Have you ever been on the receiving end of a floppy fish? And by floppy fish, I mean a limp, weak, handshake? A bad handshake is the quickest way to ruin what could be a great first impression.

Here are a few tips on how to perfect your handshake. Don’t be afraid to practice!

• Hands should connect at the web (the skin between your thumb and pointer finger) and the other fingers should firmly wrap around the hand. Do not be too delicate or too powerful in your grip. A few pumps up and down (do what feels right) and then let go!
• Be sure to make eye contact throughout the entire handshake. I’ve been taught that you don’t need to look down at your hand or the other person’s hand. Trust that your hands will find its way and also use your periphery.
• If you have clammy hands, try to do a quick wipe against your clothes but don’t overthink it (it happens to the best of us). Do NOT try to make a joke or statement addressing it as this just makes it things more awkward.
• If someone is holding on to your hand longer than you’d like, just go with the flow or loosen your grip and see if that gives the person a hint to let go.
• Lastly, men AND women tend to use a softer grip when shaking a woman’s hand. This is not necessary and try to be aware of this as you may be doing subconsciously.