The Wrong Handshake Can Be
Bad For Business
Around the world, there is a great diversity of customs when it comes a when it comes to greeting friends, acquaintances and associates.
For instance, in Tibet, sticking out your tongue can be a way of welcoming people. In New Zealand, Maori greet each other by touching noses. Ethiopian men touch shoulders.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, male friends touch foreheads. In many Asian countries, people bow to each other when meeting. In European and Arab countries, hugs and kisses on the cheek are the norm.
How do you greet people?
Generally speaking, in modern business culture, a handshake is the most common way to greet someone when meeting them. A handshake is also commonly used when:
- parting
- offering congratulations
- expressing gratitude
- showing good sportsmanship
- completing an agreement
That adds up to a lot of hand shaking! In fact, a recent UK study revealed that the average person will shake 15,00 hands over the course of a lifetime.
No matter how many times it happens, it's important to make sure your handshake leaves the right kind of impression.
So, what does your handshake say about you? What does it say about the people you are doing business with?
Here's a look at a few handshakes that can leave the wrong impression, and ultimately, be bad for business.
Watch this short video...it's pretty funny and it will help you determine what kind of impression you're making each time you shake hands.
All kidding aside, a strong handshake with confident eye contact creates an immediate image of strength, professionalism and belief in oneself. Now that's a great way to start off a new relationship! But wait, there's more...
Have you ever considered other ways a great handshake can help you?
A Fortune 500 CEO once said that when he had to choose from two equally qualified candidates, he gave the position to the candidate with the best handshake.
He's not the only one who feels that way either! Researchers at the University of Iowa analyzed interactions during job interviews. They concluded that handshakes are "more important than agreeableness, conscientiousness and emotional stability."
Subsequent studies have shown that a good handshake can improve the quality of an interaction, producing a higher degree of intimacy and trust within a matter of seconds.
So now what?
Get a Grip: Perfect Your Handshake
With 6 Simple Tips
#1 Be prepared
If you're in a situation where you might be meeting people, be sure to keep your right hand free. Shift anything you're holding into your left to avoid fumbling at the last moment.
#2 Use good body language
A lot goes into a great handshake so consider your body language. Stand up and make eye contact, keep your head straight and smile.
#3 Plan your approach
When reaching out to shake hands, keep your hand perfectly perpendicular, neither dominant (palm down) or submissive (palm up). Approach a handshake with your thumb pointing up. This will enable web to web contact of hands and help to avoid an awkward flip.
#4 Make contact
To ensure the right level of contact between hands, keep your palm flat- not cupped- when you reach out to shake. Once you have achieved good web to web contact, curl the fingers around the hand, as if you're giving a hug with your hand.
#5 Shake, shake, shake
Once contact is made, lock your thumb down and squeeze, using about as much pressure as your partner. Shake from your elbow- not your wrist- and give 2 to 3 pumps.
#6 Practice
Until you get the hang of it, practice with friends or family that will give you honest, candid feedback, particularly before a job interview or networking event. This type of practice makes a truly perfect handshake that will make an amazing difference when meeting people.
If you want to make an outstanding first impression during personal, professional and social situations, a speech coach can help. Contact the experts at Spontaneous Speech Coach today.
Not only can we help you get a grip on your handshake, we will teach you the skills you need to improve your communication in a way that helps you express confidence, trust and authenticity.
Set up an appointment for a consultation today. Call us at 361-271-1700 We'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, please like and share this post.
Not only can we help you get a grip on your handshake, we will teach you the skills you need to improve your communication in a way that helps you express confidence, trust and authenticity.
Set up an appointment for a consultation today. Call us at 361-271-1700 We'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, please like and share this post.
The handshake of the host, effects the taste of the roast.
Benjamin Franklin
