The Most Useful Body Language Tips #1: The Handshake can Make or Break You

Most people are unaware that the dominance and submissiveness of a relationship between 2 people often times begins when they meet. That's right, it begins at the handshake and if this is the first time you've heard this then I'm proud to be the one who tells you. This is something you'll apply to your every social interaction from this point on.

To simplify what we're talking about, just imagine there are 3 types of handshakes for you, when you meet people and shake their hand.

1. Your wrist is tilted at an angle downwards towards the floor. This means you've taken control of this handshake and has the dominant demeanor of the encounter. This is used mostly for manager/ employee relationships or father in law & son in law meetings.
2. Your wrist is tilted at an angle upwards towards the ceiling. This means you've lost control of this encounter, became submissive and subconsciously are trying to get a little bit of that control and mutual respect back.
3. Both the wrists of the 2 people shaking hands are vertical to the floor. It implies, "I respect you and look forward to a great respectable relationship."

I understand that some business relationships must have a chain of command, but other than business, I'd suggest using the #3 most. The equal handshake will keep you on good terms with everyone you must see again after the first meeting.

There also may be times you run across a person that's trying to be a total @sshole and goes to shake your hand with his palm facing straight down. This move is considered the most @sshole-ish of all @ssholes in the body language world. The reason is it would leave your wrist total exposed, exposing the kill point, and a sign of total submissiveness. Here's how you fix this situation and come out not looking like an @sshole yourself.

First you must recognized when it's happening. Second step in with your left foot pause and grab their hand. While you take that last step forward with your right foot, turn his hand back to the equal position where both of your wrists are vertical to the floor.

I hope this helps you all on your way to mastering body language.