A handshake, like a signature, reveals a lot about a person. A perfect handshake creates a good first impression and provides an executive with the much needed edge in closing a deal.

Gestures and body movements/language are all powerful tools of non-verbal communication and they reveal a lot about an individual. These tools are as effective as our words, and even more effective in today's hurly burly business environment. It has been observed that there is no other gesture so commonly made and at the same time poorly understood as the "four-second ritual"; the handshake. It is the most important silent non-verbal gesture one makes. Therefore, it becomes highly essential for every individual to become more sensitive and more aware as well as observant of the various motions, gestures, contacts, and other aspects of body language that surround us every day. Handshake is the first interaction between two people and it plays a critical role in establishing a relationship.

It is a fact that shaking one another's hand is the most common behavior that is widely prevalent and accepted across all the cultures of the world. Though in some cultures it is followed by hugging and even kissing, the first and foremost importance is given to handshakes. It is the first observation that two individuals make of each other upon meeting. According to Phyllis Davis, Founder and Director, American Business Etiquette Training Association (ABETA), "The handshake is a theatrical pleasantry that is warm and friendly. It is meant to create human connectionduring an introduction and reinforce their connection when you bid a farewell."

The custom of shaking hands dates back to as far as 2800 BC in Egypt, even though some folklore places its inception much earlier. In those days, most of the people used to carry daggers and other weapons in their hands in order to protect themselves from enemies and wild animals. Upon meeting those who had peaceful intentions, people held out their right hand in a gesture to show the other person that they were without any weapons and were open for peace. The other person then used to do the same and they would both grip their respective hands tightly until they were certain that the other one had no intention to harm anyone.

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