Sun, July 18, 2010 - 11:33:54

A Good Handshake is All it Takes

According to conventional wisdom, it only takes five seconds to make a first impression. But, is it true that people can make up their minds about you with little more than a “hello?” Well, according to professor Geoffrey Beatty of the University of Manchester, all it takes is a handshake. And thanks to a new mathematical formula he’s developed, he can help you make yours—and that all-important first impression—a good one.

On ABC’s World News Tonight, Beatty explains that after being commissioned by GM’s British division, he has identified the most important components that make up a good handshake: verbal greeting, quality of smile, vigor, and dryness of hand. The biggest no-no’s? Sweaty palms, limp grip, shaking too hard or too long, and getting too close.

Although ABC reporter, Nick Watt’s demonstration certainly gets a laugh, it also underscores just how important even the littlest things can matter. Simply by giving someone a “limp fish” handshake instead of a firm and confident greeting, you can negatively influence the way he or she will perceive the rest of your interaction. Feeling skeptical? Imagine the last bad handshake encounter you had… we bet it won’t take long until you change your mind.

Even though it might seem inconsequential, something as simple as a great handshake actually has the power to change your life, both personally and professionally. Practiced since the time of the ancient Greeks, handshakes mark the beginning of many of our relationships, from the start of the interview for your dream job, to the beginning of a blind date, to the first meeting with a potential big new client. With one simple action, you have the power to shape the course of your future encounters for the better—so harness it and start seizing those opportunities with both hands.

Posted by Linda and Robin