Anatomy of a Handshake

Upright and Equal

The ideal handshake, one that establishes a relationship of equality and mutual respect, is the vertical handshake.

In this interaction, both hands are in a perfectly vertical position, ensuring full palm-to-palm contact.

The grip should be firm, but not crushing, and dynamic, not languid.

The arm should be neither too stiff (which creates distance) nor too close to the body.

This grip communicates trust, respect and a basis of equality.

Dominance Shake (Palm Down)

When a person offers his or her hand with the palm turned downward, he or she is trying, consciously or unconsciously, to establish dominance.

This gesture forces the other person to respond with the palm up (a gesture of submission) in order to engage the hands.

It is a subtle power struggle often seen between politicians or business figures vying for control.

Some people use this grip on a regular basis to show their superiority.

To counter a dominance grip, the left hand can be used to touch the back of the dominant's hand, "correcting" the position and regaining control.

Submissive Grip (Palm Up)

Conversely, offering the hand with the palm up is a gesture of submission. It is ceding control to the other person from the start.

Sometimes this is not intentional, but is forced by the dominant grip of the other.

However, some people use it naturally, which can be a sign of low self-esteem, an inferiority complex or insecurity. This sends a signal that they can be easily dominated.

Interestingly, politicians often use this palm-up gesture on purpose when greeting voters,