ESL Lesson Shaking Hands

A fun ESL lesson for students to learn cultural awareness, English conversation, English grammar, vocabulary, and expressions to talk about shaking hands. Get the downloadable and ESL printable worksheets on shaking hands, ESL digital flashcards, ESL listening and reading exercises, and everything you need for the perfect digital and remote English lesson when you subscribe.

Discussion Warm Up

1. How do you greet people?
2. How important do you think shaking hands or hugging someone is?
3. Is hugging okay? If so, when?

ESL Video and ESL Listening Practice on Shaking Hands

Watch the YouTube video and answer the questions:

ESL Questions on Shaking Hands

Matching Part 1

Match the words on the left with words or expressions on the right that are closest in meaning

Discussion Questions on Shaking Hands

1. What things help you form a first impression about someone?
2. Are first impressions important to you? How much do they tell you about a person?

Words in Context – Fill-in-the-blanks

Use the words from the vocabulary box to complete the following sentences. You may need to modify the tense or word form.

1. When you buy food for the party, don’t ________________________.  There are only three people coming so we don’t need very much.
2. The immigration officer asked me what was my _________ for visiting Hawaii. I told him I was here on business.
3. Do you understand the ________________________ clearly? We are in a lot of trouble.
4. Sorry, I have to ________________________ your dinner invitation. We have an important deadline today so I have to work late.
5. He made a really terrible ________________________. He came in wearing jeans and a t-shirt to his interview.
6. Please accept my ________________________ apology. I cannot make it next Thursday.
7. Please ________________________ my offer. We would really love to have you work with us.
8. Let’s ________________________ the contract today. I’m happy with all of the terms.
9. I respect you too. The feeling is ________________________.
10. His powerful speech  ________________________ their belief in his plan.
11. There are a _____________________ ice cream flavors to choose from at this shop.

Matching Part 2

Match the words on the left with words or expressions on the right that are closest in meaning.

Words in Context – Fill-in-the-blanks Part 2

Use the words from the vocabulary box to complete the following sentences. You many need to modify the tense or word form.

1. I would like to ________________________ talks with them as soon as possible. Please contact them ASAP.
2. He offered a very ________________________ handshake. Bob was not impressed.
3. I’m ________________________ you to please stop making that noise with your pen.
4. The ________________________ example is better. The first one is vague.
5. What is the ________________________ for dealing with a situation like this?
6. It’s a very ________________________ meeting. You do not need to wear a suit and tie.
7. How would you ________________________  if I quit my job today?
8. She ________________________ my hand very firmly when we were riding the rollercoaster.
9. Are you ________________________ with the latest software updates?
10. Sam Stevens is an ________________________ of mine. I know him a little but wa are not close friends.
11. He ________________________ my shoulder when I walked by him this morning.

ESL Conversation about Shaking Hands

Tips on Shaking Hands

Shaking hands is common throughout many parts of the world in business and social situations. Handshakes are important for many reasons.

It serves a variety of purposes: to greet someone, show mutual respect, solidify a relationship, or finalize an agreement.

Some things to consider when shaking hands with someone.
It is very important to make eye contact and offer a sincere smile to show that you are happy to see the person.
Stand straight and don’t attempt to shake the person’s hand when you are walking or still moving.
Don’t try to shake their hand, as you are about to sit down or as you are standing up.
|This is not a good handshake or first impression when you are meeting someone for the first time.
It’s also extremely important to stop, turn, and face the other person when shaking their hand.

If you just came out of the washroom and someone tries to shake your hand, of course you can politely decline and offer an explanation.
For example, “I’m sorry, I just washed my hands. I don’t want to get you all wet.”

What Should You Do Shaking Someone’s Hand?

What should you say when shaking someone’s hand?
There is no point in going overboard.
“Nice to meet you Mr. Smith. “ or “It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. Frankin.”
The latter expression is little bit more formal and polite.

Make sure that your handshake does not kill the person!
Do not offer a limp handshake. However, you shouldn’t squeeze their hand until they are down on their knees begging for mercy either.

Handshakes should be a few seconds long.
Don’t just swipe their hand quickly, but there is also no need to hold their hand!

Fist bumps have become common in more informal meetings and situations with people you are familiar with.

But PLEASE do not try to fist bump your boss.

At least not unless he initiates it!

ESL Discussion Questions on Shaking Hands

What are common greetings in your country?
(men and women) And how do they react in social situations when they see: friends, colleagues and acquaintances in public?

Is hugging okay?
Is bowing the norm?
Do you kiss each other on one or both cheeks?

Tell me about your culture!

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Reference: WC4