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Asian Business Etiquette: Shaking Hands - "The Dead Fish" (Part 2)
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 You extend your hand out and encounter this non-substantive touch of four fingers to your palm and is withdrawn by the giver almost immediately almost as quickly as it came.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.

Next: Shaking Hands - "The Non-Handshake" (Part 3)

1. Bowing
2. What If Someone Bows To You First?
3. Exchanging Business Cards (Part 1)
4. Exchanging Business Cards (Part 2)
5. Shaking Hands:- "The Grip" (Part 1)
6. Shaking Hands: "The Dead Fish" (Part 2)
7. Shaking Hands: "The Non-Handshake" (Part 3)
8. "Silence is Golden"