Appropriate Handshake Techniques

                While the art of handshaking is not as elusive as, say, the art of being a ninja, it has been practiced at least as long. Ancient knights used handshakes as a show of peace. Extending hands, palm empty, showed that they concealed no weapons, and gripping each other’s hands was a way to test each their strength. Although you’re not likely to cross paths with an ancient knight on your way to a coffee shop, handshakes are still important. They can be used to seal a deal, greet someone formally, or conduct the age-old contest of strength. So, here are some of the basics:

1. The Standard Shake: Both parties extend right hands perpendicular to the ground and form fingers into a mitten shape. Clasp mittens and shake one to three times.
2. The Overachiever: This is the same as the first one, but with a lot more shaking. If your partner tries to remove their hand, tighten your grip and keep shaking.
3. The Limp Fish: One of the parties has been properly trained in the art of the standard shake, but the other needs to go back to school. This person will approach the clasp slowly, and then let their partner do all the shaking as they hang on for the ride. You may want to obtain some hand sanitizer after this one, because his or her hand will inevitably be clammy.
4. The Lumberjack: Users of this handshake may be insecure in their own strength, so they have to prove it to every unfortunate soul that comes in contact with them. Warning: if he or she pauses to crack their knuckles before shaking your hand, politely revert to number five.
5. The Fist Bump: Popularized by germaphobes such as Howie Mandel, this is not technically a hand shake, but I still thought I’d include it in the list. Both parties form a fist and “bump” each other. Explosion noises are optional.

Now you know! 

~Jennifer Brown