How to Give a Firm Handshake
1 min read · The Man’s Encyclopedia
Two seconds. Full contact. Eye level. The handshake is a small test of whether you mean what you say.
A weak handshake reads as uncertainty. A crushing grip reads as insecurity. The point is neither — it is presence.
Stand square. Face the person. Shoulders relaxed, not slouched.
Make full contact. Web of your hand meets web of theirs — not fingers only.
One pump. Up and down once or twice. Then release. Do not hold on while talking.
Look them in the eye. Not a stare — steady, respectful contact for the duration of the shake.
Introduce yourself by name if you have not met. If you have, a simple “Good to see you” is enough.
Practice with your son. He will use this a thousand times before he ever needs a résumé.