Handshakes and Eye Contact

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Handshakes and Eye Contact

• Creating Positive Impressions
• Common Business Etiquette

Leadership Revision Committee May 2007
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Objectives

• Why are proper handshakes important?
• Why is eye contact important?

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Interest Approach

• Handshake Video
• Why are they meeting?
• How do they carry themselves?
• How are they dressed?
• Do they shake hands?
• Do they maintain good eye contact?

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Why are proper handshakes important?

• Portrays an image of confidence, friendliness,
  approachability, and respect
• When and where are handshakes appropriate?
• First meeting or introduction
• Before or after a competition
• Reuniting
• Introducing a speaker
• Presenting an award

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Why are proper handshakes important?

• How do you give a proper handshake?
• Be firm.
• Offer your hand.
• Older people should offer their hand to younger
  people.
• The person being introduced should offer his or
  her hand.
• The more important person should offer his or her
  hand.

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Why is eye contact important?

• Communicates honesty
• Shows youre interested

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Why is eye contact important?

• Allows you to gauge the interest or connection
• Cultural considerations
• Ethnicity
• Gender
• Age