How to Read a Handshake

The handshake has different meanings around the world. Depending on where you come from, the way you greet a person can make the difference in a relationship. Getting the job you want could hinge on your ability to greet your potential employer properly. Having a proper greeting can increase your sales and get new contracts.
In American society, the handshake is the common form of greeting. We shake hands to say hello, good-by, to solidify a deal, and we shake hands when meeting new people.
The history of the handshake is debatable. The most common belief is it comes from the time when people carried weapons. When greeting another person, one would grasp the forearms indicating they had no weapons in them. Gradually this practice became the handshake. You may be wondering what this has to do with how to read a handshake. I feel that knowing why gets to the how. With this free information you may get ahead in the world.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Good judgment

1. 
   A good firm handshake

   First let me say this “a firm handshake while looking the other person in the eyes is considered a proper handshake.” So what does it tell us? When a person uses this technique: they are saying “I can be trusted.”
   Most of the time, when making a greeting there are verbal pleasantries like: good to see you, pleased to meet you, or hello. Saying the other person’s name is also used because it reinforces a commitment to knowing who the person is.

2. 
   The limp or dead fish handshake

   The “Limp” or “Dead fish” handshake is often used and can give off the wrong signals. What does a limp handshake mean? In most cases, whether from a man or a woman a limp handshake can imply distrust.
   Look at it like this, if a person shakes with a limp handshake they are saying “I may still stab you if I had a weapon.” I have found people who shake with a limp technique tend to live up to the distrust angle. I can’t say why since handshakes should not have any meaning yet they do.

3. 
   The overcompensating handshake

   The “overcompensating” handshake can be tricky to read. I my experience, when someone is shaking hands too hard they are covering something up. In other words, they are saying “I may be hiding something.”

4. 
   The double handshake

   Many people will grasp the other persons hand with their opposite hand. This one could mean they are sympathetic or caring. It could mean they want to emphasize their greeting with more trust. It implies more trust when a person uses the “Double handshake.” Since a person who has both hands showing, can’t be holding a weapon.

Tips & Warnings

• My examples are left to interpretation. There are many varieties of handshakes and even more variations. Ultimately how to read a handshake is left up to you. What I have written is simply a guideline and free information.

[mastersinmath]

on 8/3/2009 I have never trusted the dead fish handshake. But I have no idea what to make of the trendy fist bump.

[Devero]

on 1/3/2009 Interesting info on the meaning of handshakes

[miasavc]

on 12/24/2008 This gives me more insights on the value of handshake & how to interpret them!

[jennen]

on 12/5/2008 The double handshake is the best...

[shannonny]

on 12/3/2008 Good insights on handshakes, Mojo. My parents taught me how to shake hands well, and I think that has landed me more jobs than any talent or experience I possess. As for me, I can take the limp fish better than the sweaty, or greasepaw, handshake, which is a sure sign of lack of confidence.