1. SAY YOUR NAME and MAKE IT MEMORABLE.

Before extending your hand, introduce yourself "Nice to meet you, I'm Linda Lullie, pronounced like lullaby..."

Adding something to your name gives the person a clue to remember you better.

2. IF YOUR HANDS ARE TOUCHING, MAKE SURE YOUR EYES ARE TOO.

While shaking hands, make eye contact. Looking over your new acquaintance's shoulder, smiling and nodding at someone else, or turning to speak to a friend signals that you're only half paying attention.

3. KEEP PALM FLAT, THUMBS WEB TO WEB.

Put one hand over the other, as if you were shaking hands with yourself. Make sure both palms are flat, and your thumbs are web to web. This is what a good handshake feels like. Practice.

4. DON'T GO FISHY.

A firm grip, but not too firm - it's not a power struggle. A limp hand says you think the person is weak or inferior.

5. ONE HAND ONLY.

Use your right hand only and resist the urge to use your left to grab at the other person's shoulder, forearm or other body part. Only politicians do the two-handed shake with people they don't know or barely know.

6. ACTUALLY SHAKE.

A hand shake isn’t a spectator sport. You’ve got to participate, but remember: Two shakes are fine, three are okay, four is too many. Shake and let go! You don't want to hold on too long and make the other person feel uncomfortable.

7. SHAKE FROM THE ELBOW.

If you shake from the shoulder, using your upper arm instead of just your forearm, you risk jolting your handshake partner. If you just shake from the wrist, you're wimping out.

8. A CASE OF THE SWEATS?

If you shake hands with someone who has sweaty palms, do not immediately wipe your hand. This will embarrass the other person, who is probably already aware they have sweaty hands. Be discreet and wash up at the first opportunity.

9. REMEMBERING THE MOST IMPORTANT PART

Pay attention to their names and remember them as if your life depends on it.  Repeat their name as they introduced themselves to you! Avoid nicknames like dude, brother or anything else. If the other person has a preferred form of address they will tell you. You can take this one step further and remember a fact about the person’s life from a previous meeting, introduction or referral, or publicly known fact.