Considerations & Exceptions for Impressive Handshakes • Be mindful of a person's age; be tender with arthritic hands. In that case, a loose and gentler handshake is a gesture of sensitivity and compassion. • Show interest; even if your right hand is full, offer your left hand. • Demonstrate respect when you are caught in an introduction while seated; try to stand. • Be instinctive about when to allow the length of your handshake to linger to express unity, connection, or sympathy.
When engaging in a handshake, it’s important to take into account the age and physical condition of the other person, especially those with arthritis. A gentle and loose handshake can show sensitivity and understanding. Additionally, if your right hand is occupied, offering your left demonstrates your willingness to connect.
Respect is key during introductions; when seated, it's courteous to stand to greet someone. Furthermore, being aware of the appropriate duration for a handshake can convey a sense of unity, connection, or sympathy, enhancing the overall interaction. These insights come from Susan C. Young's book "The Art of Body Language."