When you prepare to shake someones hand what is going though your mind? I ask this question because how you answer it speaks to your success in making a good first impression. Have you ever met someone for the first time and when they shock your hand they squeeze it so hard that it feels like they are trying to hurt you? You remember the incident but it did not leave you with a good first impression.
How about the hand shake you received when it appeared that the person hardly wanted to touch you? There hand was limp, pointed toward the floor and they pulled away as soon as possible. They left an impression too, but not one that was welcoming or fostered the opportunity to develop a trusting relationship.
How you shake hands is vitally important to developing a good relationship. You should offer your hand and lean forward (to show interest – inviting a return hand shake). When you receive the other persons’ hand in yours I recommend that you make eye contact and smile. This will help to instill trust and open the opportunity to develop a relationship. Making first contact with someone new is like a waltz. It is a dance done with grace and dignity. The approach is slow, intentional and deliberate. You do not want to have a rock and roll approach where you are moving without an anticipated next step.
You make a physical connection when you shake hands. I know that you want it to be a good, lasting and positive impression that you make when the hand shake is over. Feel free to share your hand shaking experiences both good and bad below.
I think for the most part almost everyone I’ve shaken hands with read the same book I did on the firm handshake LOL But there are some exceptions:
I don’t tend to like the double-hand grab where you extend your one hand then they cup it with both of theirs and don’t let go.
I also don’t like the never-ending shake where the shake lasts throughout the entire introduction/conversation (I think those who can’t multi-task may have this problem) – then you’re not really listening to what they’re saying because you’re wondering when the shake will finally finish.
And I don’t like the limp finger touch shake, often from women, who shake your fingers and like you said, pull away quickly.
Gwen
Gwen Tanner´s last blog post ..Give Testimonials As Often As You Can
@Gwen, too funny!
Thanks for this post, Kevin. You’ve made my hand shake much more significant in my mind. That will serve me well!
Many blessings,
Carrie
Carrie Tucker´s last blog post ..Can a List of Foods High in Magnesium Help You Live Your Purpose?
HI Gwen,
It always makes me smile when someone comes by and shares an experience that mirrors my own. I’ll be sure to keep this in mind when ever we meet for the first time. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.
All the best,
Kevin
I’ve had my share of handshakes from people all over the world. I like a firm handshake, with 1-2 shakes. I particularly like the solid, firm one shake of the hand and that’s it!
What I definitely don’t like are the handshakes that practically break my fingers (sometimes men squeeze so hard it hurts!) and the limp ones that leave me feeling like they can barely stand to touch me. Both leave a less-than-positive impression.
For the most part, I have found most people to practice the firm handshake but I think it’s the ones that I don’t like that leave a lasting impression in my mind (albeit negative).
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I like the double hand shake. When they grab my hand and lightly rest the other hand on top. It makes me feel like they like people, they’re sincere.