The Magical Handshake ~ Have You Tried It? By Faith Faith BBE, CTM, NE
Everyone knows the importance of a great first impression. In mere seconds of your meeting, people attain a plethora of information regarding us. They notice our face, hair, clothing, bodily proportions, posture, demeanor and the sound in our voice. It’s an important time as there is no second opportunity to make a good first impression.
This happens … the handshake.
One time i took a communications class in a nearby church. The instructor had 30+ attendees line up single file. The instructions could look him within the eye and shake his hand. I had been confident I knew the best way to properly shake hands.
Following your last person shook the instructor’s hand, he asked, “Tell me what you thought about my handshake. Maybe it was a great handshake or a bad handshake?” I liked his handshake. It absolutely was a firm grip like mine. His handshake confirmed to me I knew how you can shake hands. I said, exactly, “good handshake .”
Then he said a thing that completely required by surprise.
He said 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 was obviously a light touch. Should they used their other hand to grasp 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 we feel once we meet a complete stranger and discover we share exactly the same name. Or much more conversation with a stranger, we learn we share a mutual friend. We magically like this person. For this reason I refer to it as the Magical Handshake.
From this point on, I suggest you never, ever, shake another person’s hand. Instead, allow them to shake yours. Mirror their business. If you’re offered a company grip, mirror a firm grip. If you’re offered a soft grip, mirror a soft grip. Be sure you mirror the shake too. It’s by pointing out grip and shake.
The only exception happens when someone offers you a handshake making use of their palm facing down. When you shake hands, they have the upper-hand and so are in control. They dominate. This is whats called an aggressive handshake.
When offered a hostile handshake, respond by providing them a Double-Handed handshake having a wee turn. Start by having your palms slightly upwards, grasping their hand with you have. Then, straighten their handshake vertically having a wee turn as you’re shaking. This communicates in their mind, “we are equal.”
The very next time you would like to create a good first impression, give the Magical Handshake a try. Get it done once you meet and greet people. It’s a straightforward, surefire way to enhance 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
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