HANDSHAKE: WHAT THIS FORM OF GREETING COMMUNICATES - LOVE-E-PSYCHOLOGY

Handshake: the ancient form of greeting now (almost) banned

It is estimated that getting a first impression of someone you have just met takes a matter of minutes. You observe the eyes, the posture, the smile, the way he talks. However, especially in the workplace and business, the importance of the handshake is never neglected. This form of greeting has ancient origins and, although it is now banned due to the Coronavirus and social distancing, it tells us a lot about who we are. we face.

Therefore, in addition to body language, it is possible to insert the handshake as a form of non-verbal communication, because more parts of the body are involved - including the eyes - and it is able to transmit non-vocal messages.

The historical significance of the handshake

Despite the different cultures that "have always practiced it, the meaning of the handshake throughout history is mainly one: to give trust. Perhaps not everyone knows that, originally, it was indicated with the Greek term"dexiosis"which meant" to give oneself the right hand. "In fact, the right hand was the one with which the weapons were held in battle and, therefore, handing it to someone served to demonstrate that they were unarmed, that is, that they had no bad intentions. the men squeezed each other's forearms to prove they weren't hiding a weapon there. handshake, or "waving hands": it was the gesture to avoid that there was absolutely nothing under the sleeve.

Therefore, even today after years of history, the handshake is valid as a yes as a form of greeting, but also as a sign of trust, closeness and loyalty. It can seal a deal in the business world, as it can represent the first informal contact with a person when you first meet them.

How to shake hands correctly

Although the Coronavirus emergency has blocked its use, together with the various gestures that require physical contact, the handshake is still considered very important today. It is a kind of business card, which introduces us to those in front of us and, at the same time, gives us a first impression of this person. For this you must be sure to shake hands correctly and effectively, paying attention to these details.

Pressure: obviously you cannot measure in words how much it is convenient to apply pressure in a handshake, but it must be such as to instill security, not fear or aggression. The hands must be touched firmly, without however becoming a gesture of defiance.
Palm position: the palm of the hand must be in symmetry with that of the person in front of us. Obviously, this is the part that gets involved in the squeeze. If you squeeze only your fingers, then it is a sign of a lack of interest in meeting and knowledge.
Duration: we must neither "escape" from the grip nor make it last excessively. A correct greeting lasts a maximum of 3 or 4 seconds, which is enough time to have and give a good first impression.
Participation: in order for the handshake to reveal the right involvement, it is necessary not only to check the pressure and position of the palm, but also to look the other person in the eye and smile at them.

The meanings of the various handshakes

As already mentioned, the handshake gives us an idea of who we are in front of. We've rounded up the various types of handshakes we all experience at least once in a lifetime and the meaning behind each of them.

Handshake with the palm facing down: Shaking hands in this way is equivalent to wanting to convey power and authority, putting the other person in awe.
Handshake with the palm facing up: vice versa, in doing so, fear and passivity are expressed to the interlocutor.
"Soft" handshake: perhaps one of the least pleasant handshakes. It means that you are faced with someone evasive, disinterested and with an elusive personality.
Squeeze "clerical": only the fingers are squeezed, not the palm of the hand, or the back is bent. He conveys arrogance and little interest in the relationship.
Aggressive squeeze: as unpleasant as the one with the "soft hand", here the hand of others is squeezed more than necessary, thus losing the meaning of a form of greeting and a gesture that instills confidence and confidence. On the contrary, power and aggression towards the interlocutor are linked.
Double handshake: it is done with both hands and for this reason it is also called "sandwich". Compared to one-handed shaking, the latter is more affectionate and in the business world only exchanges between acquaintances.