We all know the value of a great first impression. In only seconds of the meeting, people attain an array of information regarding us. They notice our face, hair, clothing, bodily proportions, posture, demeanor and the sound of our own voice. It’s a crucial time as there is no second possiblity to make a good first impression.
It happens … the handshake.
I remember when i took a communications class in a nearby church. The trainer had 30+ attendees fall into line single file. The instructions could look him inside the eye and shake his hand. I was confident I knew how you can properly shake hands.
Following the last person shook the instructor’s hand, he asked, “Tell me that which you seriously considered my handshake. Was it an excellent handshake or a bad handshake?” I liked his handshake. It had been a company grip like mine. His handshake confirmed to me I knew how you can shake hands. Hand Shake said, exactly, “good handshake.”
He then said something which completely involved aback.
He said the reason why everybody liked his handshake was simple. He mirrored ours. When the handshake was firm, his was firm. If it was obviously a light touch, his was obviously a light touch. Should they used their contrary to understand his, his contrary grasped theirs. He was quoted saying this handshake technique creates an instantaneous good impression and likeability.
Likeability?
Yes. It’s much like the way you feel whenever we meet a complete stranger and learn we share the identical name. Or when in conversation using a stranger, we learn we share a mutual friend. We magically like that person. This is why I refer to it as the Magical Handshake.
From here on, It is advisable to never, ever, shake another person’s hand. Instead, let them shake yours. Mirror what they do. If you’re offered a company grip, mirror a company grip. If you’re offered a gentle grip, mirror a soft grip. Remember to mirror the shake too. It’s by pointing out grip and shake.
The only exception is when someone provides you with a handshake making use of their palm facing down. While you shake hands, they’ve the upper-hand and so are in control. They dominate. This is known as 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 of yours. Then, straighten their handshake vertically having a wee turn as you’re shaking. This communicates to them, “we are equal.”
The very next time you need to make a good first impression, provide the Magical Handshake a go. Get it done once you park and fly people. It’s a simple, surefire method to boost 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
For more details about handshake go to see this useful site.