I’ve just been reading a news article on the new series of the Apprentice, I don’t watch the programme as it gets on my nerves, but one of the contestants said  ”a limp handshake is unforgivable’. I find this an interesting thing to say, because there is a lot you can tell about a person from their handshake.  It’s a psychological tactic to either un-nerve you, or make you feel welcome.

I’ve shaken a few hands in my time.  Meeting clients it’s part of the socially acceptable norm to shake a hand by way of a greeting.  I find it quite interesting to see how someone approaches it.  I dislike the handshake that is either to weak or too strong.  I’m not sure which one I dislike the most.

The bone crushing handshake that takes your palm into a vice like grip and says, I’m in control.  You kind of wonder if the person is over compensating for something unforeseen.  I don’t really find it a confidence boosting exercise.  Far from it in fact.

Then there is the hand that drapes itself into yours like a dishtowel.  It’s weak and doesn’t inspire confidence.  Perhaps a handshake is somewhere akin to Goldilocks and the porridge, too strong, too weak or just right.  It’s the handshake that is just right that instills confidence in me.  Something that says I know who I am, and I’m happy with that.  So I think I’d extend the sentiment to ‘a limp handshake or a vice like grip is unforgivable’ why do you need it?