The meaning of a bad handshake may depend on the type it was. A dominant or bone-crusher handshake can indicate that the other person is trying to take charge of the conversation. A handshake that is limp, clammy, or that is not accompanied by eye contact might indicate that the other person is anxious.
The Straight Finger Handshake
In this type of handshake, the person giving the hand has all his fingers straight. It is a very bad and rude gesture not to clasp the palm of the other person, as it shows lack of interest in the meeting and repulsion towards the other person.
Don't use inappropriate pressure.
This can include grasping someone's hand too firmly or letting your hand go limp mid-handshake. If you apply too much pressure, you'll come across as arrogant and aggressive. However, if you shake someone's hand too limply they may think you don't care about meeting them.
When shaking hands, offering a gift, giving or receiving something, eating, pointing or touching someone, among other things, it is considered proper etiquette to only use the right hand. Using the left hand can be seen as impolite and offensive.
Shaking hands, pretty much anywhere
But it's also out of the question virtually everywhere else in the world. In fact, colloquially across the United States, the term “left-handed handshake” is considered an insult and refers to insincere promises.
Which Hand Should You Use? Most people and cultures will use the right hand for a handshake unless they have a specific reason to use the left, such as injury. If you would like to shake hands with a person who only has a left hand, then obviously, use your left as well.
A strong, firm handshake indicates a trustworthy person. A person who squeezes your hand too tightly is aggressive and dominant. A weak handshake suggests a wishy-washy, weak personality. A damp palm means someone is nervous.
Both hands should be visible. Always stand for a handshake—man or woman. Make eye contact and smile warmly.
WASHINGTON - A new study backs up what the etiquette books have been saying all along, that a firm handshake helps makes a good first impression for both males and females.
# handshakes = n*(n - 1)/2. This is because each of the n people can shake hands with n - 1 people (they would not shake their own hand), and the handshake between two people is not counted twice. This formula can be used for any number of people.
The term golden handshake refers to a clause in an executive's contract that provides them with a significant severance package if the employee loses their job due to firing, restructuring, negligence, or retirement. Golden handshakes are normally provided to top executives in the event that they lose employment.
A too strong handshake can seem aggressive, domineering, or insensitive. A too weak handshake can seem timid, indifferent, or uninterested. To avoid these mistakes, aim for a firm but gentle handshake that matches the pressure of the other person. Don't squeeze too hard or let your hand go limp.
Handshakes
In some Asian countries, a hard handshake is considered rude. In Vietnam, you should only shake hands with someone who's your equal in age or rank. In Thailand, instead of shaking hands, you're more likely to bow with your hands together and up to your chest.
When meeting a higher-ranking person in a business context, wait briefly for that person to extend their hand first. In all other situations, step up and be the one to initiate a handshake.
Perpendicular position
Some people see a hand facing downward as dominant and a hand facing upward as submissive, so it's best to keep your hand in a neutral position to show that you value the other person as an equal.
Some common "bad" handshakes include: Dominant handshake: This involves placing your palm downward when offering your hand to someone and is a form of aggressive communication. By placing your palm downward, you force the other person to place their palm up, a submissive position.
The dominant handshake
Lillian Glass, PhD, a renowned body language expert, based in Beverly Hills, California, says shaking someone's hand too hard shows competition. “It's a power struggle,” she says.
The open hand is an ancient sign of trustworthiness. It's a positive position and is helpful for establishing rapport with another person. It is also a submissive, non-threatening gesture reminiscent of the pleading gesture of a street beggar.
The Stiff-arm Thrust: Determined to keep a person at a distance, this hand shaker will stretch out his or her arm to clasp your hand, preventing you from coming closer. The Socket-Wrencher: Unlike the stiff-arm-thrust hand shaker, this person uses a strong grip to pull you into his or her space.
The avoider – someone that doesn't make eye contact when they shake your hand or someone that pulls their hand away too quickly. This again signals to me that they are either under-confident, very shy, or they don't really want to meet me or shake my hand.
In the United States a traditional handshake is firm, executed with the right hand, with good posture and eye contact.
Most people are right-handed. As such, the right is the default hand we use for handshakes. You would only shake with the left hand if the other person had a physical issue that prevented using the right one.