Everybody knows the significance of an excellent first impression. In mere seconds of your meeting, people attain various details about us. They notice our face, hair, clothing, body size, posture, demeanor and also the sound in our voice. It’s an important time since there is no second chance to create a good first impression.
Then it happens … the handshake.
I remember when i took a communications class with a nearby church. The teacher 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 to properly shake hands.
Following your last person shook the instructor’s hand, he asked, “Tell me everything you considered my handshake. Maybe it was a good handshake or a bad handshake?” I liked his handshake. It had been a company grip like mine. His handshake confirmed if you ask me I knew the best way to shake hands. I said, exactly, “good handshake.”
Then he said something which completely required unexpectedly.
He was quoted saying the reason why everybody liked his handshake was simple. He mirrored ours. If the handshake was firm, his was firm. If it would be a light touch, his would be a light touch. Should they used their opposite 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 how we feel once we meet a stranger and discover we share exactly the same name. Or while in 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 here on, It is advisable to never, ever, shake another person’s hand. Instead, allow them to shake yours. Mirror what they do. If you’re offered a firm grip, mirror a strong grip. If you’re offered a gentle grip, mirror a soft grip. Be sure you mirror the shake too. It’s all about the grip and shake.
The only real exception occurs when someone gives you a handshake using their palm facing down. As you shake hands, they have the upper-hand and so are responsible. They dominate. This is whats called an aggressive handshake.
When offered an aggressive handshake, respond by giving them a Double-Handed handshake using a wee turn. Start by having your palms slightly upwards, grasping their hand with both of yours. Then, straighten their handshake vertically using a wee turn as you’re shaking. This communicates in their mind, “we are equal.”
The next time you want to create a good first impression, provide the Magical Handshake an attempt. Do it whenever you meet and greet people. It’s a straightforward, surefire approach to improve your likeability factor.
Faith Faith BBE, CTM, NE. Branding Expert, Speaker and Author of Blockbuster Branding for “The Little Guy” – The best way to Rock Everything you Got: business, service, product or book. For more branding ideas visit: www.FaithFaith.net
For details about Shaking Hands website: learn here.
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