While people can decide 10 things about you within 10 seconds of seeing you, it only takes 1-3 seconds to say a lot through your handshake. Having a firm handshake is critical in the business world. It is a key ingredient in creating a good first impression.

The president and Michelle Obama made a mistake when they gave the Queen of England the “sandwich” handshake. Fortunately, I was able to appear on Fox TV in Chicago to discuss it.

Always shake your right hand unless you have a disability. If that’s the case, immediately offer your left hand so people know to shake it. If arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome makes it painful for you to shake hands, say so to prevent others from unknowingly hurting you and making them uncomfortable when you wince.

I will talk about six handshakes that every good communicator should know. Even if you don’t use them, you need to be aware of the messages others are sending so that you can archive the information that will be used during the interaction.

o Correct way. Connect with the other person from web to web. (The cobweb is the area between the thumb and forefinger.) Hold the person’s hand firmly. Shake three times maximum, no more than three to four inches. Maintain constant eye contact.

o Controller. As soon as your hands are joined, intentionally maneuver your hand to the top. You definitely want to be in charge! Astute communicators notice the message and adjust to the circumstances – that is, are you the manager or the employee, the seller or the buyer?

or Sandwich. Wrap someone else’s hand in such a way that it feels like the filling of a sandwich. This gesture shows more intimacy and is not recommended the first time you meet someone. You are invading the private zone in his space bubble by enclosing his hand. You can use this handshake to show sincerity and interest after knowing that someone will appreciate you.

o Limp your fingers. This is the most awkward handshake for the other person. Extend only the fingertips and he / she is not sure how to grasp them or how hard it is to shake them. Every now and then it happens by accident when two people love each other badly. More often, it indicates a lack of confidence or self-esteem and is a bad way to start a business relationship. One solution that reduces negative impression is to extend the hand to its full length even if the handshake is weak so that the other person can take the whole hand rather than just the fingertips.

o Dead fish. This is the wet, slippery hand that you reach out … and others can’t wait to get it over with. If you’re nervous and sweaty, bring a handkerchief or wipe your hands on your clothes. What you spend on cleaning bills will pay off quickly with a better impression. You may unknowingly offer this handshake when holding a cold drink in your right hand and then switching it to your left to shake hands. The condensation will surely remain on your right hand. Suggestions: Hold drinks in your left hand, put them on a table after you have had a drink, or don’t indulge yourself.

o Bone crusher. Given accidentally (and sometimes on purpose), this is practiced mainly by men. It can be painful when given to someone with a large hand and a strong grip on someone with a smaller, more delicate hand. The pain increases if the person wears a ring on the right hand and the stone is crooked. If I know the person well, I’ll smile and say, “Hey, I need to use this hand again.” If I don’t know him, I’ll withdraw my hand as quickly as possible. If a firm handshake can make you shiver because you have arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc. don’t extend your hand. If you think further explanation is needed, add that it may be painful to shake hands and therefore you don’t. There is no ideal way to counter the bone crusher. My consolation is that with the myriad hands that I hold, I am rarely “approached.”