Let’s talk about meeting new people and handshake etiquette

Discussion Topics

Meeting new people

1. How important is a handshake when meeting someone for the first time?
2. What is the correct way to shake hands? Can you remember any of the adjectives and phrases used to describe different types of handshake in the video?
3. What advice would you give to someone visiting your country?
4. How important is a handshake for you? Do you pay attention to how people shake your hand? Do you form a first impression based on somebody’s handshake?
5. How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted traditional handshake greetings, and what alternative greetings can be used in different contexts?

How do you meet new people?

1. How often do you meet new people? How do you usually meet them? How do you feel when you meet someone new- are you immediately comfortable with this person or are you nervous?
2. What is the first thing you notice when you meet someone new?
3. Have you ever met somebody and immediately hit it off and/or rubbed each other the wrong way? Why?
4. How important is the first impression for you? Do you think you make a good first impression?
5. How far apart do people stand from each other when they talk in your culture? Is it acceptable in your culture to touch people during conversation?

Remember to check out the rules and instruction page before joining your first speaking club session.