Hopefully by now you’ve mastered the “perfect high-five” but the question remains, have you mastered the art of the handshake?
We’ve all heard that a handshake can shape someone’s initial view of you and really, who wants to be portrayed in a bad light? Ultimately, We want a handshake that creates a favorable impression.
It is very likely that you know that a firm grip, eye contact and an appropriate smile are key to a great handshake but there’s more to it than that. Luckily, The Week has uncovered three handshakes styles that allow you to control the situation, courtesy of The Definitive Book of Body Language, by Barbara and Allan Pease.
This handshake refers to the person on top whose palm is facing slightly down for the shake. The Upper-Hand communicates that you want to take control of the encounter.Example: Vladimir Putinusing the “upper-hand” with President Obama.
2) The “Left Side Advantage”
According to Peases, the “left-side-advantage” is a technique solely for handshake photos. The person on the left side of the photo who crosses his arm over his body for the shake appears more powerful than the person on the right, with the open body and bent elbow. Here’s an example of Vice President Joe Biden using the “LSA” with UK, prime minister David Cameron.
3) The “Double-Hander”
This handshake communicates dominance through intimacy. Apparently, the technique can counteract power-players using either of the first two techniques. Below is a great example of the Pope using the Double-Hander with Germany’s president, Joachim Gauck.
After reviewing the three technique, tell us in the comments section which you prefer.
One piece of advice not offered in The Week article: always dry your hands before you offer a handshake. Nothing is worse than a wet/clammy handshake. That is one thing people will surely not forget.
