Everyone knows the importance of a good first impression. In only seconds of a meeting, people attain a plethora of information about us. They notice our face, hair, clothing, body size, posture, demeanor as well as the sound of our voice. It’s an important time since there is no second possiblity to make a good first impression.
Then it happens … the handshake.
One time i took a communications class with a nearby church. The trainer had 30+ attendees lineup single file. The instructions could look him within the eye and shake his hand. I used to be confident I knew how you can properly shake hands.
After the last person shook the instructor’s hand, he asked, “Tell me that which you thought about my handshake. Was it a good handshake or even a bad handshake?” I liked his handshake. It was a company grip like mine. His handshake confirmed to me I knew how to shake hands. I said, like everyone else, “good handshake.”
Then he said something that completely required by surprise.
He said the main 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 obviously a light touch. Should they used their opposite to understand his, his other hand grasped theirs. He was quoted saying this handshake technique creates an instantaneous good impression and likeability.
Likeability?
Yes. It’s just like the way you feel once we meet a complete stranger and discover we share the identical name. Or when in conversation using a stranger, we learn we share a mutual friend. We magically like this person. This is why I call it the Magical Handshake.
From here on, It is advisable to never, ever, shake another person’s hand. Instead, allow them to shake yours. Mirror their business. If you’re offered a strong grip, mirror a company grip. If you’re offered a soft grip, mirror a soft grip. Remember to mirror the shake too. It’s all about the grip and shake.
The only 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 what’s called an aggressive handshake .
When offered a hostile 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 you have. Then, straighten their handshake vertically having a wee turn as you’re shaking. This communicates in their mind, “we are equal.”
The next time you would like to make a good first impression, give the Magical Handshake a try. Take action if you park and fly people. It’s an easy, surefire way 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 That which you Got: business, service, product or book. For more branding ideas visit: www.FaithFaith.net
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