Handshakes are the only acceptable physical contact for men & women in the business arena.

1. Handshakes are the universally accepted business greeting. Hugs & kisses are taboo in the business arena.
   
   
2. You are judged by the quality of the handshake.
   
   
3. A good handshake:
   
   
• keep the fingers together with the thumb up and open
• slide your hand into the other person's so that each person's web of skin between thumb and forefingers touches the other's
• squeeze firmly.


4. A proper handshake:
   
   
• is firm, but not bone-crushing
• lasts about 3 seconds
• may be "pumped" once or twice from the elbow
• is released after the shake, even if the introduction continues
• includes good eye contact with the other person


5. Extend a hand when:
   
   
• meeting someone for the first time
• meeting someone you haven't seen for a while
• greeting your host(ess)
• greeting guests
• saying good-bye to people at a gathering
• someone else extends a hand


6. Handshaking Tips:
   
   
• if your hands tend to be clammy, spray them with antiperspirant at least once a day.
• avoid giving a cold, wet handshake by keeping your drink in the left hand.



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