The Power of the Handshake
I was recently at a networking event and met someone with a handshake that was memorable- but not in a good way. Upon introducing himself, this person proceeded to crush my hand with a death grip and a brash smile. Immediately, this colored the way I perceived him and my impression of him. My thoughts went to “hmmm… this person seems to be overly aggressive and maybe a bit insecure.”
Now, don’t get me wrong- I am all for a firm handshake that exudes confidence and professionalism. The handshake I encountered however, led me to think that this person was a bit obnoxious and full of himself. After talking with him for a while, I struggled to keep an open mind about this person and his representation of himself. I consider myself to be a pretty non-judgmental person in general, but I must admit that this first impression did stay with me for the rest of the time I was in this person’s presence.
On the opposite end of the spectrum are those folks who have the limp handshake upon meeting someone new. I wince at these types of handshakes as well. When meeting someone new, you want to avoid the feeling that you are shaking hands with a lifeless being. I can’t be alone in this feeling.
Therefore, it is important to remember that eye contact and a firm (yet friendly) handshake can give many positive cues to the person on the opposite side of your handshake. Like most things in life, a good handshake is something that is best executed in the happy medium spectrum of things. An approachable smile and non-clammy hands don’t hurt either.
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