The firm shake
If you want to create a sense of mutual respect and equality make sure that
when you shake hands with another person both your palms are in the verti-
cal position, your fingers are wrapped around one another’s hands, and that
you apply the same amount of pressure. Your hands should meet in no-man’s
land, halfway between your space and the other person’s.Taking the left side advantage
The next time you look at a photograph of two leaders standing next to one
another see if one looks more dominant than the other. Chances are that you
perceive the person on the left side of the picture to have the edge.If the photograph shows them shaking hands you can easily see that the
hand of the person on the left is in the upper position, making her appear
more powerful and in control. Savvy politicians are aware of the impact this
body position makes and jockey to place themselves to the right of their col-
league, or adversary, in order to come out on the left in the photo.Figure 9-13:
Space
invaders
demand
power and
control.
Chapter 9: It's in the Palm of Your Hand 161