Handshake Bingo: An Icebreaker Activity With a Purpose

Abstract

A professional handshake is a powerful nonverbal cue that helps determine first impressions in business settings. Although students are often told the importance of a good handshake, it is a skill that may be overlooked in the current management classroom. Handshake Bingo is an experiential exercise designed to address this gap by teaching business students an important skill while also doubling as an engaging ice breaker activity. Students first learn the key features of a good handshake in the United States business context. Next, students apply these norms to a game of bingo that is “won” by meeting new classmates—greeted with a firm handshake!—who match the different criteria outlined on the bingo card. The activity closes with a debrief to address handshake norms including proper eye contact, body position, approach, firmness, and duration.