Five ways to shake hands like a boss

Last Thursday, President Trump and newly elected French President Emmanuel Macron went several rounds in a series of tense handshakes [https://nypost.com/2017/05/28/macrons-white-knuckle-handshake-with-trump-wasnt-innocent/] when they met in Brussels ahead of the NATO summit. Body language expert Traci Brown broke down the Trump-Macron interaction [https://nypost.com/2017/05/31/what-trump-and-macron-can-teach-you-about-power-handshakes/] for The Post. Here she shares five ways to have a stronger, more assertive handshake. 1 of 7 Advertisement [https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/05/handshake_side_down1a.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=878]The palm-down: Turning your palm down is a classic power grab: Russian President Vladimir Putin regularly employed it with former President Obama. "It shows you want control of the relationship," Brown says. "It sends a message that you're in charge and everything's gonna be okay." Brian Zak [https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/05/handshake_side_over1a.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=878]The hand-over: "If you want a deeper connection with someone, whether it's to express sympathy or power, cover your handshake with your [left] hand," Brown says. But "you need to be really sincere [about the gesture] or you can come across as fake."Brian Zak Advertisement [https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/05/handshake_side_shoulder1a.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=592]The shoulder-touch: Alpha-types love this intimate gesture where you place your hand over your partner's shoulder because it closes in on the recipients' personal space. "It says you're going to take control of the situation," Brown says.Brian Zak [https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/05/handshake_side_squeeze1a.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=878]The squeeze: Slightly tightening your grip lets the recipient know that you're present and willing to listen and assert yourself, says Brown.Brian Zak [https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/05/handshake_side_step1a.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=393]The step-in: If you want to make a first impression, Brown says to step toward your partner as your hands connect. This lets you close in on their personal space and assume the dominant position.Brian Zak Advertisement