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Which of the following more
closely resembles your handshake style?
1. Firm and
brief
Conveys confidence, assertiveness and
professionalism. The person using this handshake is perceived to be
trustworthy and willing to listen. A firm handshake provides the
opportunity for a favorable first impression, it suggests a person
who is knowledgeable and possesses excellent social skills. There
may be circumstances where a woman's assertive behavior can be
misinterpreted as being too forward. In the case of a firm handshake
however, a woman is always seen as being confident and decisive.
2. A real
"shake", up-and-down or sideway movements (AKA the jackhammer
handshake or "pumper")
Most likely an open and outgoing person
who has the habit of being warm and pleasant to everybody. An overly
eager handshake shows power, determination and the desire to remain
in control of situations. If exaggerated, the handshake can make
people appear inflexible and it can also reveal insecurity, a person
who doesn't know when to quit.
3. The
knuckle cruncher (AKA bone crusher)
The knuckle cruncher usually wants to
express a message of power and intimidation. For those people who
want to cover up their feelings of insecurity this handshake may be
used to keep others at a distance. When faced with this handshake do
not appear submissive. It may serve your purpose however, to be
accommodating and regardful of these people. There are also cases
where the person is being sincere. However while the intention
may be to convey warmth, the impression created is definitely that
of a person who is high strung and lacks sensitivity. Regardless of
the intentions involved, people will remember this handshake and
draw lasting impressions.
4.
The lingering handshake (AKA the prison handshake)
Sometimes people keep your hand in their
hand for too long and seem to not want to give it back. This may
denote reliability and trustworthiness or it may suggest that
the person hasn't revealed all of his/her cards. It may also
mean that the person is expecting something more that what was
agreed upon. Therefore, in order to interpret this handshake, it
would be necessary to go with instinct, or examine other body language
as well.
Interestingly, in the case of a lingering handshake, few people try to
pull their hand away. It seems that the act of being physically
connected causes their boldness to fade.
5. Light and brief
finger-tip grips (AKA the limp or dead fish hand shaker)
Someone who is not interested in
building rapport and wants to escape the greeting ritual as soon as
possible. This person is perceived to be passive and reserved,
without the interest and energy required to complete people focused
tasks. This type of handshake indicates a lackluster
personality and usually draws a lasting impression. If however, the
handshake is done with a direct look into the other person's eyes,
it can indicate the potential for further development.
6. Use both
hands (AKA hand sandwich or the politician's handshake or used
car salesman shake)
A result of an eagerness to convey a
message. This is the favorite handshake of politicians because it
implies a quick sincerity and intimacy. It is open to
interpretation whether the person is trying to sell something that's
not really there, or is someone who is genuine and agreeable.
If it is decided that the person is hoping to secure a favor, note
that the higher the other hand (from the wrist to the neck), the
greater the manipulation and control.
7. Teacup (AKA
the lobster claw)
Like the claw of a lobster, the other
person’s thumb and fingers touch the palm of the hand and there is
no palm-to-palm contact. Timid and insecure, this person fears
connecting at a deep level and may face challenges building
relationships. This handshake indicates that the person may be hiding something.
8. Won't initiate a handshake
This person will only react to the other
party's first move. In a case such as this, the person may be objecting
to a situation, however if this behavior is consistent, the person may
be hesitant and reserved by nature. Cultural norms dictate that the
older person or the person with the highest stature should
initiate a handshake. If you have roughly the same age and position
with the other person then offering a handshake is a way of
portraying yourself as a confident person.
9. Pat the other
person's arm or shoulder while engaged in a handshake
May reveal a sense of superiority.
Depending on the person's social position this handshake can be a
sincere effort to show understanding or it can be an attempt
to belittle someone. This type of handshake is sometimes used
between friends of long standing and consequently can portray
false sincerity when the relationship is more superficial. Depending
on the vibes that you receive, be mindful and aware, especially in situations where you need to place your
trust.
10.
The stiff-arm thrust (AKA next-to-the-body handshake)
Keeping the arm close to the body while
bending it at the elbow, this handshake is used by people who do not
want to take risks. It can also act as a defense mechanism for
people who feel a threat to their territory, and tends to be used by
aggressive people who want to keep others at a distance.
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Handshake test
