Most people with an opinion on the subject generally agree on what makes a handshake bad - or good. A limp handshake can make the recipient feel that the other person doesn't really care, or that s/he is submissive. A handshake that's too strong can put the recipient on guard because it sets a tone of domination.
In a seminar I recently gave, I had a group of bank managers do a simple exercise. First, I had them think about something that made angry, then turn to shake the hand of their neigbour. Next, I had them think about something that made them feel good, then turn to shake the hand of their neighbour again.
Their reactions were audible: they were surprised at how different the two handshakes felt! The handshakes with negative emotions behind them were weak and withdrawn. The positive feelings led to strong, open handshakes, and the individuals were more likely to make eye contact.
In professional situations, there are all kinds of reasons to think positively, and this was just one example. Our energy flows through our bodies and contributes to our overall images.
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