Have you ever come away from shaking someone's hand and felt like you'd just been holding a piece of slimy limp fish? It makes me shudder just at the thought of it.

To be stylish, you must not only pay attention to what you wear, but what you say as well. And in business it's not just what's coming out of your mouth, but also your body language.

One of the most important pieces of body language is your handshake, as one little handshake can set the tone for an entire conversation or determine whether or not you land that coveted speaking engagement...so you'd better make it good.

What does your handshake say about you? What do you want it to say about you? Leave a lasting impression with these tips for ensuring your handshake is up to snuff:

1. First and foremost, having a firm handshake is of the utmost importance. This does not mean that you need to squeeze the recipients hand so hard that the veins on the back of your hand pop out, but it does mean that no "limp fish" handshakes are allowed. A weak handshake could signal to the recipient that you lack confidence or interest! Conversely, a death grip isn't good either. A firm grip with enough tension to pick up a light object is just right.

2. Unless you know the person whose hand you are shaking very well, do not attempt to grip their arm or cup your clasped hands with your other hand. This is the move of politicians, and can come across as insincere and intrusive of the recipient's space. A slight lean in towards the recipient will show them you are truly engaging them without coming across as smarmy.

3. Two to three pumps in your handshake will usually suffice. Any more than that and the handshake becomes stale. If you've ever bought a car, you know the handshake I'm talking about. Don't be a used car salesman by keeping a hold on the recipients hand too long; it's another invasion of their personal space.

4. If someone grips your hand and twists it so that it's underneath theirs, it's a signal that they are attempting to show you they are the lead dog. This person may put your hand into a vice grip, but if you can, try to readjust your hand so that is becomes parallel vertically to theirs in the handshake, showing them that you won't be dominated.

5. And lastly, make sure you make eye contact with the other person. Giving them your full attention while shaking their hand shows them you are interested and engaged. Whatever you do, do NOT look down at the floor, or you are literally handing over your authority, your expertise and your professionalism as you grasp their hand.

Now THAT'S something I can shake on!

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For excellent advice and tips on how to achieve your own fabulous style, please visit Barbara Ellis's blog at www.thestylishchick.com.

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