techslog

Handshakes fall into 9 categories

1. The Fettuccine handshake- Some folks will have you a limp, soft paw that feels like overcooked pasta. They are pessimists who need reassurance before anything else.
2. Squeeze the Lemon handshake- Some folks will squeeze your hand like a vise. These people, usually men, want to show strength and power- possibly to cover up an inferiority complex. Meet their needs with flatter.
3. Get a little closer handshake- The arm and elbow are bent and the right hand stays close to the side. This is the handshake favored by politicians and others who are hesitant to take risks. Use caution with these folks.
4. The Serial handshake- is used by folks who never miss the opportunity to shake hands. As soon as they meet you, they thrust their hand forward and shake with vigor. They seem insecure, so use more insistence than usual.
5. The Dead Fish handshake-This is not really a handshake at all. The hand is thrust forward and the fingers do not move. These people are saying “I don’t want to get involved.” Approach slowly.
6. The Robot handshake- The hand is offered quickly and automatically. These people are indifferent and self-interested. When dealing with them, show how what you’ve got to offer is indispensable to their needs.
7. The Jackhammer handshake- These hand pumpers have a lot of willpower and tend to be inflexible. You’ll have to be even more determined than you are.
8. The Prisoner handshake. These folks hold your hand and won’t give it back until they’ve got your full attention. These people may be opportunists. Emphasize what good fortune it is that you’ve met, and pursue your objectives.
9. The Normal Handshake- This open, honest handshake means you can trust your instincts with the person who gives it.

Now, get up and offer your hand to the person next to you for a handshake test. Shake hands like you normally would. Can you tell what kind of handshake you have?
How about your partner’s handshake. What does his handshake say about him?

Some words of caution: Handshaking is not an inborn talent. It is culturally acquired. People who are not familiar with the meanings of the handshake may not know how to perform the "normal handshake". Their handshakes might be misinterpreted by the people from ‘handshaking cultures" as weak and uninspired.

Likewise, a person from a "handshaking culture" might not know how to rub noses the right way, or how to kiss another male on the cheek when he visits another culture that does things differently.

People from some cultures might be offended with the brief, "normal" handshake. They might prefer the extended, pumping handshake.

So, one rule for this is, learn before you go, to make sure you impress the right way.
Their way.

Here are some "power’ handshake tips from experienced hand shakers:

Make sure your hands are dry.

If you are seated, stand when you are introduced to someone and shake hands on an even level.

Extend your hand first, vertically, with the thumb up, look at the other person’s eyes, and firmly grasp their hand.

The motion comes from the elbow, not the shoulder.

Shake once or twice then release cleanly.

It is a good idea to say your name and repeat the other person’s name.

A handshake usually lasts 3-4 seconds. Save longer handshakes for close friends, or for more personal occasions.

From interviewing for a job, to meeting with the CEO, to attracting a mate, advice abounds about the power of the handshake. Even if you consider yourself an experienced hand shaker, it does not hurt to freshen up on your handshaking skills. And if you are an inexperienced one, practice handshaking until it feels natural to you. The last thing you want is to make a wrong first impression when you get to meet the real movers and shakers.