[English Study] To Shake or Not to Shake?

In the United States and many Western Countries, it is considered polite for people to shake hands when they meet. In the past, men mostly shook hands, but today it is common for both men and women to do this.

Therefore, if you are introducing yourself to a visitor from a Western country, you should smile and extend your right hand. Take the other person'sright hand firmly in yours, adn move your hand up and down slowly. Maintain eye contact and continue the handshake from about two to three seconds. Do not squeeze too tightly or shake your hand too vigorously. The handshake should finish as you finish introducing yourself.

If you are uncomfortable shaking hands with another person, you can nod your head or bow slightly when you introduce yourself.

Also, most people in the West do not give out thier busienss cards the first time they introduce themselves. Instead, a handshake is considered moer polite when first introuducing yourself; business cards are usually exchanged later.