The most important factor in communication is hearing what isn’t said.
Donald Trump has been the talk of the town (Read: World), what with being the most controversial president of the United States.
Meeting and greeting many people everyday, a lot gets noticed through your body language and etiquette. Trump on a general basis gives out messages of power and control, saying ” this is my space, my house, my rules apply” !
Trump’s peculiar style of shaking hands is called the “bone-crusher”, he tends to yank the hand of the unsuspecting victim towards him (with a complete disregard of personal space), vigorously jerking the hand up and down and often pat it a couple of times with the other hand. It is an example what most of us do however Trump’s way seems a bit more abnormal than usual. His messages are loud and clear stating power and confidence with “don’t mess with me”.
It seems like Trump’s aggressive handshake is his way of exerting dominance and authority over the person- he wants to make it clear, he’s in control.
However, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau didn’t let Trump have his way, he put his hand on Trump’s upper arm to stop himself from being pulled in by Trump.
On the occasion of the inauguration day greeting, when Trump missed to escort his wife, Melania Trump into the White House, it felt like he missed out on his etiquette class of is he setting a new protocol on women being equals? We wonder.
All said and done with the ways of Trump’s body language, it is quite clear that he wants to be or at least be perceived as a powerful president. Even though there has been a lot said about his respect towards women his basic etiquette towards his wife only reaffirms it.
- Decoding Trump’s Bone Crusher - February 28, 2017
