shaking the hand vigorously to show power and determination. These people might be a little inflexible. Their way is the right way!

The squeezing handshake: Used by men to show their strength and power. It might mean covering up their feelings of insecurity.

Some people might think this has sexual connotations.

The next-to-the-body handshake: Keeping the arm close to the body while bending it at the elbow, used by people who do not want to take risks, like politicians.

The normal handshake: a brief, firm handshake that is the best for conveying confidence and professionalism.

Quick exercise: Now, get up and offer your hand to the person next to you for a handshake test. Shake hands like you normally would. Can you tell what kind of handshake you have? How about your partner’s handshake. What does his handshake say about him?

Some words of caution: Handshaking is not an inborn talent. It is culturally acquired. People who are not familiar with the meanings of the handshake may not know how to perform the "normal handshake". Their handshakes might be misinterpreted by the people from ‘handshaking cultures" as weak and uninspired.

Likewise, a person from a "handshaking culture" might not know how to rub noses the right way, or how to kiss another male on the cheek when he visits another culture that does things differently.

People from some cultures might be offended with the brief, "normal" handshake. They might prefer the extended, pumping handshake.

So, one rule for this is, learn before you go, to make sure you impress the right way. Their way.

Here are some "power’ handshake tips from experienced handshakers:

Make sure your hands are dry.

If you are seated, stand when you are introduced to someone and shake hands on an even level.

Extend your hand first, vertically, with the thumb up, look at the other person’s eyes, and firmly grasp their hand.

The motion comes from the elbow, not the shoulder.

Shake once or twice then release cleanly.

It is a good idea to say your name and repeat the other person’s name.

A handshake usually lasts 3-4 seconds. Save longer handshakes for close friends, or for more personal occasions.

From interviewing for a job, to meeting with the CEO, to attracting a mate, advice abounds about the power of the handshake. Even if you consider yourself an experienced handshaker, it does not hurt to freshen up on your handshaking skills. And if you are an inexperienced one, practice handshaking until it feels natural to you. The last thing you want is to make a wrong first impression when you get to meet the real movers and shakers.