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1.
Firm and brief
Conveys confidence, assertiveness
and professionalism. The person using this handshake is neither
shy nor neurotic and is generally 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 are
instances where stereotypes elicit a negative evaluation, such
as when women's behavior is similar to men's. 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 may also indicate that
the person is 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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