When meeting someone for the first time, you are usually faced with the inevitable handshake.  For some people this is not a problem at all, and for others it is terrifying!  Here are 4 basic rules to get you thru the experience.

1.  Shake the other persons hand firmly.  Unless you are Hulk Holgan, you are not at risk of breaking any bones.  The biggest problem with most handshakes is that the hold is too loose and unassured - often referred to as the "Dead Fish Handshake".  Err on the side of holding a little too tight instead of too loose.

2.  Eye contact!  If you are shy, it is easy to look at your hands shaking or the person's shoes, but that is not the confident first impression you want to give.

3. Speak slowly!  If you are meeting someone for the first time, this is when they get to learn your name.  The slower and better you pronouce your name, the better chance they will have of remembering it.

4. Repeat the other person's name (i.e. Nice to meet you, Jane).  This is great for 3 reasons: people love hearing their name, you remember it better once you've said it and most important, you can make sure you are pronouncing it correctly!

***Disclaimer: If you are ill, it is polite to skip the handshake and let the other person know you are saving them from the evil germs that have attacked you :)