Everybody knows the importance of a great first impression. In mere seconds of your meeting, people attain a plethora of details about us. They notice our face, hair, clothing, bodily proportions, posture, demeanor as well as the sound of our own voice. It’s an essential time because there is no second possiblity to produce a good first impression.
Then it happens … the handshake.
One time i took a communications class in a nearby church. The teacher had 30+ attendees lineup 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 the last person shook the instructor’s hand, he asked, “Tell me what you thought about my handshake. Was it a good handshake or a bad handshake?” I liked his handshake. It was a company grip like mine. His handshake confirmed to me I knew how you can shake hands. I said, exactly, “good handshake.”
He then said something that completely required by surprise.
He explained the reason everybody liked his handshake was simple. He mirrored ours. When the handshake was firm, his was firm. If it would be a light touch, his would be a light touch. If they used their other hand to know his, his other hand grasped theirs. He was quoted saying this handshake technique creates an instant good impression and likeability.
Likeability?
Yes. It’s similar to the way you feel when we meet a stranger and learn we share the identical name. Or while in conversation having a stranger, we learn we share a mutual friend. We magically like this person. This is why I think of it as 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 their business. If you’re offered a company grip, mirror a firm grip. If you’re offered a soft grip, mirror a gentle grip. Make sure to mirror the shake too. It’s all about the grip and shake.
The only real exception happens when someone provides you with a handshake using their palm facing down. While you shake hands, they’ve got the upper-hand and so are in control. 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 by having your palms slightly upwards, grasping their hand with both you have. Then, straighten their handshake vertically with a wee turn as you’re shaking. magical handshake to them, “we are equal.”
The very next time you want to produce a good first impression, supply the Magical Handshake an attempt. Take action whenever you meet and greet people. It’s a simple, 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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