Body Language of The Wrist Hold Handshake and The Upper Arm Grip Handshake
Cue: Wrist Hold Handshake and Upper Arm Grip Handshake
Synonym(s): Upper Arm Grip Handshake, Handshake With Arm Clasp.
Description: a) The wrist of the other person is grasped with the left hand during an otherwise normal handshake. b) A political-type handshake that is normal except that the opposite hand reaches up to grasp the upper left arm just above the elbow or even the shoulder.
In One Sentence: The wrist hold handshake is a political handshake which aims to build strong bonds and alliances.
How To Use it: Use wrist hold handshake only if you are a high powered position on other high powered individuals. Others will be taken by surprise. When done properly, you can create a more intimate impression.
Context: Business.
Verbal Translation: “I’m shaking your hand while holding your wrist to show my desire for a close and more intimate connection with additional control in a business relationship.”
Variant: See Country Handshake (The), Cold Dead Wet Fish Handshake, Double Gripper Politician Handshake or Double Hander (The), Short Grabber/Finger Grabber Handshake, Oddball Handshake, Palm Up, Palm Down and Palm Even Handshakes, Stiff Arm And Thrust Forward Handshake, Death Grip Handshake, Wrench Forward Handshake, Undershaker Handshake, Wrist Hold Handshake, Wrist Hold Handshake and Upper Arm Grip Handshake, Limp Fish Handshake, Teacup Handshake, Arm Twister Handshake (The), Firm handshake, Fist Bumping.
Cue In Action: When the leader of two countries met, one president shook hands while grabbing the other’s wrist, and the other president grasped his shoulder. Each expressed a higher level of intimacy than just a handshake on its own.
Meaning and/or Motivation: Both the wrist hold handshake and the upper arm grip handshake is more common for politicians than ordinary people.
It is designed to build more intimacy and show desire to care, but also control. It is therefore much more powerful than an ordinary handshake. Its aim is to build strong bonds and build strategic alliances between high powered individuals.
In the wrong context, these handshakes will seem insincere and off-putting so they should only be used with extreme caution and in the right context.
Cue Cluster: Expect to see plenty of dominance cues such as arms akimbo, military man stance, chin up, palm displays, controlled gesticulation and facial expressions, dominant eye contact, upright postures and puffed out chests.
Body Language Category: Aggressive body language, Authoritative body language, Confident body language, Dominant body language, Friendship touching or friendly touching, High confidence body language, High confidence hand displays, Leadership body language, Remotivating gesture, Social touching.
Resources:
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