The Magical Handshake ~ Have You Used it? By Faith Faith BBE, CTM, NE

Everybody knows the value of a good first impression. In only seconds of a meeting, people attain an array of information regarding us. They notice our face, hair, clothing, body size, posture, demeanor as well as the sound in our voice. It’s a crucial time because there is no second possiblity to make a good first impression.

This happens … the handshake.

One time i took a communications class with a nearby church. The instructor had 30+ attendees fall into line single file. The instructions would look him within the eye and shake his hand. I had been confident I knew how 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 perhaps a bad handshake?” I liked his handshake. It absolutely was a company grip like mine. His handshake confirmed if you ask me I knew the best way to shake hands. I said, exactly, “good handshake.”

He then said something which completely required unexpectedly.

He explained the reason why everybody liked his handshake was simple. He mirrored ours. If the handshake was firm, his was firm. Whether it would be a light touch, his was obviously a light touch. If they used their contrary to grasp his, his opposite grasped theirs. He explained this handshake technique creates an instantaneous good impression and likeability.

Likeability?

Yes. Hand Shake to the way we feel whenever we meet an unfamiliar person and learn we share the identical name. Or much more conversation with a stranger, we learn we share a mutual friend. We magically that way person. This is the reason I call it the Magical Handshake.

From this level on, I suggest you never, ever, shake another person’s hand. Instead, permit 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. Be sure you mirror the shake too. It’s by pointing out grip and shake.

The only exception happens when someone provides you with a handshake with their palm facing down. When you shake hands, they have the upper-hand and are responsible. They dominate. This is known as an aggressive handshake.

When offered a hostile handshake, respond giving them a Double-Handed handshake with a wee turn. Start with 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 create a good first impression, provide the Magical Handshake a go. Do it whenever you park and fly 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” – How to Rock Everything you Got: business, service, product or book. For more branding ideas visit: www.FaithFaith.net

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