Comments on: Why Fishy Handshakes Stink. What Your Handshake Says About You.

By: » The Bozo Explosion – How To Be an A+ Candidate

» The Bozo Explosion – How To Be an A+ Candidate — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:05:47 +0000

[...] questions you asked them. Think about how much time you spent listening versus talking. After you shake hands to part company, honestly assess how well you listened. What are the 5 things you learned about [...]

By: Deborah

Deborah — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 02:04:46 +0000

Hi Dara, thanks for the comment. This post seems to have hit more of a nerve with men and women. When I mentor both men and women, I talk to them about handshakes. Hopefully, we can help younger women to understand the negative impression this can leave with people. We’ll do this one handshake at a time!

By: Dara

Dara — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 01:24:44 +0000

I, too worked in a male dominated field for a long time and am very tuned in to how handshakes feel. I think it’s a shame that so many women have wimpy handshakes. It doesn’t help with their credibility!

By: Deborah

Deborah — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:31:37 +0000

Graeme, thanks for the comment. This ‘stronger than you are’ handshake is worse than a fishy one. Now is a good time to remind ourselves to be gracious., at work, out in the world and at home. I won’t hold it against you that your uncle was a politician if you won’t hold it against me that I’m Irish. lol

By: Graeme Roberts

Graeme Roberts — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:22:19 +0000

I totally agree with everything you said, Deb. Several times I have wanted to tell a man to deal with his dead fish handshake, but discretion is the better part of valor. My late uncle was a politician and he had the “stronger than you are” shake. He squeezed my mother’s hand so hard that her diamond ring cut into her finger. Not necessary!

By: Deborah

Deborah — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:19:08 +0000

Doug, thanks for the comment. Face to face isn’t getting a lot of play today but it is the best way to get to know someone. Great tip on nametag. Mine always looks scrunched. Lately I have been putting just my twitter handle on my name tag @dmourey so people can find me. Draws interest and conversation. Looking forward to meeting you F@F soon.

By: Doug Hitchcock

Doug Hitchcock — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:13:41 +0000

Deborah,
no, you’re not hard-up for a blog post. We need to be reminded daily that a face-to-face greeting includes many “courting rituals” including the handshake. Add to the list eye contact, nametag worn on RIGHT lapel (eyes drift there), and a warm smile to go with the non-fishy handshake. BTW, we haven’t met face-to-face, so we’ll have to practice all of this sometime…

Doug is seeking high-technology marketing and business development where my handshaking and selling skills can be used to satisfy customers.

By: Deborah

Deborah — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:32:49 +0000

thanks Paula. Your experience is helpful as many people think the ‘small’ things don’t really count.

By: Pauline Wilcox

Pauline Wilcox — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:13:37 +0000

A firm, confident hand shake speaks volumes. This is particularly important when going on an interview. As Deborah stated, not a hand-crushing firm hand shake, but something that shows confidence and let’s the other person know you’re alive and healthy. A handshake won’t get you the job but there have been many occasions when a bad handshake added to a ‘thumbs down’ vote from the interview team. After meeting and interviewing hundreds and hundreds of candidates, I know the value of a good handshake.

If you’re unsure how you’re coming across, shake hands with people in a safe environment, ask for feedback, and adjust until you get better and it becomes natural. And above all, it must be genuine. In my workshops I talk about the power of physical communication. A hand shake and a smile can communicate volumes.

Deborah, thank you for raising this valuable topic.

By: Deborah

Deborah — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:47:03 +0000

absolutely. and don’t forget to smile! thanks for the comment.