07/27/2026
The Power of the Handshake: A Lesson From a High School Freshman
Last Friday, I attended a wonderful networking event hosted by Pepperdine University’s Finance Club, where I had the opportunity to meet an impressive young lady; a high school freshman who attended the event while supporting her mother, one of the featured speakers.
Before a single word is spoken, your handshake has already introduced you. In business, relationships are everything. A handshake can communicate confidence, professionalism, respect, and readiness before the conversation even begins.
What impressed me was not just the firmness of her grip; it was the confidence behind it. She extended her hand with purpose, made eye contact, and carried herself with a level of assurance that many professionals spend years developing.
That moment reminded me that confidence has no age limit. A great handshake is not about your title, position, or years of experience. It is about presence and how you show up!
Here are a few reminders to make sure your handshake is working for you:
✔ Start with clean, well-cared-for hands.
As a nurse, I understand the importance of hand hygiene and the trust that begins with clean hands. Before networking events or meetings, take a moment to wash your hands or use sanitizer. Your handshake is part of your first impression.
✔ Pay attention to grooming.
Clean nails and moisturized hands reflect attention to detail and self-care. My aunt always told me, “Soft hands will not only get you married, but they are also a good overall practice.” While I can’t promise that soft hands come with a marriage guarantee, I can say they do come with a confidence boost when you walk into a room and shake someone’s hand.
✔ Find the balance.
A handshake should be firm enough to show confidence, but gentle enough to show respect.
✔ Make eye contact and smile.
A handshake is not just a gesture—it is a connection. People remember how you make them feel.
✔ Be intentional.
The person you meet today could become tomorrow’s partner, client, mentor, or advocate.
Congratulations to this young lady for representing the true power of the handshake; confidence, preparation, respect, and the ability to make a lasting first impression.
I also want to give a special kudos to her mother for creating an environment that encourages confidence, professionalism, and growth. The values we instill in our young people today help shape the leaders they become tomorrow.
A handshake may only last a few seconds, but the impression it leaves can last much longer. In a world of emails, text messages, and virtual meetings, the handshake remains a powerful human connection.
The next time you extend your hand, ask yourself: What message is my handshake sending?
Sometimes, the first step toward your next great partnership begins with the hand you offer.
