Everyone knows the importance of a good first impression. In barely seconds of the meeting, people attain a plethora of information about us. They notice our face, hair, clothing, bodily proportions, posture, demeanor and the sound in our voice. It’s an important time because there is no second chance to create a good first impression.
It happens … the handshake.
I once took a communications class at a nearby church. The teacher had 30+ attendees fall into line single file. The instructions were to look him in the eye and shake his hand. I used to be confident I knew the best way to properly shake hands.
Following the last person shook the instructor’s hand, he asked, “Tell me everything you seriously considered my handshake. Could it have been a great handshake or even a bad handshake?” I liked his handshake. It had been a company grip like mine. His handshake confirmed to me I knew how to shake hands. I said, like everyone else, “good handshake.”
He then said something that completely required aback.
He was quoted saying the reason everybody liked his handshake was simple. He mirrored ours. If the handshake was firm, his was firm. Whether it was obviously a light touch, his was a light touch. Should they used their opposite to grasp his, his other hand grasped theirs. He stated this handshake technique creates an instantaneous good impression and likeability.
Likeability?
Yes. It’s similar to the way you feel once we meet an unfamiliar person and learn we share the same name. Or much more conversation having a stranger, we learn we share a mutual friend. We magically that way person. This is the reason I think of it as the Magical Handshake.
From this point on, I suggest you never, ever, shake another person’s hand. Instead, permit them to shake yours. Mirror the things they’re doing. If you’re offered a firm grip, mirror a strong grip. If you’re offered a soft grip, mirror a gentle grip. Be sure you mirror the shake too. It’s everything about the grip and shake.
The only real exception happens when someone offers you a handshake using their palm facing down. While you shake hands, they’ve got the upper-hand and 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 by having your palms slightly upwards, grasping their hand with both of yours. Then, straighten their handshake vertically having a wee turn as you’re shaking. This communicates to them, “we are equal.”
Next time you would like to make a good first impression, give the Magical Handshake a try. Do it once you park and fly people. It’s a straightforward, surefire approach 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 Everything you Got: business, service, product or book. For more branding ideas visit: www.FaithFaith.net
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