The Ultimate Body Language Book

normal. Three pumps is recommended and usual, but up to seven can still be acceptable. However,
more than ten or fifteen is getting excessive and the pumping action should never seem out of ordinary
or particularly violent.
Double gripper politician 9: The double gripper where both hands are used to sandwich the other
persons hand is the “politician’s handshake”. It’s an intimate handshake but in the wrong company can
be taken as insincere and create negative feelings for the same reason it creates positive feelings when
used by politicians – because it breaks privacy boundaries. Politicians and celebrities and other high
status people are afforded greater luxuries than the rest of the population, which is why we tolerate and
even encourage them to kiss our babies! However, even in politicians, touching is carefully calculated
and practiced. The double handshake happens when the right hand’s join followed by the left hand
placed (almost) lovingly over the right hand as if to form a glove. The higher up is the placement of the
hand, the more intimate. We would only use this once a strong relationship has been formed to show
affection or a deep desire to make amen’s. It might also be used to strike a particularly lucrative deal
that both parties feel will greatly help each other. In everyday use, the double grip handshake has little
place and instead of conveying positive emotions arouses suspicion and doubt. Other forms of touching
during a handshake include the elbow, shoulder, upper arm or the wrist. These are fairly advanced ways
of shaking hands and reserved for more aggressive and experienced handshakers. The higher up the
touching occurs, the more intimate it is so can appear as a personal space invasion. The shoulder grip is
the most intense form of intimacy used during handshakes and should be used only with those you have
a strong emotional tie.
Secondary to the double gripper politician but not a category onto itself is a handshake that happens as
normal except the inside of the wrist is stroked with the index finger during the hand shake pump. If
this happens to you, you’re bound to feel shocked, as are most people as it was by design. This person
is trying to evoke a visceral feeling in you that they have the upper hand and can do as they please.
Think of the wrist tickler as a nonverbal way to assault but that is so subtle that no one else will notice
except the person experiencing it. Be very weary of folks that try this handshake on you as they are
definitely playing psychological mind games and may try to pull a fast one on you.
The teacup 10: This handshake is conducted like any other good handshake except that the palm is
cupped such that it makes no contact with the other palm. Someone that shakes hands like this is either
shy or insecure, doesn’t want to fully bond or is trying to hide something. These people might take
more time to open up and fully reveal their true selves to others. Take your time with them and give
them lots space to open up and instead of bantering on endlessly give them an open platform to express
themselves.
The undershaker 11: This handshake is so quick, it’s actually offensive. It lasts merely seconds where
the hand is quickly grabbed then released or tossed aside. Sometimes it even lacks any pumping action
at all. Someone who shakes hands like this is showing indifference and suspicion, perhaps they feel you
are trying to sell them something they aren’t at all interested in. Other times they are trying to signal
that you are intruding on their ground and that no agreement will be made. It’s probably best to respect
their wishes, as their initial impression shows that you have come on far too strong. Other times the
undershaker resides in an area where physical contact isn’t normal and they aren’t used to shaking
hands so don’t know how to properly handle it.
The Oddball 12: This is the sort of handshake your teenage son or daughter comes home with in effort
to confusing the heck out of you! It’s the handshake that has you saying “You do what with what, then
what?!?” It often includes bumps, slaps, flicks and clicks. This is a fine handshake amongst casual
friends, but please avoid this on a job interview or with other employees. It does however, display a
relaxed atmosphere and has its place to form intimate friendships and bonds.