Have a Persuasive Handshake
A handshake is a very common way for people to greet each other for the first time. By following the steps in this article, you'll learn how to shake hands in a way that makes the other person more receptive to your ideas, which can be tremendously useful in both work and social situations.
Steps
- Dominate the handshake by placing your hand on top. When you shake hands with somebody you wish to influence, your palm should be facing the floor when you shake their hand. This makes the person subconsciously feel submissive and therefore will make them very easy to persuade later on in the interaction.
- If someone does this to you, step to their side; loosening their grip. This forces them to turn towards you. This will give you an opportunity to pivot your hand so you can put yours on top.
- Form a personal connection with the hand clasp. This is better for sales and social situations than business situations. When you shake hands, take your other hand (your left hand) and use it to cover the back of the person's hand you are shaking. This reinforces an emotional connection and is appropriate when you want to establish rapport and show sympathy or integrity.
- Note that when men do this, especially in a dating context, it can appear too overbearing. Instead, place two fingers on the back of the person's hand for a brief two to three seconds (or the duration of the hand shake). A lighter grip with this handshake is best as it is intended to provoke a sense of safety and protection rather than invoke fear.
- Grasp the person's elbow for greater influence. If you pay attention, you will see many powerful politicians doing this when campaigning. While you are shaking hands, take your left hand and lightly grasp the person's elbow for about two to three seconds. This is a subliminal method of forcing the situation in your favour. Also, the person placing their hand on the other's elbow appears to be genuine and have integrity to people observing the handshake.
- Put your hand on their shoulder. While you are shaking hands with the person, put your left hand on their shoulder. Physically, that gives you great influence over their body, which also gives them permission to be emotionally vulnerable with you. This is a very common method for sealing deals in Arab countries.
Tips
- It is also very important to make eye contact while you are shaking hands.
- The grip is key. If it's stronger or weaker than a basic firm grasp, you will leave a negative impression. Balance is key.
