ARE you a shady shaker or a grim gripper? We told how lengthy handshakes – favoured by politicians – could not only cause anxiety but put international relations at risk.
University of Dundee’s Dr Emese Nagy said: “Three-second handshakes feel more natural. Long ones might look good for the cameras but this behaviour could jeopardise the quality of working and personal relationships, which could have repercussions for millions of people.”
Long handshakes have been shown to trigger anxiety in some peopleGetty - Contributor
KATY DOCHERTY shows you how to deliver the perfect handshake – and the greeting grievances to avoid.
How to give a great greeting
Keep it straight
Keep your hand vertical to the other person to send the message that you are equals — lifting your hand higher could be seen as haughtyGetty - Contributor
Look ’em in the eye
Keep eye contact when shaking hands to show you want to make a proper connectionGetty - Contributor
Find the right grip
Practise with friends to find the right level of grip – not too firm but not too soft eitherGetty - Contributor
Pump it up
Squeeze your companion’s hand no more than three times and tap with your other hand as a sign to let goGetty - Contributor
Lead the way
Make it clear if you prefer a handshake to a hug by putting a hand on the shoulder as you hold out the other handGetty - Contributor
Famous make a bad fist of it
Floppy fingers
A light touch can come across as a sign of insecurity and show a lack of skills. Get a firm grip to show everyone who’s boss.
The late artist Andy Warhol reportedly had a handshake like a ‘wet rag’Getty - Contributor
Ghastly grip
A bone-crushing hand lock could make others think you’re trying to overcompensate for something.
US president Donald Trump has a notoriously strong grip designed to intimidate fellow world leadersGetty - Contributor
Hipster hands
Trying trendy handshakes such as a fist bump shows immaturity and a lack of awareness.
Rapper Kanye West greeted President Trump in the White House with a hug and a hand claspAlamy Live News
Linger fingers
Holding on for too long reeks of neediness, even if you get your grip spot-on.
A-lister Angelina Jolie was once forced to shake a Japanese TV presenter’s hand for an awkward 67 seconds
Quick digit
A quickie handshake can make others think you are rude and too busy for them.
It’s royal protocol to briefly shake the Queen’s hand for two pumps, like Boris, left, but she often flouts this ruleAFP
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Elbow in
Grasping your acquaintance’s elbow while handshaking shows you have a controlling or possessive nature.
Ed Sheeran made this faux-pas with Prince Charles when accepting his MBE in 2017PA:Press Association
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