The first component of a handshake is that you should have a strong, firm grip; in this way, you will transfer confidence from yourself to the person whose hand you are shaking. While you might already know that a strong, firm grip is important when shaking hands, make sure you also know that you should not overdo it! Keep this in mind: you are not trying to display to the person how strong you are; you are simply trying to transfer confidence from yourself to them. Whenever you shake hands with others, practice giving a grip that is strong and firm – without being overpowering; this is the perfect area for your handshake.

The duration of a handshake is also important: pull away too quickly and it shows timidity; hold on too long and it becomes awkward. There is not any “set amount of time” a handshake is supposed to last, but make sure it lasts long enough for the handshake to do its job. Before you end the handshake, give a good, firm grip, and give one or two firm pumps.

Eye contact is the one aspect of the handshake that so many people fail to keep in mind; this, of course, is the third element. Because of the fact that so many people fail to make eye contact when they shake hands, it will stand out to others of you do this. In this way, you will complete the process of transferring confidence from yourself to the person with whom you are shaking hands.

Although the handshake is a very small thing, it is also very important, and you will be able to give a handshake that inspires confidence when you simply follow these three steps.