The Magical Handshake ~ Have You Completed it? By Faith Faith BBE, CTM, NE
Everyone knows the value of a great first impression. In only seconds of the meeting, people attain various information about us. They notice our face, hair, clothing, bodily proportions, posture, demeanor and also the sound of our own voice. It’s a crucial time since there is no second possiblity to create a good first impression.
It happens … the handshake.
One time i took a communications class in a nearby church. The teacher had 30+ attendees line up single file. The instructions could look him within the eye and shake his hand. I was confident I knew the best way to properly shake hands.
After the last person shook the instructor’s hand, he asked, “Tell me everything you thought about my handshake. Could it have been an excellent handshake or even a bad handshake?” I liked his handshake. It was a firm grip like mine. His handshake confirmed in my experience I knew the best way to shake hands. I said, exactly, “good handshake.”
He then said something which completely involved aback.
He was quoted saying the reason everybody liked his handshake was simple. He mirrored ours. When the handshake was firm, his was firm. Whether it was a light touch, his was obviously a light touch. If they used their contrary to grasp his, his contrary grasped theirs. He explained this handshake technique creates an instantaneous good impression and likeability.
Likeability?
Yes. It’s just like the way we feel when we meet an unfamiliar person and learn we share exactly the same name. Or while in conversation using a stranger, we learn we share a mutual friend. We magically that way person. This is the reason I refer to it as the Magical Handshake.
From this point on, I suggest you 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 strong grip. If you’re offered a soft grip, mirror a gentle grip. Remember to mirror the shake too. It’s everything about the grip and shake.
The only real exception happens when someone gives you a handshake using their palm facing down. When you shake hands, they’ve the upper-hand and so are in charge. They dominate. This is whats called a hostile handshake.
When offered an aggressive handshake, respond giving them a Double-Handed handshake having a wee turn. Start insurance firms 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 to them, “we are equal.”
The next time you would like to make a good first impression, provide the Magical Handshake a go. Take action once you meet and greet people. It’s an easy, 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 you can Rock Everything you Got: business, service, product or book. For more branding ideas visit: www.FaithFaith.net
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