Everybody knows the value of a good first impression. In only seconds of the meeting, people attain various details about us. They notice our face, hair, clothing, bodily proportions, posture, demeanor and the sound in our voice. It’s a crucial time because there is no second opportunity to produce a good first impression.
It happens … the handshake.
I once took a communications class at a nearby church. The instructor had 30+ attendees line up single file. The instructions could look him inside the eye and shake his hand. I had been confident I knew how you can properly shake hands.
Following the last person shook the instructor’s hand, he asked, “Tell me what you thought about my handshake. Was it a great handshake or a bad handshake?” I liked his handshake. It was a strong grip like mine. His handshake confirmed to me I knew how you can shake hands. I said, exactly, “good handshake.”
He then said a thing that completely took me by surprise.
He said the reason everybody liked his handshake was simple. He mirrored ours. If the handshake was firm, his was firm. When it would be a light touch, his would be a light touch. Should they used their contrary to understand his, his opposite grasped theirs. He stated this handshake technique creates an immediate good impression and likeability.
Likeability?
Yes. It’s much like the way you feel once we meet an unfamiliar person and discover we share exactly the same name. Or much more conversation having a stranger, we learn we share a mutual friend. We magically that way person. For this reason I call it the Magical Handshake.
From here on, It is advisable to never, ever, shake another person’s hand. Instead, let them shake yours. Mirror their business. If you’re offered a strong grip, mirror a company grip. If you’re offered a gentle grip, mirror a soft grip. Remember to mirror the shake too. It’s all about the grip and shake.
The only real exception is when someone gives you a handshake making use of their palm facing down. When you shake hands, they have the upper-hand and so are in control. They dominate. This is what’s called a hostile handshake.
When offered an aggressive handshake, respond by giving them a Double-Handed handshake with a wee turn. Start with your palms slightly upwards, grasping their hand with you have. Then, straighten their handshake vertically using a wee turn as you’re shaking. This communicates for them, “we are equal.”
The very next time you want to create a good first impression, provide the Magical Handshake a try. Do it if you meet and greet people. It’s a simple, surefire method to enhance your likeability factor.
Faith Faith BBE, CTM, NE. Branding Expert, Speaker and Author of Blockbuster Branding for “The Little Guy” – How to Rock What You Got: business, service, product or book. For more branding ideas visit: www.FaithFaith.net
More info about handshake go this internet page.