We all know the importance of a good first impression. In barely 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 voice. It’s an important time because there is no second chance to make a good first impression.
Then it happens … the handshake .
I once took a communications class at a nearby church. The trainer had 30+ attendees lineup single file. The instructions would look him inside 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 that which you considered my handshake. Was it a great handshake or perhaps a bad handshake?” I liked his handshake. It was a firm grip like mine. His handshake confirmed if you ask me I knew how you can shake hands. I said, like everyone else, “good handshake.”
Then he said something that completely took me aback.
He said the reason everybody liked his handshake was simple. He mirrored ours. If the handshake was firm, his was firm. When it was obviously a light touch, his would be a light touch. When they used their contrary to understand his, his opposite grasped theirs. He was quoted saying this handshake technique creates an instant good impression and likeability.
Likeability?
Yes. It’s just like the way we feel once we meet an unfamiliar person and learn we share the same name. Or when in conversation having a stranger, we learn we share a mutual friend. We magically like this person. This is the reason I call it the Magical Handshake.
From here on, It is best to never, ever, shake another person’s hand. Instead, permit them to shake yours. Mirror their business. If you’re offered a strong 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 everything about the grip and shake.
The sole exception occurs when someone provides you with a handshake using their palm facing down. As you shake hands, they’ve got the upper-hand and so are responsible. They dominate. This is known as an aggressive handshake.
When offered a hostile handshake, respond by providing them a Double-Handed handshake having a wee turn. Start insurance firms your palms slightly upwards, grasping their hand with of yours. Then, straighten their handshake vertically using a wee turn as you’re shaking. This communicates to them, “we are equal.”
Next time you need to create a good first impression, supply the Magical Handshake an attempt. Get it done if you park and fly people. It’s a straightforward, surefire approach 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 What You Got: business, service, product or book. For more branding ideas visit: www.FaithFaith.net
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