Handshakes

A handshake says so much about us: a handshake can have a lasting effect on the impression we make on others and the degree to which they find us attractive.

When you greet someone do you shake hands with confidence or doubt? There’s no need to squeeze the life out of another person’s hand in order to impress them with your status. Similarly, shaking hands so limply that it feels as if your arm is dead is not going to give anyone the idea that you’re anything but wet. Look at your hands and nails for a minute.

• What do they say about you?

•  How big are they?

• What shape are they?

• How rough or soft is the skin of your palms?

• What temperature are they?

• Are they damp, and are you aware of how this changes depending on your state of emotional arousal?

•  Are your nails clean and cut into a clear shape or are they dirty?

• Do you bite them?

Numerous experiments have been carried out by psychologists into the effects of various styles of handshake. By far the most favourable first impression made by both men and women was when the handshake lasted five seconds and was firm without being uncomfortable. Furthermore, a dry palm makes a better impression as a sweaty palm may signify nervousness. This combined with assured eye contact, a slight smile towards the middle of the handshake moving to a wider smile at the last stage of the handshake and a small tilt of the head to one side, forms the ultimate positive impression.

Research shows that people of high status tend to shake hands with their palm facing downwards. People with less concerned with power tend to offer a hand in which the thumb is on top and may have less need of domination.

 

Shaking hands with a stranger is surprisingly intimate. Actually feeling the other person, we make instant judgments about their character and status. Unconsciously we reveal our desire to dominate by placing our thumb on top. The two-handshake can be used to communicate genuine warmth and affection but it is more often perceived as being creepy and typical of politicians concerned to ‘appear’ sincere.