Everyone knows the value of a great first impression. In mere seconds of a meeting, people attain a plethora of information regarding us. They notice our face, hair, clothing, bodily proportions, posture, demeanor and also the sound in our voice. It’s a crucial time since there is no second opportunity to make a good first impression.
It happens … the handshake.
One time i took a communications class with a nearby church. The trainer 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 you can properly shake hands.
Following your 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 firm grip like mine. His handshake confirmed if you ask me I knew how to shake hands. I said, exactly, “good handshake .”
Then he said a thing that completely required by surprise.
He explained the main 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 other hand grasped theirs. He was quoted saying this handshake technique creates an instantaneous good impression and likeability.
Likeability?
Yes. It’s similar to how we feel once we meet a complete stranger and discover we share the identical name. Or much more conversation using a stranger, we learn we share a mutual friend. We magically like that person. For this reason I call it the Magical Handshake.
From this point on, It is best to never, ever, shake another person’s hand. Instead, allow them to shake yours. Mirror what they do. If you’re offered a company grip, mirror a firm 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 happens when someone gives you a handshake with their palm facing down. When you shake hands, they’ve got the upper-hand and so are in charge. They dominate. This is what’s called a hostile handshake.
When offered a hostile handshake, respond by giving them a Double-Handed handshake with 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 to them, “we are equal.”
Next time you need to make a good first impression, supply the Magical Handshake a go. Get it done whenever you meet and greet people. It’s a straightforward, surefire approach 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 What You Got: business, service, product or book. For more branding ideas visit: www.FaithFaith.net
Check out about good impression go to this popular website.