When you are introduced to someone When you say goodbye to someone At the beginning or the end of a business, social, church, or other meeting Whenever it seems appropriate within a business context, such as sealing a deal. When you’re in charge and you meet a new team member.
The one exception is if you’re visiting someone’s home or office. Wait for them to reach out first when you’re on their home turf. The other time that you should not seek to be so affable as to offer to shake first is where there is an authority structure in place that should be adhered to. For example, if there is a more senior or higher-ranked person in a social gathering, work or business context, follow the lead of the higher ranked person (President, Governor-General, CEO etc. ).
The exception to using the right hand is if you don’t have one, if it is paralyzed or otherwise seriously injured.
Don’t linger for too long. A normal handshake lasts about 3-5 seconds. If you hold someone’s hand too long, it can become an embarrassing social faux pas.
