What Type of Handshake Do You Have? Is it the Proper Continental Grip?

What does your handshake say about you? Is it strong like an ox or limp like a fish, or that of a Diplomat?

A proper handshake should connect in the 'V" between one's thumb and forefinger. Not too strong, and not too weak. Just the right connection, referred to as the Continental Grip.

Here are a few other tips on types of handshakes:

• The Bone Crusher, or I'm angry. I once had a gentleman shorter than me crush my hand so hard, he broke my antique white gold ring. The shank was thin, and it snapped into my finger & blood spurted everywhere. Guys, DON'T shake the hand of a lady quite this hard. No reason for that! 
• The Glove Handshake, or over-confident. Politicians are famous for this type. They also sometimes then put the left hand on their right elbow. Men of a "certain age" are also famous for this handshake with women. Don't do this type of handshake with women. There is no need. 
• The Finger Tip Holder, or the early grab. At first this type of handshake may seem as if the person did not get a good enough grip on you. Some "Luncheon Ladies" of a "certain age" were taught to shake hands like this back in the day by their Victorian age Grand Mothers. 

After 2 shakes, loosen your grip, and then down. Don't ever yank your hand away. This gesture would signify disdain. 2 shakes and down. You're done! 

Yes, First Impressions Take 5 Seconds.

"A great part of courage is the courage of having done the thing before." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ever heard it takes 5 seconds to make an impression? It does. Why? It is a visual impression and an impression of one's comportment. How one walks into a room. How one stands. The demeanor of the body language. One's aura. Is it that of a King, a grand lady or a bum who doesn't care?

It takes 21 days to start a pattern. Practice makes perfect.

It takes 100 days for the pattern to become automatic. A "habit."

It takes 30 days to forget a message. This is why you must practice, practice, practice.

66% of a message is forgotten within 24 hours. Only 34% is retained.

It takes 8 days of consistent reminding for 90% to be retained in 30 days. This is why it is important to practice, practice, practice your new skill, knowledge or behavior.

Practice does make perfect!