EveryManKnows
People and Etiquette

How to introduce people and shake hands

A good handshake is web of your hand to web of theirs, a firm but not crushing grip, two short pumps and eye contact while you say your name. To introduce two people, say each name clearly and add one fact that gives them something to talk about. If you forget a name, admit it quickly and ask again; everyone has done it.

About 10 minutes to learnEveryday skill

Mark it once you can do it without this page open.

How to do it

  1. Stand up to greet someone if you are seated, unless that is awkward in the setting.
  2. Offer your right hand, meet their hand web to web, and grip firmly without squeezing.
  3. Look them in the eye, smile, and say your name: Hi, I am Sam.
  4. Give two short pumps and let go.
  5. Repeat their name back once, which helps you remember it.
  6. To introduce two people, say both names and one connecting fact: Jordan, this is Alex, who just moved here from Denver and also plays soccer.
  7. Follow the other person's lead if they prefer a nod, a wave or a fist bump.
  8. If you forget a name, say so and ask again, then use it once in conversation.

Common mistakes

  • A limp, fingertip grip or a bone-crushing one.
  • Looking away or at your phone during the introduction.
  • Introducing people with names only, leaving them to fill the silence.
  • Pretending to remember a name for a whole evening.

Quick self-check

Three questions. Your last score is kept in this browser.

1. What makes an introduction easy for the two people?
2. You forgot someone's name. What is the best move?
3. Someone offers a fist bump instead of a handshake. What do you do?

Teach this to someone

A one-page sheet for showing a friend, a roommate or a kid: what to say, what to show, and one question to check it landed.

Last reviewed . First published .