The Perfect Handshake
This is the ideal number of pumps when shaking someone’s hand.
What is two to three?
As soon as you sit down at a dining table, this item should immediately be placed on your lap.
What is your napkin?
When introducing yourself, you should state your full name and include this key piece of context about yourself.
What is your school name or grade level?
This is the single most important rule when a Gauntlet station throws a completely unexpected or bizarre scenario at you.
What is stay composed (or don't panic/smile through it)?
This type of posture instantly projects confidence before you even say a single word.
What is standing straight with shoulders back?
To ensure a firm, professional grip, this part of your hand should fully meet the same part of the other person's hand.
What is the web (or the space between the thumb and index finger)?
When navigating a multi-course table setting, you should always use your utensils starting from this direction and working your way in.
What is the outside?
To show you are actively listening, you should nod, maintain eye contact, and avoid looking at this common digital distraction.
What is a phone (or smartwatch)?
If a volunteer judge asks you a tough question you don't know the answer to, you should avoid making things up and instead say this phrase confidently.
What is "I don't know the answer right now, but I would love to look into it"?
To display proper respect, you should address adults using these formal titles followed by their last name.
What are honorifics? (Accept: Mr., Ms., Dr.)
You should always do this simultaneously with a handshake to establish a personal, confident connection.
What is make eye contact? (Accept: smile)
You should never do this with your arms while actively eating or sitting at a formal dinner table.
What is put your elbows on the table?
This term means being genuine and true to your own personality rather than trying to act like someone else during judging.
What is authenticity?
This trait refers to your ability to maintain high energy, focus, and a warm personality even when you are exhausted at station #20.
What is stamina (or poise/tenacity)?
This word describes clothing that is neat, well-fitting, pressed, and meets the business-formal standards of the competition.
What is professional (or appropriate attire)?
Avoid the "dead fish" or the "bone crusher"; this single word describes the exact amount of pressure required for a professional grip.
What is firm?
When you need to excuse yourself temporarily from the table, you should place your napkin here, rather than on the table.
What is on your chair?
In a professional setting, you should stand this many feet away from someone to respect their personal space while still engaging closely.
What is 3 to 4 feet? (Accept: arm's length)
While interacting at a station, using words like "um," "uh," "like," or "so" are known as these, and they can lower your communication score.
What are filler words?
Doing this action excessively can make you look nervous, so you should keep your hands relaxed at your sides or use controlled gestures when speaking.
What is fidgeting? (Accept: pacing, playing with clothes/hair)
If your hands are prone to sweating before a round, you should proactively do this right before stepping up to a station.
What is discreetly wipe them on a napkin or your clothes?
If you are asked a question during the lunch round but your mouth is full, you should do this before replying.
What is chew completely, swallow, and then answer? (Never speak with food in your mouth!)
When ending a conversation to move to another person, you should always say this to leave a strong lasting impression.
What is "Thank you for your time" or "It was a pleasure meeting you"?
The Gauntlet is heavily timed; if you hear the buzzer ring mid-sentence, you should immediately do this before walking away.
What is deliver a quick "Thank you" and shake their hand?
Within this incredibly brief window of time, a human being will typically form their definitive first impression of you.
What is 7 seconds? (Accept anywhere between 3 to 10 seconds) [1]