The handshake; a simple gesture offered in a greeting or farewell. It’s a meeting of palms in a rhythmic motion to symbolize peace, goodwill and human accord. It’s a critical component of first impressions that can fast-forward our human connections. While a handshake might seem a fairly simple and straightforward gesture, it’s actually a highly psycho social ritual. Utilized by mankind since the beginning of time, it’s a tool of influence and trust, comprised of swift movement, eye contact and appropriate grip and rhythm. A well-executed handshake is a powerful social tool.
These expert tips will help you ensure that your handshake is communicating the right message:
1. Free the Right Hand
Prepare for your introduction by ensuring all objects such as briefcase, documents and cell phone are in your left hand. If at a social or networking event, hold your cocktail in the left and ensure your right hand is dry to the touch when the handshake is called for.
2. Direction
Enter into the handshake in a neutral stance by offering your hand in a vertical position with palm directly facing recipient’s palm and ensuring there is palm to palm contact. This contact is instrumental in sending signals of open, honest and trustworthy relations. Positioning your hand on the top with palm facing down signifies dominance, as the old adage would state, you have the “upper hand”. In contrast, offering your hand with palm facing up, signals submission. Know your intent and position your hand accordingly.
3. Grip
The grip of a handshake can be the most critical component of execution. The grip should be strong and firm without being overly aggressive or forceful and never weak or limp. When in doubt, match the grip of the individual with no more than two degrees of added pressure.
4. Timing
Keep the handshake to three pumps at a count of one, two, three.
5. Eye Contact
In order to strengthen the connection, ensure you make three seconds of eye contact while shaking hands. To perfect the timing, focus long enough to decipher the color of the individual’s eyes.
Whether you’re interacting with a customer, your boss or a romantic interest, a confident, well-executed handshake is paramount in creating the right impression. This simple gesture can instantly reveal aspects of your personality and is used as a source of information for forming impressions and judgments. Understanding the art of the handshake is an invaluable social skill that ensures you master your influence with each and every encounter.
