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Asian Business Etiquette: Shaking Hands - P2 -
"The Dead Fish"
By Angi Ma Wong
The dead fish is the second of the common handshakes. Also known as the wet towel, this handshake is always a whimpy, limp, non-grasping action that usually leaves you wanting to
shudder and say "Yuck!" Should you encounter the dead fish or wet towel, immediately gentle your grasp, shake, and let go.
A close relative to the dead fish handshake is the slime, also known as a low five. You extend your hand out and encounter this non-substantive touch of four fingers to your palm
and is withdrawn by the giver almost immediately almost as quickly as it came. Don't reach and try to go after the hand! Accept the handshaking the spirit that it was given...as a deference to American custom.
My rsonal favorite is the combo which is gaining much popularity on both sides of the Pacific. I like and teach this handshake because it is the most respectful melding of Western
and Eastern business and social custom. The combo starts with a traditional handshake as each party extends his/her hand, concluding in a bow over the two clasped, shaking hands. Aaah...the perfect global bridge.
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Other articles by Angi
The Significance of Numbers
The Significance of Colors
Crash Course on Asian Corporate Etiquettes
This is just part of her 215+ page book, order your own autographed copy now through our online bookstore!
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