(Bk Business) Carol Kinsey Goman Ph.D.-The Nonverbal Advantage_ Secrets and Science of Body Language at Work -Berrett-Koehler Publishers (2008)

140 The Nonverbal Advantage
TRY THIS
The next time you shake hands with someone you know
well, mentally give his grip a label, such as bone crusher,
dead fish, or finger grinder. Then decide how reflective
of his overall personality that handshake label is.
Mr. President, Meet Mr. President
It’s a matter of personal style, of course, but both George W.
Bush and Bill Clinton have unique handshaking techniques.
President Bush tends to keep his legs slightly apart and to
lean in with his upper body when shaking hands. He habitually
touches people on the shoulder or the elbow and lets his
touch linger there. President Clinton shakes your hand with
his right hand and with his left hand pulls you in by your
elbow. Because of the increased element of intimacy, both
presidents’ greetings are perceived as warmer and more personal
than a traditional politician’s handclasp.
Let’s Shake on It!
You extend your hand and reach for someone else’s hand to
shake. It’s the simplest of nonverbal exchanges and one you
may engage in several times a day. But hidden within such
a seemingly simple formality is an opportunity to make a
lasting impression. A study on handshakes by the Income
Center for Trade Shows showed that people are two times
more likely to remember you if you shake hands with them.
The trade-show researchers also found that people react to
those with whom they shake hands by being more open
and friendly. Various other studies show that shaking hands
makes you more likable, friendly, and persuasive.