Everyone knows the value of a great first impression. In mere seconds of your meeting, people attain an array of information regarding 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 produce a good first impression.
This happens … the handshake.
I remember when i took a communications class in a nearby church. The teacher had 30+ attendees line up single file. The instructions were to look him in the eye and shake his hand. I was confident I knew how to properly shake hands.
Following the last person shook the instructor’s hand, he asked, “Tell me everything you considered my handshake. Could it have been an excellent handshake or even a bad handshake?” I liked his handshake. It absolutely was a company grip like mine. His handshake confirmed to me I knew the best way to shake hands. I said, exactly, “good handshake.”
Then he said something that completely involved unexpectedly.
He explained the reason everybody liked his handshake was simple. He mirrored ours. When the handshake was firm, his was firm. If it was a light touch, his was obviously a light touch. Should they used their other hand to grasp his, his other hand grasped theirs. He was quoted saying this handshake technique creates an instant good impression and likeability.
Likeability?
Yes. It’s much like the way we feel once we meet a complete stranger and learn we share the identical name. Or when in conversation having a stranger, we learn we share a mutual friend. magical handshake like that person. This is the reason I think of it as the Magical Handshake.
From this point on, It is advisable to never, ever, shake another person’s hand. Instead, allow them to shake yours. Mirror the things they’re doing. If you’re offered a firm grip, mirror a company grip. If you’re offered a gentle grip, mirror a gentle grip. Remember to mirror the shake too. It’s by pointing out grip and shake.
The only real exception is when someone provides you with a handshake with their palm facing down. While you shake hands, they’ve got the upper-hand and are in charge. They dominate. This is what’s called an aggressive handshake.
When offered an aggressive handshake, respond by providing them a Double-Handed handshake with a wee turn. Start insurance firms your palms slightly upwards, grasping their hand with both of yours. Then, straighten their handshake vertically having a wee turn as you’re shaking. This communicates for them, “we are equal.”
The very next time you need to produce a good first impression, give the Magical Handshake a try. Do it once you meet and greet people. It’s a simple, surefire method 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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