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What's in a handshake?

Posted by: 3AW Radio | 27 July, 2010 - 12:43 PM
Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott shake hands

The average person shakes hands 15,000 times in a lifetime.

It's something that can make or break a relationship. A handshake can say a lot about a person.

You have a Mark Latham-style bone crushing handshake, or the limp 'wet fish' handshake, sweaty palms, the awkward hug that turns into a handshake.

Take a moment to think of our pollies during election time, they must have to have a bottle of detol on hand after all the palms they have to shake on a day on campaign.

Tony and Julia had a firm grip on each other after the leaders debate on Sunday.

Researchers in England have even formulated the 'perfect handshake'. Using your right hand, a complete grip and a firm squeeze to shake the others hand for 3 shakes. And you must have a cool dry palm.

What makes a good handshake? Who's the worst handshake you've ever had?

PLAYING NOW: Handshake expert Tom Dusevic from The Australian speaks to Denis Walter about the best and worst handshakes in politics.

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